2019 Spring Farm Outlook

Page 32 2019 Logan County Farm Outlook Magazine Lincoln Daily News March 21, 2019 C rop farming is developing a whole new vocabulary. Farmers must choose among GMOs, and various kinds of legacy seeds: heirloom, hybrid, and organic. How can a farmer make the best choice? One place to begin is through definitions to understand the distinctions and benefits of each seed category. Greg Peterson in “GMO, Hybrid & Heirloom Seeds — Just What is the Difference?” says heirloom seeds “have been passed from generation to generation and have stayed true to their ancestral roots by consistently producing the same offspring. This results in plants that genetically are hundreds, or thousands of years old, each developing a resistance to the diseases and pests with which it evolved. When this type of seed is planted and allowed to grow and go to seed again, it will always produce the same plant.” Because of resistance, heirloom seed can thrive in less than ideal environments and harsh weather. Another type plant that fares well in less than ideal weather comes from hybrid seeds, which are produced from cross- pollinating two different plants. For agriculture production use, plants are bred for the best traits seed that tend to be drought resistant and need fewer pesticides. Yields are also generally good due to the pollination. legacy seeds in a GMO world Choosing By Angela Reiners Continue 8