Chemicals, creepy crawlies and crops: how safe is your food? Episode 52

Food Bullying Podcast

Agronomist Kevin Hoyer joins the podcast to talk about his experience helping farmers diagnose and treat their plants and soil as well as traveling the world looking at food production in other countries. As a "doctor for crops," he says “you can be thankful and trust that the products you buy are at the highest level of safety possible. America carries the highest standards found anywhere in the world.”

Kevin Hoyer and his wife Jody own and operate a family farm nestled in the bluffs of west central Wisconsin, not far off the Mississippi River. They grow soybeans, corn along with small grains to use as cover crops. They both also work off the farm, Jody as a quality control specialist for a local dairy processor, while Kevin works as an agronomist and crop advisor at a local ag retailer.

Key points:

An agronomist is like a doctor for crops

• trained in plant and soil health.
• focused on safe and abundant food that is as sustainable and environmentally-friendly as possible.
• works directly with farmers.
  • soil tests
  • plant health analysis
  • advising farmers

Why do farmers use chemicals?

• the chemicals are plant-protectants designed to protect or reduce stress on the crop.
  • similar to using sunscreen to protect our skin.
  • like taking an aspirin for a headache.
• weeds rob water and nutrients from crops
• many compounds used are found in nature in plants or soil
  • plants have natural pesticidal activity to ward off pests.
  • alfalfa evolved to grow longer hairs on the stem to ward off aphids.

Why is understanding agriculture in other parts of the world important?

• get outside your comfort zone
• understand other consumers and their concerns - there are commonalities.
  • farmers want to grow crops with as little fertilizer or pesticides to maximize production.
  • consumers want to feel comfortable that food was grown and processed with care an safely.
• other countries do things we don’t do anymore.
• new practices reduce negative impact.
• America has the highest standards for food safety and quality.

Tips to overcome Food Bullying:

• Remember all of our food has to go through the same safety standards whether it is labeled sustainable, organic, conventional - they must meet the same levels of quality and safety.
• Look out for claims that seem outrageous. Trust that your food is safe.
• If you have questions, ask a farmer - we don’t have anything to hide.

Links:

Kevin Hoyer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Hoyer-Farms-138987533112713/

Food Bullying Podcast’s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/foodbullyingpodcast

Food Bullying: How to Avoid Michele Payn: http://foodbullying.com

Embrace Your Heart with Eliz Greene: http://www.embraceyourheart.com/