Refuge in a bag makes farming simpler

I think we would all agree that life has become more complex and fast-paced in recent years. Technology has made some things convenient and efficient: consider computers, cell phones, and DVRs.

Technology also has given more people access to more information faster than ever before. We have the ability to answer almost any question within seconds via Internet search engines.

We love our cell phones and wonder how we survived without them. Text messaging and e-mail has allowed us to communicate with people in another instant venue. Efficiency is gained, but our rest time is diminished.

Getting away from the constant communication and information sources can be exhausting at times, and the proper balance in life can get blurred with work, social, and alone time being interchangeable in seconds.

So technology has made our lives more efficient but at the same time more busy and complex.

Most people are looking for happiness, balance, and simplicity in their lives. How many of you have thought, “I wish things would slow down just a bit so I could catch my breath.”

One recently approved technology may help make corn growers’ lives a bit easier. Genuity SmartStax RIB (refuge in a bag) Complete was approved for sale just a few weeks ago and will be planted in fields this spring in limited quantities. RIB Complete is the first simple, complete corn acre answer to planting the most traited acres while complying with refuge requirements.

RIB Complete makes growers’ lives simpler with 95 percent SmartStax traited corn and 5 percent refuge blended in the same bag for easy planting -- just dump one bag and go, no need for structured refuge within fields or in adjacent fields.

Another technology that has been recently re-approved for sale is Genuity RoundUp Ready Alfalfa. It has been four years since the sale of RoundUp Ready Alfalfa was stopped, and having access to use this technology is a good sign for alfalfa growers everywhere.

As certain organizations try to limit the use of technology in any form, our diligence needs to be just as swift and strong to proactively protect our current and future tools to grow crops that help feed and fuel the world.

Please work with agriculture industry groups to help preserve our ability to farm without restrictions.

Best wishes for a safe and successful growing season.
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Lance Ruppert is the FS Seed sales and marketing manager. His e-mail address is lrupert@growmark.com.