On our ground, I "farm big" - operating a three-crop farm that uses thousands of gallons of herbicides - AND I advocate for climate action. It may seem incongruous but it's not. Big ag and climate activists can be on the same side.
What does it mean to "farm big"?
I farm 1,500-acres. For reference, that's the equivalent of 1,125 football fields. While we aren't the biggest farm in our area, we are categorized as a large farm.
Like most farms in the Delta, we grow a lot of soybeans, corn, and rice in rotation.
Most of our soybeans are GMO with tolerances to glyphosate (commonly called Roundup), glufosinate, and 2,4-D. We spray these chemicals and others to control pests and weeds.
We own and use tillage equipment, apply synthetic fertilizers, and, while we grow some wheat, we do not diversify with other crops.
How am I a climate activist?
Climate change is the biggest threat in our lifetime. If left unchecked, it will devastate the economy, our national security, public health, and our ability to produce enough food for the world's population.
Also, I worry a lot about what the future will hold for my little farmer.
Climate change is human-caused, and it's going to take a mix of governmental regulations and private industry innovation to address this crisis.
Big ag has a role to play in climate action. Sustainability is a big part of the conversation, and some farmers are already doing some amazing things. I work to support these efforts and bring farmers like me into the conversation.
That means leaning into the acceptance of big ag and climate action as being on the same side.
If you want to know more about big ag or suggest more topics, comment or post to my socials - @farmherhallie on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
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