Panel of experts to focus on Growing More with Less

With a world population that continues to grow and an increasing number of people improving their economic status, the demand for more and higher quality food will jump significantly in the years ahead. At the same time, farmers in the United States and around the world will be under pressure to produce more with less — less water, less land and fewer crop inputs.

 

The panel features individuals with hands-on knowledge and real-world experience in soil, water and seeds.

 

One panel member is Ratan Lal, a professor of soil science in the School of Environment and Natural Resources at The Ohio State University. Lal is a recipient of the prestigious Norman E. Borlaug Award (2005) and the von Liebig Award (2006) for his contributions and research in sustainable management of soil and natural resources. He has a passion for teaching and research in the area of no-till farming and carbon sequestration and will share his understanding of the issues surrounding soil degradation and ways to maintain and improve soil fertility on a global level.

 

Steve “Doc” Blizzard, director of farming for the Lagomarsino Group in California, will share his expertise on water use and agriculture as well as his specific experience with agriculture in Caligornia. Blizzard is a native West Virginian and was assistant director and research coordinator for the Division of Plant and Soil Sciences at West Virginia University for 20 years, traveling and studying extensively throughout the world. He’s managed orchards in Texas and California and currently manages several thousand acres of grapes, blueberries, stone fruit and almonds. He has a tremendous understanding of water issues, research, regulations and other relevant topics.

 

Additional panel members will address topics surrounding seed production and technology, while a moderator will tie it all together and ensure time for discussion and questions from attendees.

For more information about the Council’s 51st Annual Board of Delegates Meeting, go to www.grains.org.