After several failed attempts to secure an appointment with one of the America’s top corn producer- the Virginia born and based farmer- Mr. David Hula, I finally managed last week to have an one on one interview with him. David Hula-a reputable corn farmer in Virginia conducts his farming in a family owned farm. I chose to pay a visit to Mr. David Hula due to his outstanding performance nationally in production of corn since the year 2000. I had many queries of how he had managed the farming that has earned for him a name in the national gallery, the challenges he had faced and how he had maneuvered through them and together with the opportunities that have come along with the farming and the production of corn in the country. After cordial pleasantries and brief exchanges Mr. Hula volunteered to take me around his farm. Since the year 2000 Mr. Hula’s yield has been on the rise. He explained to me how he had concentrated in the production of corn and taking it seriously. He went on to say that the good produce was as a result of proper selection of corn varieties that does well in the prevailing climatic conditions of the Virginia state. Mr. Hula explained that his choice of the variety of corn was also determined by the oil content of the crop although he did not entirely rely on those crops with high oil content due to their low yield per acre. He said that he always chose the varieties that had equilibrium and a tradeoff between the yield and the oil content. Hula also attributed the high yield of his firm to the proper and timely irrigation he conducts in his farm. Mr. Hula simply gave a free advice to the farmers that there is no magic of growing high yielding grain crops. He said it is an intensive process of using all the necessary input optimally and with great care to the environment. Asked how he applied fertilizer to his crops Hula responded that he uses a complex machine with sophisticated technology to apply fertilizer and lime. Mr. Hula appreciated the effort done by the national corn growers for their outstanding support to the farmers by availing the necessary information about the various corn varieties. He also gave thanks to the organization for acknowledging the good work of farmers and for their effort in protecting the rights of the farmers by being their voice of reason. Hula said that his produce was mainly meant for production of oil and biodiesel industries. He said that through the National Corn Growers Association, his produce could fetch good returns in the market. He also acknowledged the government’s help through the office of agriculture and various agro vet outlets in the country for their good advice to the farmers. Hula was categorical in concerning the crop rotation. He said that he always conducts crop rotation in his farm since that helps in maintaining the natural composition of the soil. He further said that the crops planted after the corns would absorb the excessive fertilizer left by corns. Some of the crops he rotated with corn were wheat and sorghum. Worms and pest poses a great threat to a good farming. Being aware of the danger posed by the pests and worms, the multiple awards winner went on to explain the complicated and highly automated method they use in and spraying their crop. He said that he makes use of highly mechanized machines that are remotely controlled while in the field. He explained the need of using such a highly mechanized method was due to the convenience of the process and the low cost associated with it as compared to the labor intensive approach. He went on to say that his pest control approach has remained the same for years save for the new equipments he had introduced in the farm. In his view he wished to reduce the number of workers as possible and to rely on the capital intensive method due to its efficiency and reliability. Having had such sophisticated machinery and technology, there is no doubt that labor was required to operate such machines. Sometime he and his family members including his brother and dad could work during the night with the help of satellite technology. According to him, the labor requirement was at prime during the periods of planting, spraying and harvesting. He said that it was common for them to work at night during the period of spraying. Hula and his family had dedicated all their effort in farming. It is not a wonder that with such an effort channeled towards farming activities, they have been leading the country for their outstanding and impressive yield. Hula stressed that his operations in the farm are environmentally friendly and that was the reason why he got recognition all over the country.According to Mr. Hula success comes with its price-the price of dedication and self denial. He said that every field of work has its challenges and opportunities in equal measure and the success comes to the one who even in the face of overwhelming challenges still harbors hope and conviction of succeeding.
Works Cited
Law, Carrie. Farming in the 21st Century. Brookings, SD N.p., n.d. Print.
