Purchase Area Master Gardener Association

(PAMGA)

                       Large-Scale Farming

Since most of the boys in this class come from an urban background, a field trip was planned to a local farm so the kids could see a large-scale farming operation in action.  Ultimately we were unable to visit the farmer in the field, so we brought the farmer to the classroom instead. 

Donnie Edwards took his first tractor ride about age 5 and promptly ran into a fencepost.  Still, he knew from an early age that he was going to be a farmer.  He's made good on his plan as he grows soybeans and corn today. 

Upon graduating from Heath High School in 1975 and joining his dad in the farming business, Edwards thought he didn't need any more education.  He's since learned that's not the case as today's farmer must survive, and indeed thrive, in a high-tech global economy.  Sure, farmers must know how to grow crops, but they must also be versed in business, psychology, science, computers, government, and a host of other topics.  Edwards laments not pursuing a college degree.

A recurring theme throughout Edwards' comments was the need to strike a balance between home life and work life - a fact that is true regardless of one's chosen occupation.  During planting time, Edwards and his 13-14 employees may work 100 hour weeks instead of the customary 40.5 hour week. 

An unabashed self-motivator, Edwards currently farms about 3,000 acres - less than half of the 7,000 acres he used to farm.  That amount of acreage puts him in the category of an "average-size" farmer.  Like many farmers, Edwards has diversified.  In addition to the farming operation he also owns a fertilizer company and an excavating company.

The students were curious about the profit margin for farmers.  Naturally the bottom line is highly dependent upon seasonal growing conditions and market prices, but it also depends upon foreign farmers, especially those in South America and China; that's the impact of the "global market."  Edwards studied a decade of crop prices and found a low of $4.50 for a bushel of soybeans and a high of $9.00.  Brazil now produces more soybeans than the United States.  Edwards predicted 2005 may be a tough year for farmers due to increased diesel prices (about .80 cents more per gallon this year than last) and fertilizer prices (up about 20% this year).  Not knowing whether there will be a profit creates mental stress for farmers which is where psychology becomes important.  Farmers also receive visits from law enforcement officers and inspectors now checking on chemicals and supplies as these have become prized items in the manufacture of methamphetamine.  Edwards doesn't mind the visits but acknowledges increased security does impact profit. 

Farming is a gamble, but one Edwards is willing to take.  He awakens at 4:30 a.m. without an alarm clock and is excited to greet each new day.  After spending quality time with his kids (ages 7 and 11) before they amble off to school, Edwards heads to the office where he plans the day for his employees and completes paperwork.  Edwards describes himself as more of an "office manager" today.  His wife works with him which enables Edwards to be out in the field and meet with customers while being confident day-to-day operations continue to move smoothly. 

Edwards has seen lots of changes in three decades of farming.  In 1972, a new combine cost $12,000.  Today's pricetag for that piece of equipment exceeds $200,000.  In 2005 a new planter costs about $60,000 and a new tractor to pull that planter costs about $100,000.  It's no wonder there is such keen competition for farmland.  To justify the investment in expensive farm machinery, farmers must have access to lots of land and they may travel more than 100 miles to reach a particular farm.  Replacing a single tractor tire may set a farmer back $2,000.  Keeping vehicles in running order is critical.  Thus, farmers must be mechanics too.  Edwards has a man on staff whose primary job is tire repair and he may fix 12-15 tires a week.  (Edwards estimates he has 450-500 tires rolling at any given time).  One of the biggest changes Edwards has seen is the introduction of genetically-modified crops.  They've been on the market about eight years and this year the billionth acre of genetically-modified crops will be planted. 

Edwards talked about the importance of being a good steward of the land.  There are various government programs, like the "Conservation Reserve Program" (CRP), in which the government rents ground for a decade and takes it out of active crop production.  This program serves two purposes in that it helps to clean our water and it controls crop production.  Through the "Wetlands Reserve Program" (WRP), Edwards is developing a wildlife preserve on the Ohio River with the ultimate goal of using it for educational programs, similar to those offered at Land Between the Lakes.

Thanks to Donnie Edwards for sharing his perspective as both a farmer and a businessman.  His passion for life and his work is obvious.

Purchase Area Master Gardener Association, 2705 Olivet Church Road, Paducah, Ky 42001 270/554-9520  FAX 270/554-8283  www.pamga.org