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Conversations about plant biotechnology
Gordon Wassenaar: United States
Major Crops: Corn, soybeans
Farm Size: 1,500 acres
Years Farming: 50+
First Planted Biotech Crops: 1996
Favorite Benefits: Improved soil health.
Less crop damage. Better yields.
Family: Single
“We like to say we’re an
energy state by what we
grow — we are growing
energy.”
Video Transcript:
I’m Gordon Wassenaar. I’m 67 years old. … I was born on this farm. My father, grandfather … we’ve all been farmers. …
… I’m getting ready to put in my 52nd corn and soybean crop. … I get a thrill out of it
every year. …
… My father lived through a very exciting time, but I really think that I’m probably going
to live through a much more exciting time because we’re starting to see this rapid change. …
… We’re looking at the crop growing at a faster rate. So this means that this is freeing up a
lot of crop for the ethanols and for the new plastics and all the new things that are coming.
So … I’m very glad this is happening in a state like Iowa. You know we like to say we are an
energy state by what we grow. … We’re growing energy. …
… We definitely, without a doubt, have lowered the soil erosion since we’ve been a no till.
And, that is a very basic part of that is the biotech. … You know we like to say that since
we went to no till, we lose less soil from erosion in 10 years than we used to lose years ago
in one year. So, there isn’t any doubt in my mind that … we’ve definitely improved our soil
health and … our land is improving. …
… Where we went away from the tillage and went to the no till, we’ve cut the amount of
fuel use dramatically. Because it’s fewer trips over the field. … And, in the fall when we
are able to plant earlier with the newer genetics we’re harvesting at a much nicer time of
the year … We definitely do not spend the amount of gas … to dry this crop as we did a
number of years ago. It allows us to harvest in much better weather … which means less
field loss. …
… So this is my view of modern farming. It’s a whole series of things, all coming together
to make modern agriculture. …
… You … almost always get the questions of, well, that you’re a pawn of the major companies, that you’re forced into planting these crops. Well, the first thing that I, and most
© 2005 Monsanto Company. All rights reserved.
The images, voices and words of growers and others in this material are subject to limited use and are protected by privacy rights and laws. This material is copyrighted and can not be reproduced or used
in any manner, except as specifically set forth in this paragraph. The consent of the copyright holder to use this material and the images in the published context only is granted solely for the purpose
of promoting the benefits of agricultural biotechnology. Pesticides registered by the U.S. EPA will not cause adverse effects on man or the environment, when used in accordance with label directions.
www.biotech-gmo.com
Conversations about plant biotechnology
farmers will say – No, no, it’s an economic decision. If it doesn’t put money in my pocket,
I don’t do it. Because there are plenty of choices out there. You don’t have to do it. …
… But as far as around the world, I think it is an absolute necessity that a lot of places have
got to be able to raise more food per acre … Most people in the world – and we have to remember we’re a small part of the world – … they have to worry about feeding their families
and their future generations. … I just don’t think the old conventional way of farming is
going to do it. … we’re going to have to continue to use biotech. …
© 2005 Monsanto Company. All rights reserved.
The images, voices and words of growers and others in this material are subject to limited use and are protected by privacy rights and laws. This material is copyrighted and can not be reproduced or used
in any manner, except as specifically set forth in this paragraph. The consent of the copyright holder to use this material and the images in the published context only is granted solely for the purpose
of promoting the benefits of agricultural biotechnology. Pesticides registered by the U.S. EPA will not cause adverse effects on man or the environment, when used in accordance with label directions.