FARMER COMMENTS ON THE SURVEY BY TOPIC. Comments from Respondents Who Preferred Not to Participate

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1 FARMER COMMENTS ON THE SURVEY BY TOPIC Comments from Respondents Who Preferred Not to Participate Farmers who preferred not to participate * 3 I do not know anything about this HAP corn. I never heard of it before. It may be alright corn but I don't know anything about it. 31 I only raise corn for my own use. 39 Due to illness I am unable to answer this! 456 I do not have enough knowledge to complete this form. 545 I don't sell corn for poultry use. 546 I don't own enough land for experiments. I have to make the most with what I have. I am 77 and can't predict what will happen to my land when I am gone. This is not in production yet and I only live from day to day and hope for the best. Sussex Co. farming is getting harder every year. Farmers should have fought for better lives years ago instead of sliding along. 552 Semi-retired 566 Not interested at this time. 630 Need to know more about HAP corn. Interested in the environment. 727 I have a small farm and work with family members for tilling of my farm. Also, they have used very little GM seeds. 732 Knowing that you desire solid answers to this survey leads me to decline. I am not knowledgeable enough to help you. 784 Not growing many acres of corn now. More pastures, soybean, and hay. Thank you. 826 All available corn acreage is devoted towards production of sweet corn. * While these farmers technically responded to the survey, they were treated the same as non-respondents in calculating the survey response rate. 1

2 Comments from Dairy Farmers Who Grow Corn cow dairy Operation. All corn used on farm (mostly forage production). 25 Our farm's main income is from selling milk from our dairy cows. Most of our corn is cut for silage to feed the cows. If I remember correctly HAP corn doesn't have the same benefits with cows as it does poultry. 63 Farmer doesn't sell corn. All corn is feed to cows. 125 We have a dairy farm % of corn goes to the cows. This year sold about 10 acres. 165 All corn fed to dairy cows. 170 Dairy Operation. Feeds all corn to cows. 328 We are a dairy farm. 60 milk cows and 60 heifers. Everything we do revolves around our cows. 343 Corn silage storage in solo. Noted that the farm income from growing corn was through feeding corn to livestock. 423 Dairy Farmer. For storage capacity noted "about 1/2 as silage" 435 Most of our corn acres are grown to feed our dairy cows and heifers. If phosphorus was more available to cattle my answers would be different, 534 Most of the corn we grow is used to feed our dairy herd. If there is a bumper crop we will market some. 553 All my income is from dairy and all my corn is consumed by my dairy cows. I would be very interested in HAP corn if it worked for dairy as well. 577 We are dairy farmers so the majority of our crop goes into silage and grain for the cows. 714 Dairy farmer. 776 This is a dairy farm and the corn grown here is used for corn silage with only excess being sold off farm. 2

3 Comments from Farmers Who Grow Corn for Their Own Use 27 I usually only grow 3 to 5 acres of corn. I'm thinking of growing 8 to 10 acres. I use most of my crop to feed chickens, birds and deer at home. Now I seed very little. I'm concerned about phoshorus run off and containment. 350 For the question asking the portion of corn sold for animal consumption the farmer noted "we feed ours." 412 I grow feed corn for beef cattle that I raise. Good luck. 560 Most likely a dairy or beef cattle operation because the farmer noted "I cut for silage" on the question concerning average corn yield. Also noted "I just grow for our own use" for the question asking the distance to market. 706 I don't sell my corn. I feed it all. 730 Most corn is used for silage. 747 I grow corn for my own use. Other Demographic Comments 16 Re: all unanswered questions. Approximately 100 acres of my farm are leased by another farmer. He makes all planting and harvesting decisions, so I am unable to provide this information. 152 Grow sweet corn. 362 For average yield and amount of storage wrote "20 tons corn silage." 469 Sells corn as silage. "Could you give more info on HAP corn. Rotated from two crop year wheat/soybean Going to corn in acre field 5 acre grass. Small beef operation. 12 head park British whites." 522 Farmer wrote "wet for silage" for the average yield question which indicates he is probably a dairy or beef cattle farmer. 544 I have beef cows. Would there be effect or benefit to cattle? 762 I'm not the grower on my farm and can't answer many questions. 3

