Meeting with Expert - Christopher Gustafson

September 17, 2013

We had a meeting with Christopher Gustafson in the East campus union.  The focus of our research has been the involvement of seed companies on private farms and corporate farms.  This has also lead us to research property owners over time to be able to better understand how the properties have shifted over time with the developments of residential neighborhoods.

The first topic we discussed with Christopher Gustafson was farms willingness to sell.  There are various reasons for someone to sell or not sell their land.  Some factors are money, attachment to land, and how long the land has been in the family.  Our conversation turned to whether or not private farms are able to get contracts with seed companies compared to contracts between corporate farms and seed companies.  We still have to further research seed companies and whether or not they have requirements for farms to meet in order to gain a contract.

Our next topic was the profitability of farming land versus selling it do be developed.  It seems, on a much larger scale, the the development of Sarpy County for residential housing wouldn't make a large difference to Nebraska.  This brought up questions about what is produced in Sarpy County and where it goes.  To start to understand this process we have to research the technology that is currently being used in farming and production.  The modifications to seeds is one technology being used, and where we are focusing our research.

The final topic we discussed with Christopher Gustafson was a way to slow the development of residential areas.  One of the things brought up was the implementation of food markets in the grocery stores, similar to the farmer's markets that are popping up in Lincoln, Nebraska.  A few examples mentioned were Detroit, Sacramento, and New York City burrow gardens.  These food markets bring the growing process to the people and they have become more aware and concerned about where their food comes from.

We came out of this meeting with a lot of questions, but we feel like we have wonderful ideas as to where to turn our attention to.  Our research has gained depth because of this meeting.