Floating Dairy Farm

Our world is covered 70% by water so why not farm or raise livestock on the water? This is exactly what is being developed in the Netherlands as they are creating a floating dairy farm with plans for additional floating farms. Below we have linked a video created by AgCultures from the University of Minnesota. AgCultures travels around the globe and documents the story of agriculture at all levels. We encourage you to watch the linked video and utilize the discussion points provided to guide your conversations. 

The World's First Floating Dairy Farm

Discussion Points

• Explain the concept of the floating dairy farm? 
• There are plans for a dedicated space on the farm for education. Why is this so important?
• The importance of "transparency" is mentioned in this video and we have heard and seen this in other European countries as well. Why is transparency important? Is agriculture transparent in your home community/country? What could be done to improve transparency?
• Besides the floating dairy there are plans for two additional floating farms as well. Do you see this concept working? What other types of farms could become floating? 

Robotic Weeder

Technology is becoming more and more integrated into our lives every day. This week we highlight a video showcasing new technology being developed in Switzerland called the ecoRobotix. We encourage you to watch the linked video and utilize the discussion points provided to spark conversations around the globe!

ecoRobotix Video in English

Discussion Points

• There are many benefits listed in the video to utilizing ecoRobotix. Of the benefits shared which do you feel is the most important and why?
• How would this technology be received in your home country/area? Do you think it might be received differently in different countries/regions? Explain.
•  Do you see any issues or ways to improve this technology?
• Think outside the box. What other technology could we create and utilize in agriculture to improve efficiency, production, and sustainability?

Cassava, Coffee, and Global Food Prices

When we think of agricultural commodities that are traded at a global level we often focus on what commodities we grow and raise locally. Often times we can lose site of the big picture when it comes to global commodities, trade, and prices. This week we feature an article from the FAO that highlights international agricultural commodity prices and what it means for trade and farmers and consumers around the globe. We encourage you to read the linked article and utilize the discussion points to guide you conversations in classrooms, coffee shops, and communities around the world.

Declining International Prices to Ease Food Import Burden for Poorest Countries 

Discussion Points

• What are overall worldwide trends in agriculture commodity and food prices? Who benefits? Who will face challenges?
• What are the trends with cassava globally? Depending on your location around the globe what roll does cassava play in your diet? Why or why not is it a popular crop in your area?
• Coffee is the widest traded tropical product in the world. What is the outlook for coffee trade and prices?
• Often times when we talk commodity prices we look at how farmers or consumers are impacted. Who else is impacted by commodity prices and trade outside of the farmer and consumer? How are these others impacted?

Street Art Agricultural Education

There are many ways to inform farmers and consumers on important practices and procedures in agriculture. A group in the country of Georgia is utilizing street art to spread the word and educate others on the importance of animal identification and health. The short video (2:26) linked below shares how the program is being implemented to educate others. We encourage you to watch this video and utilize the discussion points provided to guide your conversations with others around the globe.

Street art promoting Animal Identification and Traceability System in Georgia

Discussion Points

• What is the purpose of this street art?
• Do you think that the street art will have an impact in the way it is intended? Do you think different cultures would look at this differently? Explain your reasoning either way.
• This is a creative way to get information out to others. Can you brainstorm and discuss other creative ways to disseminate information that is outside the norm?