4 Comments on GM Foods 70 Are GM foods safe for poultry? 106 I've been ready to use new technology (Bt RR, poncho etc.). I am convinced the agricultural community is aware of the importance of advancement in products to assist in saving the environment, health of people and animals, etc. I'm aware of profit motives of all (manufacturers, distributors, farmers, growers, processors). A tight rope w/ environmentalist ready to pounce on anyone and everyone usually too soon with little constructive solutions. 190 I plant NO corn or any other crop with genetic traits including RR soybeans. 209 Farmer's noted his knowledge of GM animal foods was "hear say" and checked "2" on a scale of 1 (no knowledge) to 5 (very familiar). 336 Preference for a GM or non-gm version of HAP corn depends on "yield data." 438 At this time, I'm really NOT in favor of modifying genes in plants and putting them in the food chain! We really don't know without more research how this could come around to bit us! As far as farming goes I think too many farmers are relying on these genes to make their farming easier! What they really need to do is manage better and learn how to farm! 515 I am indifferent [between a GM and non-gm version of HAP corn] unless there are restrictions on the marketing of GM HAP corn. 523 We don't plant and GMO crops on our farm. We are certified organic but we are concerned about phosphorus levels in our soil. 621 More likely to purchase a GM version of HAP corn "if there is no yield drag and incentive for segregation." 4

5 Comments on GM Labeling (Questions 2 and 3 of the ) 20 Do not support extra expense. 106 For labeling of foods with GM ingredients question selected "do not support" and wrote "cannot understand why." For the labeling of livestock and poultry products fed with GM crops question the respondent also selected "do not support" and wrote "why alarm people when (proof of negative) does not warrant." 508 GM labeling could have negative effect if the public is not well informed as to what GM food and feeds are. 534 I support only if consumers are well educated. If it will decrease sales of grain and meat I don't support it. Comments on Pollution 44 The Chesapeake is polluted mostly by raw sewage. 57 I took a soil test in the woods and the phosphorus level was higher than the fields. I feel the blame of phosphorus is being put on farmers too heavily. 96 Being a farmer for 52 years, I have to drink groundwater. So I ask you, why do you think that I want to mess it up. Thank you. 128 It's become obvious that much of the Bay's pollution is saddled on farmers' backs. I have arrived at this conclusion by listening to and asking questions at various meetings. Industry, be it boating, housing, residential lawn, paving or simply large sewage, needs to play a part. The bulk of the work needing to be done will always come from those with the least voice and money. 159 Our farm land was a dairy farm until High levels of phosphorus, a carry over from large amounts of manure remain in our soil. 192 I very strongly support less pollution in our water supplies, rivers, streams, etc. I personally feel these problems aren't addressed in the right areas. Industrial, government, & citizens should be held more accountable. The farm problem is an area with few voter numbers; thus we get the most scrutiny. My personal opinion is that we are certainly not the leading cause. 5

