Agriculture in Lao PDR

This week we travel virtually to Lao People's Democratic Republic in southeastern Asia. We explore the countryside and agriculture projects being implemented via the video linked below. We encourage you to utilize the discussion points provided to guide your conversations with others around the globe!

Agriculture Projects in LAO PDR

Discussion Points

• As you watch the video how does agriculture in Lao PDR and your local area share similarities and differences?
• Training and education are mentioned often throughout the video. How would a lack of training impact these initiatives and why?
• Of the six initiatives shared which one do you feel can have the greatest positive impact and why?
• What can you take and/or learn from this video and utilize in your local area?

World's Largest Pig Farm

The world's largest pig farm is being constructed in China and is projected to produce around 2.1 million hogs per year. With this come challenges and opportunities. We encourage you to explore the linked article and utilize the discussion points below to guide your conversations around the globe.

Chinese Hog Producer Builds World's Largest Pig Farm

Discussion Points

• What factors have contributed to producers in China building larger and larger pig farms?
• What in the article surprised you and why?
• Identify the opportunities and challenges that are being created by these larger and larger operations.
• How might this farm and trend impact hog producers in your local area as well as others around the world?

Water and Agriculture

 There are so many important aspects to agriculture, but water is by far one of the most important. Travel around the world in the video linked below to discover the challenges and opportunities facing us around water and agriculture. Utilize the discussion points below to strike up conversations with others around the globe.

Overcoming Water Challenges in Agriculture

Discussion Points

• In the video several factors are shared that are leading to scarcity or higher pressure on water systems. What are these factors and which one do you feel creates the largest challenge and why?
• Likewise, several opportunities or solutions are provided as well. Identify the top solutions and explain your reasonings?
• Does water usage in agriculture look different around the world? What are those in agriculture doing to conserve and protect water in your local region? How does this differ in other parts of the world?
• Agriculture can sometimes be blamed for environmental/waters problems. How do we make sure that agriculture is part of the solution and that this story is told?

Coronavirus and Mink

Coronavirus has been greatly impacting the mink industry around the globe. Towards the beginning of the month there was news out of Denmark that caused concern and there are now other areas who have been impacted. We encourage you to read the linked pages and articles below. We have provided discussion points to encourage further discussion with others around the globe.

WHO Release - Denmark - November 6th

Video on Denmark Mink and Coronavirus

Coronavirus and Minks in Greece - November 13th

Discussion Points

• What are the concerns with coronavirus in relation to mink production? Are these concerns warranted? What are the different views from around the world?
• What does mink production look like globally? How will this impact the market and future of production? (Conduct additional research if needed.)
• What countries to date have been impacted by coronavirus in mink?
• Imagine that you are the Secretary/Minister of Agriculture in a country where coronavirus is impacting mink. What would your plan be to tackle the challenge? What policies and procedures would you suggest/implement and why?

COVID-19 and Kenyan Agriculture

COVID-19 has impacted everyone around the globe including those in Kenya engaged with agriculture. There have certainly been challenges, but also success stories involving innovation and determination. Three stories from around Kenya are shared below. We encourage you to watch all three short videos and engage with others utilizing the discussion points provided. 

Mwatate Smallholder Tomato Farmers

Taveta Smallholder Banana Farmers

Voi Smallholder Farmers and Micro Gardens

Discussion Points

• What are the challenges facing smallholder farmers in Kenya as a result of COVID-19?
• How are smallholder farmers in Kenya being innovative to overcome challenges they are facing due to COVID-19?
• As a result of watching the videos what surprised you? What did you learn? What were your big takeaways?
• Is COVID-19 impacting farmers and agriculture in your home area? How does what you are seeing (or not seeing) in your area relate to the situation in Kenya?

United States Soybeans to Brazil

Many reports have shown that in May of 2020 Brazil overtook the United States as the number one soybean producing country in the world. With this being the case why is Brazil importing soybeans from the United States? The article linked below provides some answers. We encourage you to explore the linked article and utilize the discussion points to guide your conversations around the globe. 

Brazil-Bound U.S. Soybean Vessel Loading at Gulf Coast Terminal

Discussion Points

• Why is Brazil turning to the United States for soybeans?
• What did you find most surprising from the article and why?
• Trade relations can have intended and unintended consequences that impact many around the globe. What are some examples within this article? 
• What are the trade relations with your home country and the world? What do you see as the future?

Innovative Technology for Farmers

Highlighted below you will find a video (4 minutes) sharing the utilization of technology around the globe by farmers to increase efficiency and productivity. This includes solar pumps in India, farming apps in Nepal, and improved crop varieties in Nigeria. We encourage you to watch the linked video and utilize the discussion questions to guide your conversations around the globe. 

Innovative Technology Helping Farmers Around the World

Discussion Points

• Discuss the three innovations highlighted and share the impact that each has had in their respective locations.
• Of the three examples shared (solar pumps, farming app, and improved crop varieties) which do you feel had the largest impact and why?
• Could your local region benefit from these or similar innovations? Why or why not?
• Brainstorm additional innovations that you could see having a positive impact in your local area as well as around the world. Explain the benefits projected from these innovations.