By Jim Byrum
Agriculture is a rare bright spot in Michigan’s economy. Farmers and agricultural businesses are growing, investing locally, creating local jobs and feeding people here in Michigan and around the world.
As Michigan works to diversify its economy, policymakers need to support Michigan agriculture and help move our state forward.
A look at the fall harvest, which arrived early and produced solid yields, helps tell the story. This year, Michigan produced about 367 million bushels of corn, 94.5 million bushels of soybeans and 40.8 million bushels of wheat. With world demand escalating, prices for these crops also are going up — and Michigan is well-positioned to seize opportunities for further business and job growth in agriculture.
Meanwhile, people in the two largest countries in the world — India and China — want more protein. Since 1998, caloric consumption per capita in China has gone up 26 percent and increased by 17 percent in India. They want more meat, eggs and dairy products. And in less than 40 years, there will be far more mouths to feed, with the global population growing from 6.9 billion today to more than 9 billion by 2050.
That’s where Michigan comes in.
In addition to producing corn, wheat, soybeans and dozens of other crops, Michigan farmers are also leaders in meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products. Michigan’s agricultural industry is recognized as a leader in logistics and processing for everything from feed to cereals and more.
We have skilled professionals working in agriculture, and experts at crop production, advising and marketing. Michigan agricultural businesses are leaders in using technology for site-specific fertilizer application, which means Michigan farmers apply fertilizer only where and when it is needed. High-tech methods such as these increase production, save money and protect Michigan’s land and water.
Michigan’s entire agricultural sector must continue to expand to meet the growth in demand. In the past 10 years, chicken consumption grew 29 percent and pork con-sumption went up 25 percent. Globally, corn consumption grew 23 percent and soybean con-sumption went up 39 percent.
During that same period, the world’s population grew 12 percent, yet land available for production only grew by 4 percent.
To make all this add up and meet demand, Michigan farmers must grow more.
It is important to also note that 98 percent of Michigan’s agricultural production comes from modern practices, which embrace advances in seed technology and pest management.
Michigan agricultural businesses are among the most forward-looking in the nation. We lead the way on many major issues, including using science and technology to produce more and adopting new practices to protect the environment. Michigan agriculture is also a leader in renewable energy efforts.
Despite Michigan agriculture’s advances, challenges loom on the horizon, including strengthening highway, rail and water transportation infrastructure so Michigan products can get to market. Michigan agriculture is also ready to be more pro-active on environmental and nutrient issues. And we are ready to work with all parties to update and strengthen the federal Farm Bill in 2012.
As the state’s second-largest industry, generating $71 billion a year and employing 1 million people, Michigan agriculture is vital to our state’s efforts to diversify its economy. We are ready to roll up our sleeves and build a 21st century agricultural economy together and continue growing Michigan.
---- Jim Byrum, president of the Michigan Agri-Business Association, spoke to the Association for Corporate Growth-West Michigan in Grand Rapids this week. He lives in Onondaga.
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