What Feeding the World Means to AGCO Farmers

World Food Day was created by the Food and Agriculture Association of the United Nations (FAO) in 1979 to be held on the 16th of October every year. The goal of this day is to raise awareness and understanding of different approaches to ending hunger. With an anticipated global population of 8.6 billion projected by the United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division by 2030, it is imperative that together we invest in new technology, innovations and farming practices to address the challenge of #ZeroHunger.

We asked our AGCO farmers from around the globe what feeding the world means to them:

Name: Johnna Thompson
Crops: Food Grade White Corn, Food Grade Yellow Corn, Green Beans, Seed Corn, Seed Beans, and Popcorn
Location: Illinois, USA

Thompson Family Farms – Crop farming in Illinois, USA.Today the Thompson Family farms over 6,000 acres with the focus being on speciality crops. However, we are continuing to look for new sectors to explore as we are always willing to try anything once, and twice if it is successful. We also continue to keep one foot in the livestock sector as well by being a contract grower with River View Farms, Inc. of Orleans, IN. In the year 2000 we converted our conventional farrow to finish operation into a wean to finish contract site where we are currently able to house 10,000 pigs at a time.

“Over the years we have enjoyed watching the agriculture industry change and can’t wait to see what the future has in store for us. We continue to strive to make ourselves your premier agriculturist not just in Lawrence County, but eventually all of Southern Illinois. We’ve been growing strong since 1861 and continue to plant our legacy.”

“In a world where less than 2% of the population farms, a great amount of weight rests on the shoulders of the farmer.”

“It isn’t just the weight of making ends meet at home, ensuring another record-breaking crop or that the animals and been tended to, but it is the weight of the world, literally. In a world where we expect the global population to reach beyond 9.5 billion people by the year 2050, we safely HAVE to figure how to feed them. Today’s farmer is scrutinized for almost everything they do, but we can’t let that get to us. To safely feed the world and to ensure our farm surpasses another generation we have to continue to make on-farm advancements that will help us meet the needs of the average consumer. Through accurate record keeping and today’s technology, we are positive we are able to meet the demands of the consumer by providing them with traceability, minimal chemical use, and efficient use of technology on our equipment. Days can dark, prices can be low, inputs can be high, but keep our focus on the bigger picture producing and marketing the product of our toil.”

Jay Hill – Crop farmer from New Mexico, USA.

Name: Jay Hill
Crops: Alfalfa, Oats, Cotton, Lettuce, Cabbage, Carrots, Onions, Pecans and Wheat
Location: New Mexico, USA

“Days like today are crazy, and they are awesome, and rewarding because people start talking about what is actually happening on World Food Day. You think about all the people out there growing your food and you think about all of these millions of people; but it is still less than 2% of the working class involved in food production. That’s not saying just the farmer, but 2%; or less than 2%, are out here feeding and clothing the rest of us.

Days like today are awesome because I consider myself a sustainable farmer. The fact that we are utilizing new technologies, new GPS systems, new tractors that are burning less fuel, the fact that we’re able to utilize natural resources like water and drip irrigation where in the heart of the desert water is a scarcity and I know if we don’t start making changes now then we won’t have this water in the future to grow this awesome produce. The fact that I know that someone in Florida can walk into a grocery store and find something that I grew and go home and cook that for their family and have piece of mind that the farmer grew that with them in mind is amazing.

And so as farmers we are going to continue to step outside the box and sometimes people are not going to understand what happens on a farm. It’s up top us as farmers to stand up and say, this is how we feed you, this is what we do, and at the end of the day when you go to the grocery store, or a department store, and buy that piece of clothing or that food item, that we grew that or produced that with you in mind.”

“So enjoy World Food Day, and together we can become more sustainable, together we can end world hunger, and together we can make a brighter, greener, better planet. Hope you all are blessed.”

Peter Elliot – Crop farmer from Leicestershire, UK.

Name: Peter Elliot
Crops: Food Grade White Corn, Food Grade Yellow Corn, Green Beans, Seed Corn, Seed Beans and Popcorn
Location: Leicestershire, UK

Peter Elliot is a 3rd generation farmer with 300 acres of arable land growing wheat, barley and oats and a 5,500 head pig finishing unit in Ibstock, Leicestershire.

“Knowing that you are contributing to feeding a population is about as fulfilling as it can get. Farming has its ups and downs but it always gives so much back when you see your business growing and your produce thriving.”

Gianluca, Luigi and Michele Turco – Crop and vegetable farmers from Lesina FG, Italy.

Name: Gianluca, Luigi and Michele Turco (Azienda Agricola Turco)
Crops: Sugar Beet, Wheat, Winter Vegetables and Tomatoes
Location: Lesina FG, Italy

Azienda Agricola Turco is a company strongly rooted in the territory. Over the years, they have been dedicated to innovation and dynamically move production from sugar beet and wheat to that of winter vegetables and tomatoes.”

“For years, we have been committed to sustainable production, preserving our precious land and avoiding any form of pollution or waste of water and energy.”

“The new phase of the company based around tomato farming is through the active participation of the two sons; Luigi and Michele in addition to Gianluca. From 2016, Azienda Agricola Turco started production of artisanal canned tomatoes of the highest quality, dealing directly with the whole supply chain, from the cultivation of raw materials without the use of preservatives or dyes to the sale. By the end of 2018, the company will present its pasta line, obtained only from the best varieties of Italian grains.

Feeding the world for us is the result of a meticulous process made up of small, simple everyday actions. For years, we have been committed to sustainable production, preserving our precious land and avoiding any form of pollution or waste of water and energy. A fundamental role in this context is made by the latest generation of agricultural machinery and equipment with cutting-edge technologies.

In order to anticipate the continuous increase of the global population, we have been open for years to numerous experiments and research of new varieties or hybrids for greater production while maintaining a high quality standard, especially with regards to wheat; the basic element for world food.”

Name: Liu Dong
Crop: Maize
Location: Inner Mongolia, China

“It means spring planting and autumn harvesting, expecting a fair harvest to offer a better living environment for my family”