When you hear 'technology', think of a corn farmer

What is the first thing you think of when you hear the word, “technology”?
When I hear “technology”, I think of machines, progression, and science. Even though I love agriculture, it doesn’t come to my mind first when I hear “technology”. But you know what is great about machines, progression and science – agriculture uses all of them, especially corn farming.

Machines – How do we get our crops in and out of the fields? Tractors, planters, combines, harvesters, grain carts – all forms of machines. Because of modern technology in agriculture, farmers in America have machines that help them be the most productive in the world, growing 20% more corn per acre than any other country! Farmers also are using GPS-based precision technology to reduce overlaps in the field and to precisely place fertilizer and pesticides exactly where they need to be – and in exactly the right amounts.

Progression – Forward thinking, movement, development. These are all words that describe farmers. Farmers in Nebraska are being progressive by Sustaining Innovation - an unwavering commitment to doing a better job in every row, on every acre, on every farm, every season. It’s how family corn farmers in Nebraska and the nation are ensuring the long-term viability of their industry and our natural resources.

Science – Science can be a scary word. But in reality – science in corn farming is just plain cool. Seed companies are using science to produce better seed genetics, which in turn allows farmers to grow more corn per acre. Did you know in Nebraska in 1900, the average bushel per acre was 26 and that this past year, the average was 160? That is some cool science. Not only are farmers growing more corn on fewer acres, they are doing so with less fertilizer, less chemicals, less water, and less of an impact on the environment.

Nebraska’s corn farmers – and their fellow corn farmers across the U.S. – continue to make significant advancements that have a direct impact on the sustainability of corn production and the natural, environmental and social systems that are connected to it. So the next time you hear the word “technology”, think of a corn farmer.