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U.S. farmers were among the first to plant biotech crops on a commercial scale starting in 1996.  Since then, more than 50 biotech plant products have been approved for use in the United States.  The most widely planted biotech crops are soybeans, corn, cotton, canola, alfalfa, squash and papaya.  According to a recent study, genetically modified (GM) crops have boosted net farm income by US$15.9 billion since 1996, while reducing pesticide use by 46 million pounds (21 million kg) per year.  Biotech in America has been a catalyst for less plowing, reducing soil erosion by 1 billion tons and diesel fuel usage by 309 million gallons (1.2 billion liters) annually.
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Grower Profiles


Terry Wanzek
In 2007, U.S. farmers were the largest adopters of biotech globally, planting 144 million acres (57.7 million hectares) of GM crops. U.S. farmer Terry Wanzek describes the reasons why he grows genetically modified food crops, including an increase in time for his family, a reduction in plowing and an increase in the environmental sustainability of his farm.
Length: 2:00
Paul Aasness
U.S. corn and soybean grower Paul Aasness starting farming more than 50 years ago with a team of horses. He first planted biotech crops in 1998 and now believes biotech in America is better for the environment than previous management techniques — requiring fewer chemicals, resulting in less soil erosion, minimizing plowing, and increasing beneficial insect and wildlife populations on his farm.
Length: 3:25
Jay Hardwick
U.S. farmers growing GM crops reduce pesticide use in the United States by 46 million pounds (21 million kg) each year.   U.S. farmer Jay Hardwick shares how biotech cotton, corn and soybeans are contributing to his farm’s success.   He has significantly reduced costs, plowing and pesticide use — resulting in the emergence of more wildlife in and around his farm.
Length: 2:31
Al Skogen
Biotech in America has been a catalyst for reduced tillage practices — reducing soil erosion by one billion tons annually.  Al Skogen, a U.S. corn and soybean grower, enjoys the additional choices and greater efficiency provided by biotech crops.  He explains how benefits such as minimum tillage or reduced plowing and food safety, however, make consumers and the environment the greatest benefactors of biotech crops.
Length: 2:38
Gordon Wassenaar
Since 1996, more than 50 genetically modified (GM) plant products have been approved for use by U.S. farmers.  U.S. grower Gordon Wassenaar was one of the first producers to adopt GM crops in 1996 and today produces both GM corn and soybeans.  He is excited about the numerous changes made possible, not only for him, but for third-world farmers to increase food production.
Length: 3:17

Video Transcripts



Jay Hardwick
Over the last 10 years, many farmers in our area — and I think this is throughout the United States — have come to realize that we have had an impact on the environment no doubt.  And we have the mighty Mississippi right near us. ... Farmers are taking that very seriously, and want to do something about it.  

And, with the potential of biotechnology and reducing pesticide amounts on the landscape and into the water systems — is a good thing for all of us.  So in our way we’re addressing those problems that are critical to the society at large of clean air and clean water.  And, I like knowing that.  And, I want to be a part of that.  I don’t want to ... fish in a polluted stream.  I don’t think anybody else does.  So we’re going to make some headway there.  And agriculture will be a driving force in cleaning up the country.

Al Skogen
There’s a misperception out there about who’s producing the food today.  And, our farm is very typical of the type of farm that is producing the bulk of the food for the world, I believe.  It is a family farm.  My son farms.  My brother farms with me. ...

We’re very careful about what we do in terms of safety — be it crop safety or safety in our own, for ourselves. ... Through the advent of genetic modification of plants, which is allowing us to minimize our chemical use and so on, we’ve actually improved consumer safety tremendously. ... And I’m sure of this — there’s not a case in the world where there’s been any health problems associated with biotechnology.

Terry Wanzek
We no longer have to till the fields to control weeds where we used to have to till 2, 3 times, and use more diesel, and jeopardize the soil to more erosion. ... Now, we’re through crop rotation and minimum till or no till.  Most of our crop this spring will be seeded with one pass. ... It just has eliminated ... the number of trips over the field. ...

At one point here about two years ago ... my wife came up and gave me a hug and says, “You know what is it?  We farm even more acres than you used to, yet it seems like we have more free time. ... And it’s like we’re more of a family, and we have more time together.”   I said, “You really want to know? ... It’s biotech.”

I just can’t imagine sitting on my porch some day in my rocking chair telling my grandkids that I fought biotech.  To me, it’ll sound as absurd as saying — I fought Louis Pasteur, or I fought Thomas Edison.

Gordon Wassenaar
My father lived through a very exciting time.  But I really think that I’m probably going to live through a much more exciting time, because we’re starting to see this rapid change. ... We’re looking at the crop growing at a faster rate.  So, this means, this is freeing up a lot of crop for the ethanols, and for the new plastics, and all the new things that are coming.  So ... I’m very glad this is happening in a state like Iowa.  You know, we like to say we are an energy state by what we grow. ... We’re growing energy. ...

But as far as around the world, I think it is an absolute necessity that a lot of places have got to be able to raise more food per acre. ... Most people in the world — and we have to remember we’re a small part of the world — ... they have to worry about feeding their families and their future generation. ... I just don’t think the old conventional way of farming is going to do it. ... We’re going to have to continue to use biotech.

Editor’s Note: Pesticides registered by the U.S. EPA will not cause unreasonable adverse effects on man or the environment, when used in accordance with label directions.

© 2005 Monsanto Company.  All rights reserved.  The copyright holder consents to the use of this material and the images in the published context only and solely for the purpose of promoting the benefits of agricultural biotechnology.