6 220 For the question on level of soil phosphorus on farm checked "an adequate level of phosphorus" but wrote "almost too much." I am concerned about pollution and how we might better utilize nutrients. I just got my second round of soil tests back from my nutrient management planner. No significant changes occurred especially in phosphorus levels and BMP's have been utilized. My question is and has been all along what is going to be done when it is realized that all this extra time and paperwork and tax money doesn't solve pollution. I am much more concerned about land prices so that farmers, especially young farmers, will have a future. 248 Pollution from phosphorus is politically motivated. 249 We need to handle our phosphorus better than we used to. It's already in place because of our nutrient management plans. There are hundreds of acres locally that have not received any poultry manure. Most of these farmers are buying commercial fertilizer. 257 I would like to do all that I can to help the environment but if the price of seed keeps rising along with fuel and other supplies, plus all new paper work and classes for pesticides and nutrient management at my age I just may stop farming. 267 I would imagine this relates to the pollution of the bay. I however do not believe farmers are the contributing factor of the pollution of the bay. They tried to blame fish kills on runoff, but as far as I know they have not done so. I believe they found it to be a bacteria or some sort of microbe, that by the time they test for the cause it has already gone undetectable. This survey is very important, however I do not grow enough corn to help out! I would imagine that more pollution comes from the large cities and suburbs. Who is surveying that? Is that worth a dollar? Thanks! 309 I already have low phosphorus levels on my farms because they have never had chicken manure on them. I spend a lot to maintain my phosphorus levels on my farms so I would not use a product that intentionally draws hard on that input. 331 I believe that farmers aren't a significant problem in pollution. We can't afford to pollute by over applying manure. It costs a lot of money to transfer and apply manure - it is not FREE! We have to apply manure for the nutrients but also as a way of dispose of it. Plus we have to try to show respect to our neighbors (a lot which have moved in from big cities and don't understand that we are working against time restraints and the weather). I believe that energies should be used to control and regulate sewage from cities and all the development that is taking place rather than trying to use farmers for a scapegoat since we are such a small portion of the voting population! 431 I don t think farmers are responsible for pollution. I've used chicken manure, cow, pig, and horse manure all my life. If farmers were responsible for problem all the ditches would have dead trees along the branches etc. I think development and other point are responsible. Farmers are doing no till and cover crops to help. 6

7 451 I agree nutrient management is important but I'm very sad that the farmer is the main target for polluting the bays and waterways. We are a small percentage so we are an EASY target. The real problem is with developments, Golf courses and states being allowed to dump raw sewage directly into waterways because they purchased a permit and a politician. If you want to correct the problem start with the government offices that allow any direct sewage or waste into our waterways, not the farmer that loves the land and is trying to exist. 472 Marinas and boats contribute to water pollution and air. 482 I hope this study accelerates the number of practices used to reduce "P" in the bays. 543 If there is a concern over high phosphorus levels think about people in urban suburbs that put 500 lb fertilizer on a small lawn. The government wants to know where every pound of fertilizer goes but what about these home owners. 580 I think they had better start looking at the fertilizer that is being applied to the yards that feed into the rivers and bay. Their water runs into the same streams and rivers that ours do. 594 Of the 1900 acres we till only 300 rate average to high in phosphorus. The rest rate low to medium. 617 Phosphorus comes from Florida mines, shipped to Midwest, sent here as corn feed for chickens, spread here for years, That s why the level is so high. Take phosphorus out of corn would be a start but will take 100 years or more to notice. Mother nature can heal herself but needs help! Thank you. 677 For the average level of soil phosphorus checked "too much phosphorus" and wrote "2006 soil samples showed ppm in 8 samples." 734 Continuous farming has been practical in Accomack, VA & sister county of Northampton for over 350 yrs. Because we have been a vegetable producing area, especially white potatoes; we might have used more P per acre than any other county in the entire United States. I know of no ground, surface or tidal water problem caused by agricultural phosphorus. For me in this area the ag P problem is a lie, but I welcome anyone to correct my opinion. 807 If you would like farmers to plant HAP corn make it free to farmers and paid for by environmentalists who think we don't do our share in taking care of the environment. Thanks 7

