One of the latest concerns are buffer zones along county ditches and other drainage areas. Jirik gave a brief presentation on the county’s GIS program, which can be used to identify those buffer areas. The GIS mapping information can be accessed by going to the Waseca County Web site.
THE PROFESSOR SPEAKS — Dr. Gyles Randall, Professor Emeritus, addressed the attendees at the Agro-Economics annual meeting Wednesday, March 28 at NR City Hall. (Star Eagle photo by Jody Wynnemer)
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
New Richland’s City Hall was the setting for the Agro-Economics annual get together prior to spring planting season. Host Mark Bernard welcomed the 30 or so agricultural specialists Wednesday, March 28, as the meeting kicked off about 10 a.m.
Jim Jirik, from the Waseca office of the Minnesota Natural Resource Conservation Service, was the first speaker on the morning’s agenda. Jirik mentioned several ongoing programs still available such as CRP and nutrient management.
“The nutrient management program pays you to have a test plot on your farm,” said Jirik. “Even consultant fees are reimbursed.”
Jirik also announced the Waseca office will not be moving and there are still trees available to order for interested property owners.
The next speaker was Dr. Gyles Randall, Professor Emeritus. Randall is a well-known expert in soil science and research. He has traveled the world and just returned from a trip to New Zealand.
“In the last 11 years,” said Randall, “American agriculture has seen seven record profit years.”
The professor addressed several environmental issues that have been hot topics as of late. The first was the amount of nitrogen in our atmosphere and the possible regulations that may be forthcoming. The other issue was fresh water.
“Seventy percent of the world’s fresh water supply is used for agriculture,” said Randall. “Water usage is a huge issue.”
Randall pointed out that the world’s population should reach nine billion people by the year 2050.
“Who is going to feed them?” he asked.
The last presenter of the morning was Roger Bernard of Informa Economics. Bernard is a policy analyst and gave his insight on national and international issues pertaining to agriculture.
“For every $10 a barrel increase in oil,” said Bernard. “We can expect to see a 24-25¢ increase in a gallon of gas.”
Bernard briefly discussed the impact the upcoming election could have on agriculture, as well as the monetary problems in Europe.
“Things are linked together in the world,” said Bernard.
Following the closing remarks from the host, the attendees were treated to a lunch by famous Swedish chef Bob Frisk.
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