Technology+Modern Farm Methods=Safe Food

On our farm, we are a Food Alliance Certified Farm, which means we use today's technology and methods to produce the best and safest crops possible.  It also means we take our commitment to protect our valuable land resources as well as our social and environmental responsibility very seriously.  We are among thousands of farmers and ranchers who have become certified to assure you, the consumer, we care about how we produce the food that we all eat.  But whether a farmer & rancher is certified or not, I believe we share the same practices and beliefs because it is our livelihood and heritage for our next generation.


Here is a video from the seat of the tractor as Farmer Joe is explaining that we are helping to control weeds in the newly seeded Spring Wheat field by putting down a pre-emergent herbicide with our GPS system. (click here if unable to view) 

Many farmers utilize the concept and technology called "Precision Farming" and here is a definition of what that means: "Precision farming is generally defined as an information and technology based farm management system to identify, analyze and manage fields for optimum profitability, sustainability and protection of the land resource." OR in plain terms, this technology allows us to apply products where it is needed, in what quantity and guide our equipment so we don't overlap with the coverage. Products are costly and we don't want to put down any more than is necessary as it affects our bottom line.

With the invention of modern technology it helps us do a better job managing our crops and keeping our soil in top condition. We are aware there is a sentiment among the Food Eilitist/Anti-Ag Activists  who do not farm for a living but think we should go back to the farming practices of the 1940s or 50s. So did you know that the average farmer back then produced enough food for 26 people and today's farmer feeds 155 people? So asking a farmer to go back to our parent's method of farming would be like asking the consumer to give up their cell phone and go back to the one phone in the house and have a multi-party phone line to share with 5 or 6 families. Ick, I'm with you, I couldn't imagine life without the smart phones, technology and access to the Internet. So I can assure you my friend, that technology and today's farming methods are good for you and me. =)

As always, so glad you stopped by and please feel free to email me at idahofarmwife@gmail.com if you have any questions (no question is dumb) or feel free to leave a comment.  Also, if you haven't checked out the best & healthiest brownie recipe.... well it is on my OMG Dessert  page.  All my best, Gayle

P.S. after Farmer Joe shot this video we were rained/snowed out of the field so it will be a few days until the soil drys out  to get back into the field and again report on what your farmer is up to.  My next post will be "A Glance into Farm Life, Part II" so stayed tuned for an update on a rural farm family and our community.