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An evening to “Dine and Discuss” agriculture

There is a growing disconnect between consumers and their food.  With the hope of starting a dialogue about agriculture, Jasper County farmers Kendall and Tammy Culp opened their home and farm to residents and local officials for the first “Dine and Discuss” event.  “Because I think its important that they understand modern agriculture and what takes place on the farm,” he says.  “You know those local decision makers are in a position to really help agriculture or could do some harm to agriculture.  Especially if they’re not knowledgeable about what we do and the modern practices that we have.”

AUDIO: Kendall Culp, Jasper County (3:30mp3)

Jasper County sheriff Terry Risner was in attendance.  He tells Brownfield he’s two generations removed from the farm and he was surprised by how much has changed over the years.  “Today we’re using computers to direct combines and tractors through the fields and we’re also using the mapping and GPS,” he says.  “That’s a huge technological advancement from in the early 1930’s to now.  That’s pretty mind-blowing, really.”

AUDIO: Terry Risner, Jasper County Sheriff (2:30mp3)

Andy Tauer, director of livestock for Indiana Corn and Indiana Soybean says the Dine and Discuss event was an opportunity to give local stakeholders a behind the scenes look at a modern-day grain and livestock operation.  “We feel that there are a lot of misconceptions about agriculture and things that folks really don’t understand what goes on, on the farm,” he says.  “So we wanted to invite folks out and have an evening on the farm and enjoy some fresh food that’s raised here and discuss agriculture.”

AUDIO: Andy Tauer, Indiana Corn and Indiana Soybean (2:30mp3)

Roughly 150 local officials and guests attended the Dine and Discuss event Thursday evening.