Innovation in Agriculture

Responding Effectively to Nature's Challenges

Kent Kalcevic

The challenges that Kent Kalcevic faces in his work are diverse: the land is dry, and the work is hard. His family has been operating a farm east of Denver, Colorado, and he is now part of the fifth generation. Today, the farm covers 75,000 acres and spans three different counties.

Since 1898, the family business has grown to encompass an area comparable to that of a large city – roughly the size of Birmingham in England. "If we drive from one end of the farm to the other, it can take an entire day," he says. The conditions are often unpredictable, and Kent must confront nature on a daily basis. 

 

One of Kent's biggest challenges is increasing yields. "The key factors are moisture, rain, and snow," he explains. He has realized that he does not have control over the weather, but he can improve soil health to maximize yields. "We need to ensure that our soil is in the best possible condition to absorb the water we receive."

Man in a field
Challenging the Status Quo in Modern Agriculture
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He receives support from companies like Bayer. "Bayer provides us with products that help us grow healthy crops in a very diverse environment with limited rainfall. Their research and development are crucial to our success," he says. Kent appreciates Bayer's innovative approach and their commitment to standing by farmers even in difficult times.

 

Despite the challenges and hard work, he sees a positive future for agriculture. "I believe that in the next ten years, we will continue to adopt technology at a faster rate. The use of artificial intelligence and machine learning will help us become more efficient and better respond to nature's challenges," he explains.

 

Kent is aware that agriculture is not just a job but also a way of life: "It is important that we find the balance between a lifestyle and a business. Agriculture is an honorable task that is essential for feeding the world's population." Looking to the future, he remains optimistic. "It is inspiring to see that the next generation shows interest and passion for agriculture. I want to ensure that we leave them a solid foundation on which they can build," he concludes.

2 min read