Surfacing New Uses For Corn Critical To Long-Term Viability Of Farmers

Feb 20, 2017

Increasing demand for corn and corn farmer profitability is key to the National Corn Growers Association's mission, and this was clearly evident at the recent meeting of NCGA's Corn Productivity & Quality Action Team (CPQAT).

Farmer team members from across the U.S. discussed several potential avenues for finding new uses for corn to drive demand. Potential areas of focus are new food uses for corn, new plant-based chemicals from corn and more specifically using corn as a feedstock to replace chemicals currently manufactured from petroleum.

"Developing new uses for corn is nothing novel. It has always been important. Within the last 20 years, fuel ethanol went from being a new use for corn to our second largest market. And look at the impact that has had on farmer profitability," said, Larry Hoffmann, chairman of the CPQAT and a farmer from Wheatland, North Dakota. "But trying to keep corn use ahead of our growing productive capacity is a never-ending challenge. We are currently exploring the concept of an open innovation contest as a way to engage researchers to drive corn use."

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Video: What Is Remote Sensing In Precision Agriculture? - The World of Agriculture

What Is Remote Sensing In Precision Agriculture? In this informative video, we will dive into the fascinating world of remote sensing and its role in precision agriculture. Remote sensing technology allows farmers to gather critical information about their fields without the need for physical presence. By utilizing satellites, drones, and aircraft equipped with advanced sensors, farmers can monitor various aspects of their crops, from temperature and moisture levels to overall plant health.

We will explore how the data collected through remote sensing can empower farmers to make strategic decisions for their crops. With the ability to identify specific areas that require more water or nutrients, farmers can optimize resource usage, leading to healthier plants and improved yields.

Moreover, remote sensing plays a vital role in tracking crop growth over time. By comparing images taken at different growth stages, farmers can evaluate their crops’ development and adjust their management practices accordingly.