India Milk Production Soars

Below you will find a link to an article discussing milk and dairy production in India. Production has recently boomed in India and this article takes a look at why this has occurred  along with it's impacts and future outlook. Read the linked article and use the discussion points below to share conversations with others.

India Milk Production

Discussion Points

• What have been the trends in dairy/milk production in India and what has caused these trends?
• What effect has India's dairy production had on global milk markets and trade?
• What recent change has effected dairy production and trade in the European Union? Explain.
• What does the outlook for dairy production look like globally?
• Additional Research: The article mentioned milk production from cows and buffalo. Compare and contrast milk production between cows and buffalo and share your findings with others.

Conservation Agriculture in Paraguay

This week we explore an article summarizing a study on conservation agriculture and it's adoption in Paraguay. The study highlights the success and struggles in adoption of conservation agriculture practices within the country. After reading the article use the discussion points below to foster conversation around the globe.

Conservation Agriculture and Smallholder Farmers

Discussion Points

• What has caused small farms in Paraguay to fall behind in conservation agriculture practices?
• On the other side what has aided medium to large farms to find success with conservation agriculture practices?
• What factors can lead to farmers (especially smallholder farmers) being skeptical of conservation agriculture at first?
• What could be done to help farmers transition to conservation agriculture practices with more success?
• What does conservation agriculture look like in your home area? What are the trends?

Egypt Wheat Dilemma

Currently wheat trade has been halted with Egypt due to numerous reasons. The linked article below takes a look at why this has happened and the implications that it is having. We encourage you to read over the article below and start conversations with the discussion points provided.

Egypt Wheat Trade

Discussion Points

• What factors have caused wheat trade with Egypt to halt?
• What effects has this had on wheat prices and supplies around the world?
• Why do many believe that Egypt cannot continue to afford this wheat standoff?
• What does wheat crop and supply look like globally right now? What does this mean for Egypt and the rest of the world?
• Why is international trade important to all countries worldwide? 

Farms in a Box

This week we are featuring a story from CNN that was shared last summer, but is still a hot topic. It takes a look at some innovators who are farming in boxes. There is a short article, but also includes a two minute video that explains how the systems work and what is being grown. Check out the linked video and article and then use the discussion points to engage in conversations around the globe!

Farms in a Box

Discussion Points

• Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of producing vegetables and food in this manner. 
• Explain how the "farm in a box" work,
• What role does technology play in these freight farms?
• How could this method of farming help address the issue of food insecurity?
• How would this method of farming be perceived in your local community? Explain.
• Brainstorm other methods similar to this that could be used in agriculture. Share these ideas and discuss the possibilities!