8 Comments on Market for Corn and Transportation s on market for corn and transportation (also see questions 8 and 14) 187 All corn goes to Perdue. 222 Are dealers ready to receive this corn at feed mills? 341 Corn is on contract and picked up at farm. 397 Most all my corn is sold to feed chickens. I would gladly take part in any testing if possible and not too much trouble as long as marketing and price remain good. 412 Noted none of corn is sold. 528 Noted he delivers corn to Bridgeville. Comments on Premium Required to Segregate Corn (Question 15 of the ) 37 No idea 38 Cost of segregation is not an issue, cost of length of storage is a bigger issue. 42 I'm too small. I only plant one variety per year. 63 I don't sell corn. Feed all to cows. 129 Do not grow enough to segregate. 269 Grow all corn. 313 Don't know. 397 Farmer selected "less than $0.10 per bushel" premium for segregation corn but noted "if return is equal." 422 No on farm storage. This survey is probably most suited to a grower with on farm storage. Thanks 490 Premium would be based on how "segregate" is defined. 515 All cost are not equal. There are hidden cost from cleaning trucks and combining bins to maybe not being able to totally fill a bin, to having to deliver at a specific time 524 or No location. storage. Needs to be enough volume for elevators to handle material. 8

9 Comments on the Conjoint Section (Question 16 of the ) 24-2 For profile 3 the farmer wrote "maybe 50%, chance of planting 100%" 41-2 For profile 1, 2, and 4 noted he would grow the amounts indicated "if possible without storage." 81-1 The reason I would only try a small amount is because I have no way of segregating at farm level. Only one tank at farm is used for corn, I would have to sell off farm at harvest which I do not normally do Depends on integrator acceptance I would probably wait a couple of years Farmer checked year two for all four profiles You are assuming that economics is the primary driving force? Also that the elevators readily accept this product? For profile 1,2 and 3 the farmer wrote "will see" for the third year HAP corn is available HAP corn can not be used in sweet corn For profile 1, "1st year see how others make out then small percent 2nd and 3rd year." For profile 2 wrote, "probably still a small percent." I farm organically therefore I would not plant GMO or HAP varieties Do not know enough information to answer these questions yet For profile 1 and 2 the farmer wrote "0 or 100% cannot afford to manage both." For profile 3 he wrote "not enough premium." Not large enough farmer for these questions For profile 1 the farmer wrote "if Roundup Ready." For profile 4 year 2 the farmer indicated he would grow 1% "to try it." #19 noted that it depends on yield data Let someone else try it! My largest concern and the reason I only want 50% on question 16 was b/c I don't know what effect HAP will have on use for ethanol All the above are assuming that my present market area would segregate the corn as received The farmer did not grow corn in 2006 but noted "growing half land in corn in 2007." 9

10 422-1 As in all above scenarios: depending on market conditions and realizing NO on farm storage We are very small so it would be all or nothing Have planted HAP before on 25 acres Don't want to be first but will not be the last Cost isn't everything. Environmental factors are a senior consideration For profile 1 and 4 wrote "yr 4 75% and yr 5 100%." For profile 1 noted "if nothing is lost or gained financially and it is better for the poultry companies and the environment then I might as well do it." Noted "breakeven" for profile 4 next to calculations For profile 1 wrote "why change without some advantage." I never commit to 100% of any variety on our acreage Section 16 is blank because I am a year or two from retirement and would not be interested in a new scheme I can't answer because by nature I tend to follow the lead of others and therefore would not plant HAP corn until I had seen others in my area plant it. Sorry! For profile 1 wrote "I would stay with my regular varieties." On profile 4 wrote "I would want to hear how other farmers are doing," Farmer wrote "N/A" for all profiles Since 2007 will be my last year of farming, I don't think answering questions about planting HAP corn after this year would be very helpful Given that we have no usable on farm storage, I do not feel that any of the scenarios you offer provide enough incentive to build a new drying and storage facility. If the demand for HAP were to expand to the point that poultry companies would segregate and store the crop on their own, and still pay a bonus, we would be interested in growing some, even with a small additional seed cost and/or a small yield drag Don't know enough to answer your survey. I'm old and very conservative. You'll have to convince me it's worth my while. (What's in it for me?) Have no interest in hauling corn a long distance. The concept is probably a good one, but I will wait to see how it goes first. Helping neighbor's spread chicken manure in March. I'm well aware of the phosphorus problem thus I support your concept!! 10

