One Farmer's Harvest Story
Hungry for Truth connects food and farming
SIOUX FALLS, S.D., Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- As the leaves change and the weather cools, for many South Dakotans that means pumpkin patches, holidays and sweaters. For farmers, it means harvest time.
Agriculture is South Dakota's number one industry, surrounding communities and greatly impacting the economy. Did you know 98 percent of farms in South Dakota are family owned and operated? Each year, one South Dakota farmer raises enough food to feed 155 people. Farming impacts our lives every day.
Sharing Stories
John Horter is a father of two and a farmer from Andover. He grows corn and soybeans, and raises beef cattle. For Horter, part of being a good farmer is sharing his story. In fact, he's taking his to TV by starring in a commercial for the Hungry for Truth initiative.
"It shows our family around a table, sharing a meal and talking with another family who doesn't farm," he said. "That's really what Hungry for Truth is all about: connecting South Dakotans to the farmers who grow their food."
He even helped his 6-year-old son, Dane, share their story through social media. Dane shares video "crop reports" on Facebook throughout the season to explain what farmers are up to. His latest report is featured on the Hungry for Truth blog.
The Art of Harvest
When Horter is done harvesting, he'll prepare his fields for next year. He'll use what he learned from this season to plan for next year.
"As we harvest, we have a lot of monitors that show how our crop did. We always think about how to improve and do things more efficiently next year," he said. "Our goal is to make sure we use as few inputs as possible to grow a healthy crop."
Every time we shop at the grocery store, we support farmers. As we sit down for Thanksgiving dinner, we can count hard-working South Dakota farmers who help provide safe, healthy and affordable food as something to be thankful for.
About Hungry for Truth
Hungry for Truth is an outreach program about food and farming funded by the South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council. The goal is to connect South Dakotans to the farmers who grow their food. Learn more at hungryfortruthsd.com.
SOURCE Hungry for Truth
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