2018 Spring Farm

2018 Logan County Farm Outlook Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS March 22, 2018 Page 7 energy farms. While these farms provide an influx of dollars into communities and government entities, their profitability has been dependent on so-called “green energy tax credits.” Another challenge facing the industry is the consolidation of major agricultural companies. The benefits and costs of these combinations may be debated for centuries, but one immediate effect is the reduction in the sources of genetics available for other seed companies and growers alike. The loss of these germplasm sources can only be offset by the smaller number of companies developing new genetic material at about twice the rate they accomplished this feat only a few years ago. This applies to regular breeding programs and genetically modified products alike. Review of mergers and purchases of these major sources of genetic material is also a major policy decision. The producers are eternal optimists, and continue to provide a safe and abundant food supply for all of us. Rains have come to help alleviate dry conditions in the upper soil layers. The days are getting longer, and the sunlight is more intense. Grass is greening up, and robins have reappeared. All these things point to spring, and another cycle of “sowing the seeds” for the agricultural community. While there are concerns, most are looking forward to the spring – and a new season is upon us once again.