3/28/18 #AgBookClub Recap

A1, probably if we could transport and utilize with much less waste. Distribution is a big problem,#AgBookclub

— Phil McArdle (@macbroker) March 29, 2018

A1: I think so, but is there really any way to know for sure? Biggest issue we face with food is politics and transportation. #AgBookClub https://t.co/egOl3qhUXS

— Gracie Weinzierl (@FarmKidBlog) March 29, 2018

I would say yes we do grow enough food but politics, transportation as well as potential food short countries not having the money to purchase necessary food supplies #AgBookClub

— Reece (@RPFarms1989) March 29, 2018

A2) NCGA and soybean contest winners shows that we have not hit the yield ceiling on most acres. #AgBookClub

— Reece (@RPFarms1989) March 29, 2018

A2, I don't feel we are near our limits. Back in the 70's a farmer near Colfax broke 300 bu corn we thought that was it. This year I see someone broke 500 bu.#AgBookclub

— Phil McArdle (@macbroker) March 29, 2018

A2: I don’t think we’re close to genetic yield limits for most commodity crops. Close to limits using current production practices maybe. Anyone know any corn or soybean breeders that could answer this one? 🤔 #AgBookClub

— Gracie Weinzierl (@FarmKidBlog) March 29, 2018

A2a) we may see a shift from only looking yields to the amount of nutrition the crop can provide as well. Golden rice and vitamin A deficieny come to mind. #AgBookClub

— Reece (@RPFarms1989) March 29, 2018

A3, going back. I think the Funk family and Pfeister's were in that vane. They were willing to share. Also Henry Wallace. #AgBookclub

— Phil McArdle (@macbroker) March 29, 2018

A3: I can’t think of anyone taggable (don’t think they’re on twitter, anyway), but there’s a common theme with all of the excellent teachers I’ve encountered: passion. They’re passionate about what they do (teaching + subject) and truly want their students to succeed. #AgBookClub

— Gracie Weinzierl (@FarmKidBlog) March 29, 2018

A3) The best teachers I've ever had went to industry and then came back into teach because they loved teaching. Education + real world experience = My favorite teachers #AgBookClub

— Reece (@RPFarms1989) March 29, 2018

Hint: Think about Borlaug's comments in the last few pages of the book when convening a meeting to discuss new strains of wheat rust. 😉 #AgBookClub https://t.co/XJQY9aySwz

— AgBookClub (@AgBookClub) March 29, 2018

A4, I don't know. Budget constraints have hurt our land grant colleges. But, profit I'd a great motivator. Don't count out private sector.#AgBookclub

— Phil McArdle (@macbroker) March 29, 2018

A4) Private research has replaced the public research that was done in Normans time. I think new products will come to market but will all counties and farmers be able to afford? #AgBookClub

— Reece (@RPFarms1989) March 29, 2018

Borlaug’s guiding principle (referenced on p. 200) is: “Food is the moral right of all who are born into this world.” #AgBookClub pic.twitter.com/iYzbK8Sq6n

— AgBookClub (@AgBookClub) March 29, 2018

A5: Absolutely. BUT it shouldn’t be taken for granted. Many, many generations before us devoted their entire existence to procuring food for themselves and their families. #AgBookClub

— Gracie Weinzierl (@FarmKidBlog) March 29, 2018

A5) No, when something becomes a right people think they are entitled to it which means it gets taken from someone else. I do believe that food assistance programs (ex food banks) are important though #AgBookClub

— Reece (@RPFarms1989) March 29, 2018

A6, not really. Japan and China have tried. Both failed. Human nature near impossible to change. #AgBookclub

— Phil McArdle (@macbroker) March 29, 2018

A6: Yep. Countries who have populations that are economically stable tend to have lower birth rates, right? Make sure that families are fed and able to use money to help themselves economically. I’d assume that the trend would continue to hold true. #AgBookClub

— Gracie Weinzierl (@FarmKidBlog) March 29, 2018

That is very similar to what I was thinking. I believe most developed countries aren't at replacement rates and without immigration the population is or would be decreasing. #agbookclub

— Reece (@RPFarms1989) March 29, 2018

A7: Five stars from me! I enjoyed it, but I do love reading about history, so I might be a tad biased. 🤷‍♀️

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#AgBookClub

— Gracie Weinzierl (@FarmKidBlog) March 29, 2018

A7, 4+ #AgBookclub

— Phil McArdle (@macbroker) March 29, 2018

A7) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Four stars, Interesting to know more than just the name Norman Bourlog but what a difference he had made all over the world #AgBookClub

— Reece (@RPFarms1989) March 29, 2018