By Don Hutchens, executive director of the Nebraska Corn BoardTake a drive on Interstate-80 across Nebraska and you will see the effects of modern technology on the farm; clean, straight-as-an-arrow rows of corn.
Most of the corn planted in Nebraska has been genetically engineered to be resistant to specific insects. Seed technology in the ground now allows plants to protect themselves from damaging pests, while also supporting conservation tillage -- and that impacts everything from water use to runoff. Corn has also been planted using state of the art guidance systems or more specifically, GPS-based precision technology, that strategically places seed, chemicals and fertilizer just where it belongs – and in exactly the right amounts.
All of this is a beautiful sight to see as I drive up the road. It also is the backbone of the Nebraska economy which feeds the livestock and ethanol industry. Corn farmers are doing this by growing more food, feed and fuel with less – less fertilizer, less chemicals, less water, less land and less of an impact on the environment. All of this is apparent as I drive up the road.
Also remember to glance up to the road once and awhile.
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