By Adam Birr

Executive Director and CEO, Minnesota Corn

As we reflect on another growing season, a theme that emerges for me is the wonders of innovation and technology in agriculture. As we were preparing budgets in September prior to harvest, optimism about this year’s crop was in short supply. By the end of August, significant portions of the corn growing areas of Minnesota had received less than 50% of the normal precipitation for the growing season. As we entered the harvest, I started getting texts from many of you surprised at the numbers appearing on yield monitors. The November USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service report substantiated those texts with a forecasted yield of 181 bushels per acre statewide average for Minnesota. Certainly, a wide range of yields were realized across the state and many experienced below average harvests, but it’s astonishing when you consider how little rain we received throughout the growing season. The fact that we can maintain productivity despite challenging growing conditions is a testament to timely rains but also the evolution of seed technology and agronomic practices.

As we enter a new legislative session, many of the tools farmers use to maintain this productivity will be scrutinized. Part of the challenge is that fewer people know a farmer or are familiar with agriculture. In fact, a recent survey that Minnesota Corn commissioned found that just 37% of Minnesota residents across the state know a farmer. It’s incumbent on us to tell our story to both Minnesota residents and legislators alike.

Minnesota’s farmers have a great story to tell that includes the use of technology like precision agriculture that ensures efficient use of all crop inputs including seed, fertilizer, and pesticides. Minnesota Corn’s leaders recently underwent a third-party assessment of their farming practices and quantified the impacts on soil, water, and carbon. The assessments provided a benchmark and demonstrated that Minnesota’s corn farmers have made significant advances in sustainability. In the coming year Minnesota Corn hopes to gather more data to assist in demonstrating to legislators and residents the importance of agronomic tools both for on-farm productivity but also for protecting soil and water resources.

Not only are Minnesota’s corn farmers utilizing innovation on the farm, but also in the products derived from corn used downstream. Through the Minnesota corn check-off, the Minnesota Corn Research & Promotion Council is investing in the research and development of new products derived from corn such as biofuels and sustainable polymers that will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Minnesota Corn is excited to become part of a new initiative called the Minnesota Sustainable Aviation Fuel Hub being facilitated by the Greater MSP Partnership. Though there are many policy, technology, and infrastructure hurdles to overcome, SAF represents a tremendous opportunity for Minnesota’s corn farmers to help deliver millions of gallons of biofuel for use at MSP International Airport.

Minnesota’s corn farmers have a history of using innovation and technology from the field to the food, fiber, and fuel that is used by all Minnesotans. We look forward to working with you in the coming year to add to that story. We thank you for your support and wish you and your family and safe and happy holiday season.