Taking care of the land, water and other vital natural resources is more than just good business for farmers and ranchers; it’s what they believe in. That’s why Sand Springs, Okla., rancher and leader of the state’s largest farm organization, says “Every day is Earth Day on the Oklahoma farm.”
“Agricultural producers have a true connection to the environment,” said Mike Spradling, president of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau. “It’s impossible to walk across this land everyday and not feel connected to the air, water and soil around you.”
That “connection” is supported by facts.
- While agricultural productivity has increased dramatically since 1950, the use of resources (labor, seed, feed, fertilizer, etc.) required for production has declined markedly.
- Total U.S. crop yield has increased more than 360 percent since 1950.
- Since 1982, U.S. land used for crops has declined by 70 million acres.
- In the Oklahoma Panhandle, farmers have reduced water use by 60 percent in the past 25 years, while increasing production by 40 percent.
- U.S. farmers have voluntarily enrolled 30 million acres in the Conservation Reserve Program, making it the largest public-private partnership for conservation and wildlife in the U.S.
- Oklahoma ranks number one in the nation in reducing harmful pollutants in our streams and rivers.
The Oklahoma Farm Bureau president states food and fiber production must increase to feed the growing world population, and that cannot happen without taking care of the environment.
“The United Nations is estimating the world population at approximately 10 billion people by 2050,” Spradling said. “To feed the world will require disciplined stewardship and improved technology. The bottom line – we must take care of our natural resources.”
