Student of the Month: Ed Henning

Ed Henning is a business management major with a marketing emphasis and minors in communication studies and German studies. Set to graduate in 2020 he is the president of the Agriculture (Ag) Club as well as a member of the football team and the College-Community Orchestra. Ed was asked how he first gained an interest in agriculture, to which he replied, “Farming has been a major part of my entire life. Growing up on a family farm with 90 head of cattle and 600 acres of row crop, I’ve developed a passion for agriculture through my childhood and into my adult years. Aspects like family tradition, an affinity for working with livestock and the land, and the need to feed the world are all things that drive my focus in agriculture.” It is through this drive and passion that Ed has built a successful club, to which he hopes has longevity on this campus even after he is gone.

While there is scientific evidence showing farming cattle and livestock as being one of the worst producers of greenhouse gasses in the country, Ed takes sustainability and farming very seriously. One example of this is the use of cover crops, “Farming has made considerable strides in making itself more sustainable at a large level over the past several years. In the future, showing ways that make sustainable measures a profitable choice for farmers will make a huge difference in improving agriculture. For example, cover crops can add value to farming operations, both in maximizing acre usage for forage and other production incentives and in improving soil health and long-term land stewardship. Cover crops like rye and triticale can be planted when conventional row crops are out of season, fighting soil erosion and fixating nitrogen/nutrients to be utilized by crops planted after. This reduces the number of nutrients that must be applied mechanically, saving producers money and causing less runoff and over-application.”

Though Ed made sure to point out this is not the only way farming can be sustainable. With new advances in technology, farming can become more efficient in its use of space to crop yield. “Farming technology also has a place in this effort. Through precision farming and application, agriculture can use fewer chemicals and better utilize the land it has available. If practices like these are adopted on a large scale, sustainability in our agricultural system will become even greater for years to come.”

It’s through clubs such as the one Ed has started here on campus that we can educate others on sustainable farming efforts, and continue to reduce the carbon emissions from farming. “The Ag Club gives these people a place to pursue a more specific passion at a liberal arts college. Our club also gives people not experienced in agriculture a way to learn more about the industry and where their food comes from. These aspects make the Ag Club a great opportunity for many people in different backgrounds.”

When asked about upcoming events and things he’s looking forward to with the club Ed said, “The Ag Club has recently hosted several events, like a GMO discussion panel, factory tour, and an ag career panel. This semester we are planning several other events, like a farm tour, educational panel, and other outreach events to educate the campus on the agricultural system. We are also planning other fun events, like Ag Week activities and a barn dance.”

Clearly passionate about agriculture, it’s no wonder Ed’s club has found so much success in its first formal year on campus. As clubs founded by sustainable-minded people such as Ed continue to build and grow across the country, there will be a new wave of young sustainable farmers in America.

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