The talk will feature Stephen Hallett, Professor, Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Purdue University
Seminar title – Diversify the Corn Belt
Abstract - The history of agriculture in the United States has been one of increased efficiency and lost diversity. Productivity has increased by leaps and bounds, but what has been gained? ¾and by whom? United States agriculture can be presented as a history of great technical achievements and successes or as an abject ecological and social disaster. Which narrative you adopt is probably affected by how well modern food and farming systems serve you and your community. It’s also likely to affect your priorities for research, teaching, and extension. I will argue that the Corn Belt must be diversified, that diversifying farming needs a greater diversity of farmers, and that the land grant universities must do more to participate in building this diversity.
There will be time for interacting with the speakers after the presentation.
