Corn Comments with Jim Woster.

In an article released Tuesday by the National Resource Defense Council, the group continued to support the admitted anti-atrazine activist Cal-Berkley Professor, Tyrone Hayes. Hayes, who has been discredited by the scientific community for his inabilities to duplicate his own studies, is well-known for his research claiming that certain levels can cause male frogs to lose their reproductive organs.

Hayes’ most recent appearance in the media was this summer for some highly inappropriate emails which he had sent to researchers at Syngenta Company. I would describe the professor’s choice of words in the emails as an explicit and tasteless rap song. But of course, the NRDC says, “Ugly emails do not make the pesticide any safer.” That’s obviously true, but it does let consumers know the kind of person who stands behind this already questionable research.

The NRDC is obviously desperate as they have invested large amounts of time, money and other resources which are based solely on Hayes’ studies. How seriously can you take research done by someone who is respected by so few? People need to simply follow the facts. Atrazine has been studied over 6,000 times by the Environmental Protection Agency and every time it has been declared safe when used as directed.

Atrazine has been used by farmers safely for over 50 years and has had no effect on amphibians, fish, birds or any other form of wildlife. Atrazine is very important in modern agricultural practices including conservation tillage systems, which prevents soil erosion and saves farmers around $28/acre on average. During the last 20 years, atrazine has improved corn yields 5-11%.

Just as Professor Hayes has lost his credibility, so has the NRDC.

Corn Comments Podcast with Jim Woster. 8.23.10

South Dakota’s family farmers and ranchers have devoted their lives to feeding the world ever since immigrants first settled on the soil. Farming and ranching is a lifestyle that is devoted to providing consumers with a safe, abundant, nutritious and affordable food supply while caring for our animals and land.

South Dakota farmers and ranchers will be celebrating their accomplishments this starting this August with a promotion called, South Dakota Farmers Feed Us, offering an opportunity for all South Dakota residents to win a free breakfast, lunch and dinner by way of free groceries– for an entire year.

South Dakota residents can register for two grand prizes of “Free Groceries for a Year!” courtesy of South Dakota’s farmers, at www.FarmersFeedUS.org. Upon visiting the site, consumers register by “meeting a South Dakota farmer” through a short video that shows how they produce safe, nutritious and affordable food. Consumers can register with each of the eight featured farmers daily through Nov. 6, the end of the 90-day program. Two $5,000 grocery prizes will be awarded to two lucky South Dakota consumers.  

In addition to the web site, the 90-day campaign includes television advertising, along with outreach to news media.  There is also a strong social media component with opportunities for consumers to interact with the farmers on YouTube, Facebook and Twitter. 
The Farmers Feed US website features beef, corn, dairy, egg, hog, soybean, and wheat farmers from across the state, each sharing information about their farm and their family. In addition to guiding visitors through their registration for free groceries, each farmer also offers a brief online tour of their farm.

South Dakota’s corn farmer represented is Kurt Stiefvater of Salem, SD.

“I’m proud to share the story of my family’s farm and the work that goes into producing corn for food and fuel,” said Stiefvater.  “South Dakota Farmers Feed US is a great way to deliver positive messages about agriculture and food production to people throughout the entire state.”

Kurt and his wife Kathy raise corn, soybeans and alfalfa near Salem.  They have three daughters, Megan, Lauren and Karlie.  His family has owned the farm for nearly 50 years. Kurt has been active in the South Dakota Corn Growers Association for years and currently serves on the board.

South Dakota Corn Utilization Council is a sponsor of the program, and Ag United for South Dakota is leading the coordination and roll out of the program. The Center for Food Integrity based in Kansas City has implemented the Farmers Feed US programs in other states and will also assist with implementation here in South Dakota.

Corn Comments 8.16.10 audio

Corn Comments Podcast 8/9/10