Jul 20, 2020
Agronomist Kevin Hoyer joins the
podcast to talk about his experience helping farmers diagnose and
treat their plants and soil as well as traveling the world looking
at food production in other countries. As a "doctor for crops," he
says “you can be thankful and trust that the products you buy
are at the highest level of safety possible. America carries the highest
standards found anywhere in the world.”
Kevin Hoyer and his wife Jody own
and operate a family farm nestled in the bluffs of west central
Wisconsin, not far off the Mississippi River. They grow soybeans,
corn along with small grains to use as cover crops. They both also
work off the farm, Jody as a quality control specialist for a local
dairy processor, while Kevin works as an agronomist and crop
advisor at a local ag retailer.
Key
points:
An agronomist is like a doctor
for crops
- trained in plant and soil
health.
- focused on safe and abundant food
that is as sustainable and environmentally-friendly as
possible.
- works directly with
farmers.
- soil tests
- plant health analysis
- advising farmers
Why do farmers use
chemicals?
- the chemicals are
plant-protectants designed to protect or reduce stress on the
crop.
- similar to using sunscreen to
protect our skin.
- like taking an aspirin for a
headache.
- weeds rob water and nutrients from
crops
- many compounds used are found in
nature in plants or soil
- plants have natural pesticidal
activity to ward off pests.
- alfalfa evolved to grow longer
hairs on the stem to ward off aphids.
Why is understanding agriculture
in other parts of the world important?
- get outside your comfort
zone
- understand other consumers and
their concerns - there are commonalities.
- farmers want to grow crops with as
little fertilizer or pesticides to maximize production.
- consumers want to feel comfortable
that food was grown and processed with care an safely.
- other countries do things we don’t
do anymore.
- new practices reduce negative
impact.
- America has the highest standards
for food safety and quality.
Tips to overcome Food
Bullying:
- Remember all of our food has to go
through the same safety standards whether it is labeled
sustainable, organic, conventional - they must meet the same levels
of quality and safety.
- Look out for claims that seem
outrageous. Trust that your food is safe.
- If you have questions, ask a
farmer - we don’t have anything to hide.
Links:
Kevin Hoyer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Hoyer-Farms-138987533112713/
Food Bullying Podcast’s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/foodbullyingpodcast
Food Bullying: How to Avoid
Michele Payn:
http://foodbullying.com
Embrace Your Heart with Eliz Greene:
http://www.embraceyourheart.com/