Technology, sustainability are keys to Bayer's 150 Perspectives

What will farming look like in 150 years? This question engaged consumers, farmers and others in agribusiness when Bayer CropScience encouraged discussions about the future of farming through its 150 Perspectives Campaign. The four-week social media campaign, tied to Bayer’s 150th anniversary, ended Sept. 16 after mining fresh thinking and new perspectives on the future of farming.

Respondents were positive about agriculture in the coming years as they identified the need and desire to feed a hungry planet. Grower insights included an expectation for bigger farms. Consumers, on the other hand, predicted more home gardens. Growers    and consumers alike encouraged more education about where food comes from.

People who submitted text and photo answers to the question “How do you see the future of agriculture?” were eligible for cash prizes. Hundreds of participants shared their thoughts while visiting the interactive 150 Perspectives kiosk in Bayer’s booth at the 2013 Farm Progress Show. One perspective: “Given the rapid changes in agriculture economics and labor issues, the future will increasingly depend on innovative science and technology applied to crop and soil.”

This week, Bayer announced five randomly selected winners. Timewell, Ill., grower Mike Pritchard was named grand prize winner and received $500. His response stated, “We need to teach the city people that agriculture is very important because if we don’t have farmers, we don’t have food.”

Four second-prize winners each received $250: Robert Wackerlin, grower, Waterman, Ill.; Bruce Klein, grower, Lexington, Ill.; agriculture employee Dr. LaJoy R. Spears, Minneapolis, Minn.,; and consumer Bonnie Wilks, Wilder, Idaho.

The winners’ responses—and more than 600 others—are available at the 150 Perspectives web page.

The 150 Perspectives campaign was part of the 150th anniversary celebration of Bayer’s commitment to Science For A Better Life. “Through the campaign, we heard a number of themes growers, consumers and others in the agribusiness industry expect to impact agriculture tomorrow including technology, sustainability and education. The viewpoints shared by such a diverse group are important as we develop solutions to help sustain and enrich our environment in response to a growing population and enhancing food security with increased innovation,” said Jim Blome, president and CEO, Bayer CropScience LP.