Conventions

In our endeavors we are asked to attend various conventions and trade shows that otherwise one wouldn’t think would fall under our umbrella. Such was the case of the World Agricultural Expo 2009. Realizing that feeding the world in a new and different manner is much like spreading information with Web 2.0. The concept seems easy but the logistics and mechanics of it are much more complicated, as anyone who updates their Facebook, Twitter or the now passé Myspace will tell you. The methodology has changed drastically in the last 8 years. We now know to feed the world we must share our knowledge and open our minds to learn from those farmers and fishermen who have found ways to overcome drought, floods and the harshest of conditions. It was a very eyeopening experience for me, a city girl.

Computer operated milking machine that is so sensitive it knows when the “udders” are empty.

Teach a man to fish… this older farmer was talking corn planting techniques to these 2 agricultural officials from Ghana. Did you know that you should rotate how you plant the corn every 2 years in order to get maximum usage of the field? It is even suggested that for every 10 rows of corn you plant 2 rows of soy beans or some other low bearing crop that would replenish the ground and not suck as many nutrients out?? I never knew that –even though the thought of growing corn in Central Park made me giggle.

I come face to face with Bossy. or is it Clarabelle?? Either way it was a fun experience and while I was STRESSED out over going in the first place, turns out I learned much more than I anticipated.

“The fight to save family farms isn’t just about farmers. It’s about making sure that there is a safe and healthy food supply for all of us. It’s about jobs, from Main Street to Wall Street. It’s about a better America.” — Willie Nelson, American Singer and Songwriter.

Thanks to Charlie and Clifton who were mucking around with me. As soon as Charlie sends me the “cow that ate the hat pic” I’ll put it up too.