Sustainable Farming and Technology

Beth Ford, CEO of Land O'Lakes, discusses the critical issue of broadband access in rural America and its impact on farming communities. She highlights the need for improved infrastructure to support education and business operations. Ford also explores how technology and sustainable practices can help farmers manage climate volatility and improve profitability. The conversation touches on the potential economic benefits of carbon credits and the challenges posed by future disruptions in the agricultural sector.

What is the estimated number of Americans lacking broadband access according to the study mentioned by Beth Ford?

• 10 million

• 42 million

• 18 million

• 14 million

Why is broadband access crucial for farming communities?

• It reduces the cost of farming equipment.

• It provides entertainment options.

• It allows farmers to use advanced technology.

• It helps in remote schooling for children.

What is one of the main challenges in implementing broadband access in rural areas?

• Inaccurate mapping of broadband availability

• High cost of implementation

• Lack of interest from the community

• Resistance from local businesses

How does climate volatility affect farming, and what role does technology play?

• It stabilizes weather patterns; technology complicates it.

• It has no effect; technology is irrelevant.

• It causes unpredictable weather; technology helps manage it.

• It increases crop yield; technology is not needed.

What is the purpose of the Truterra Insights Engine?

• To increase the cost of farming

• To replace traditional farming methods

• To help farmers make sustainable production decisions

• To provide entertainment for farmers

What is a carbon credit, and how can it benefit farmers?

• A reward for reducing carbon emissions

• A penalty for using technology

• A tax farmers must pay

• A loan for buying equipment

Which company was the first customer for Truterra's carbon credits?

• Amazon

• Google

• Apple

• Microsoft

What potential disruption could affect row crop farming in the future?

• Increased demand for biofuels

• Rise in traditional farming methods

• Decrease in global population

• Electrification of the transportation sector

How can farmers make their farms more resilient according to Beth Ford?

• By ignoring climate change

• By investing in new technology and sustainable practices

• By reducing crop diversity

• By focusing solely on traditional methods

What is the role of financial markets in farming resilience?

• They only focus on short-term profits.

• They encourage investments in resilience.

• They discourage investments in resilience.

• They have no role.