Global economy hits home
By Paul Marcellino Purdue Extension Agent
World consumers enter grocery stores daily and find an abundant source of food at their disposal. Many consumers push grocery carts throughout the isles unaware of the massive infrastructure that brings a constant supply of food to them each day of the week.

Marcellino

In order for a product to meet consumers' quality expectations, that infrastructure must adapt to the world market and maintain a competitive edge. Carroll County farmers understand the necessity to stay abreast of technology, consumer demands and government policies.

Neil Mylet, a junior at Purdue University and Carroll County native, understands the need to think internationally and develop a full understanding in agriculture infrastructure.

This concept was recently addressed with international students of Purdue University. Mylet brought several groups to tour farms in Carroll County and get a first hand look at how Carroll County farmers have adapted to market, vertical integration and economic demands of large scale farming.

International students from France, New Zealand and Sweden toured farming operations in Carroll County. The group discovered local farmers' adaptations in technology and systems while they experienced the complex puzzle of today's agriculture.

The first stop on the tour was Hog Slat, where the international group learned to appreciate today's technology. Richard Hicks and Kathy Justice explained how they produced enough food and equipment to keep the swine production high at Hog Slat.

The next stop provided a view of vertical integration advancement in the county's swine industry. Farm owner Dave Lambert explained the farmer's role as a contract feeder. Students had an opportunity to view Lambert's state-of-the-art facility where he raises eighteen thousand hogs each year.

The next stop was a unique one. Students saw new patents developed for technology. Ben Dillon explained the technology behind his field combine which can harvest and hold eight hundred and fifty bushels of field crops before unloading the grain into an awaiting truck. Dillon explained the demand for efficient technology for American farmers to remain competitive in the market place.

The Mylet farm was the final stop of the tour. Students were able to see the grain productionside of the puzzle. Tom Mylet explained how technology and large equipment enabled the American Farmer to substitute capital for labor and maintain a competitive edge in the world market.

The most significant part of the tour was that people from all over the world came together to learn of each other's agricultural technology, attitude, and desire. That component allowed participants to gain invaluable knowledge which will continue to develop, inspiring consumers around the world to continue to create an uninterrupted supply of high quality food and fiber for stores each day. Marcellino will write monthly column addressing issues and topics pertaining to the Carroll County agriculture community. To submit topic ideas, contact him at (765) 564-3169 or e-mail him at pmarcell@purdue.edu.