Both are a wild ride, and both require predicting the movements of powerful competitors and forces. Good cowboys and farmers both know how to gracefully move in the right direction, become part of inevitable change, and win. New and powerful forces of change are upon us. While farmers will, rightfully so, fight bad changes, changes are ahead anyway. Greater restrictions on pesticide uses, more record keeping, greater environmental regulations, and ever-fluctuating prices.
Farmers are increasingly interested in voicing concerns to their representatives.
Remember that investing now will be pay dividends later. One of the best forms of investment is extending rotations. Fewer peanuts planted in North Carolina have increased the opportunity to go to three or even four year rotations. This procedure will greatly reduce the need for fumigation, and foliar fungicide sprays. We have a long tradition of excellent peanut breeding at North Carolina State University.