A Life of Adaptation:
The Present, and a Look into the Future
Much of the credit for where agriculture has come to today is due to technological advancement, particularly in the U.S. Along with improved irrigation techniques to address drought and the advent of greenhouses to extend seasons into the fall and spring, genetic advancements have changed the course of agriculture as well. In the 1990s, farms would yield roughly 180-200 bushels of corn; today, they produce as many as 300 bushels [1]. This is due in large part to genetic engineering and technological advancement. Twenty-five years ago, 90 degree+ weather would kill corn crops, but due to genetic advancements corn crops today can withstand these temperatures [1]. This not only means that yields increase, but it also means farmers can be reassured in the economic viability of their fields, as they do not have to worry as much about profit losses due to die out in extreme heat.
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Genetic advancements as such are one way farmers can address climate change concerns in an era of increasing temperatures and drought frequency. Although Wicomico County has seen more concentrated precipitation events in recent years, in years past the county has faced intense drought, and in entering a period of global warming the county is likely to face more frequent drought again [1,3]. Genetically-enhanced crops that are more resistant to high temperatures are one way for farmers to address climate change concerns.
Crops are also more resistant to pests as a result of genetic advancements. Insect and pest resistance means that farms produce higher yields, as crops are not damaged by pests. This is important for Wicomico County in addressing climate change, as warming temperatures will increase crop vulnerability to pests and disease [2]. Bt crops (or crops genetically-altered with bacillus thuringiensis, a bacteria that is toxic to pests), are an example of the technological advancement seen within crop genes themselves to increase resistance to disease and insects [1]. Not only do these genetically modified organisms (GMOs) promote crop health, but they also reduce costs associated with pesticides and herbicides. This means that farmers are able to budget money elsewhere, as they do not have to invest as much in pesticides [1].
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There are also improvements in technology to let farmers know when to apply fertilizer to maximize crop growth [1]. This encourages cost-efficiency savings, as recommendations for fertilizer application are often backed by research conducted at universities to maximize efficiency and minimizes effects on the environment. For Wicomico County, cost-efficiency will be important, as climate change will increase the unpredictability of weather events, variability, and extremes, thus costs to adapt to these changes could be great [2]. In addition to managing fertilizer and pesticide application, climate change will also mean farmers will have to increase animal cooling and irrigation, especially for poultry houses, as well as invest in new irrigation equipment, all of which will add to the overall cost of production [2].
As GMOs and technological advancements continue to enter the agricultural market, the future for farmers seems to be the continual adoption of and reliance on technology. From a social perspective, this involves consumer support for technological advancements, such as GMOs, to sustain the livelihoods of farmers as well as that of future generations.
As GMOs and technological advancements continue to enter the agricultural market, the future for farmers seems to be the continual adoption of and reliance on technology. From a social perspective, this involves consumer support for technological advancements, such as GMOs, to sustain the livelihoods of farmers as well as that of future generations.
"Your whole life is adapting to what's to come."
- Charles Wright, fourth generation farmer and owner of Wright's Market
Photo credit: Chris Suderman, flickr
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References
- Personal communication, Charles Wright, farmer and owner of Wright’s Market, 10 April 2018, Wright’s Market.
- Comprehensive Strategy For Reducing Maryland’s Vulnerability to Climate Change: Phase II: Building societal, economic, and ecological resilience. (2011). Report of the Maryland Commission on Climate Change Adaptation and Response and Scientific and Technical Working Groups. Retrieved from http://ian.umces.edu/pdfs/ian_report_299.pdf
- Griswold, M., Johnson, Z., and Wicks, C. (2014). Land Management: Farming in a Changing Climate. Retrieved from http://climatechange.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/16/2014/12/ian_newsletter_4061.pdf
Photos used under Creative Commons from Fernando Carlsson, Chafer Machinery mitchell haindfield