The Need To Defend Production Agriculture
April 27, 2015 Last week, I spent the better part of my time on the road visiting with ag retailers and market suppliers across the state of Iowa (but no, I didn’t see any 2016 Presidential candidates while I was there!). For the most part, these folks in the beginnings of the busy spring season, getting crop inputs to waiting customers and gearing up for work to start on major projects now that winter has finally come to an end.
One of my stops was to see long-time friends Harlan and Amy Asmus, owners of Asmus Farm Supply (AFS) in Rake, IA. One of the largest suppliers of crop protection products in the north central part of the state, AFS recently opened a new liquid fertilizer facility just down the road from its main complex to keep pace with the growing demand for these inputs from its customers.
However, besides keeping up with agricultural market trends from customers, Amy Asmus also talked about the seemingly constant challenges facing modern production agriculture – particularly coming from the public sector.
“Production agriculture is coming under fire from several different groups and in several different areas,” said Asmus. “I believe it’s important for ag retailers to really become involved in ag, whether it’s in production or policy.”
Loading ...At AFS, she added, the company has done both. On the production side, AFS utilizes the latest environmental safeguards at both of its facilities (as well as employing a geothermal heating system in its main building). The retailer is also heavily involved with the Agribusiness Association of Iowa on such topics as nutrient management and water quality in the state.
And she believes every ag retailer should follow this kind of proactive example going forward. “I just want to express to my fellow retailers that it is important for us to get involved in our industry because the future is up to us,” said Asmus. “If we don’t stand up for the safety, quality and integrity of the people we work with, then who will?”
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