11 762-1 Can't give answer considering the importance. I'm not the grower on my farm and can't answer many questions. I'm very disposed to improving soil and water quality and open to change, but don't know of the total benefits of HAP or what it is exactly. I cannot make changes that the farmer here does not approve or wish to experiment with. I can make the financial sacrifice and am willing to; he may not be For profile 1 wrote "very cautious." Profile 3 and 4 wrote "I don't know these additives should be added to feed. I think we are getting too many additives to our feed's that are available." There is currently no additional cost per unit on seed corn with nutritional traits, at least in Mycogen Seeds hybrids. We do currently have as an offering in this type of trait High Oil Corn, which contains about 50% again the amount of oil in the seed, or on average 6.5% total oil in the seed. Mycogen is closely examining entries into the "highly available phosphorus" market. These nutritional traits are labeled as "Supercede." The questions lead us into a thought pattern that nutritional traits sacrifice yield. In reality, that is true. Our desire is to see "Supercede" traits introduced into hybrids known for higher yields. Currently Mycogen Seeds is using a series of hybrids that are known for characteristics other than yield; i.e. standability and plant health. What we have noticed is higher yielding hybrids tend to be ones that stalk-lodge or root lodge in strenuous situations, such as high winds and excessive rain. When we use hybrids with superior plant health and strong stalks and roots, we tend to sacrifice yields, however Only on farms that may benefit from the product. 11

12 Comments on HAP Concerning Profit, Premium, Yield Drag, and Segregation 8 The biggest concern of HAP has always been the yield drag. This must be corrected before HAP corn is even tried on a farmer scale. Also varieties and maturities must be suitable for this area. 20 "Follow the money!" HAP technology helps the integrator and environment, but don't just throw "crumbs" to the farmer for his participation! If a real profit center, then all will fall into place. Look at the success of Roundup Ready technology...there were real benefits to the operator...until Monsanto got greedy. 43 Always interested in investing to improve the farming industry and environment. But also need to be compensated to keep my interest in agriculture. 52 I would need to know more about yield and characteristics to make a judgment. (I don't have irrigation) 76 I would give up a little profit for the benefit of the environment. 82 With high price levels in corn, growers will be extremely sensitive to any factor contributing to yield reduction. 84 I would like to see HAP results over more than a 3 year period. 87 For first years of HAP use, premium must be somewhat greater than normal to offset limited market (one company?), limited delivery points, basic risk, and genetics risk (yield variability). 193 The problem I see with corn you have to keep it separated. My corn is carried too far for storage. 233 I think this is a great study but as a farmer yield is everything. Yield drag is usually associated with a modified gene in plants. 268 HAP corn is good but for farmers to grow it HAP has to be profitable. 280 My biggest concern w/ growing HAP corn would be my inability to segregate my corn as I store it. I have two 80,000 bushel tanks, and not a while lot of flexibility in separating types of corn. 288 I think that if HAP corn were comparable to current varieties, it would be very successful. A yield drag is probably the biggest downfall, so if you can overcome that, it would be a big help. 310 In my years of farming, all the specialty markets that have come along end up costing the farmer a big loss in income. About 98% of these markets fail, so we don't want to take chances with specialty markets until they are proven. 313 I don't like to plant corn with strings attached. 12

13 401 The chicken guys were not interested 4 or 5 years ago in a premium for HAP corn. Varieties change too fast now. The industry would not respond to placing genes in most varieties and chicken guys won't pay premium. 415 Major concern for HAP corn is yield and standability. 445 Without on farm storage segregation of corn is not a possibility. I have no problem growing HAP seed if it doesn't cost us extra money to do it. 463 I currently grow a food grade corn that must be segregated. That requires an entire bin and special consideration. Also freight is an issue. So, despite my $1/bu premium; moisture content, concerns of segregation, yield drag, and increased freight all sometimes make me question it's validity. 488 If MDE is willing to cost share cover crop, they should consider funds to cover the increase in seed cost for HAP corn. I think HAP corn will do as much or more for reducing nutrient runoff as the cover crop program. 576 One thing you did not address is where and how far you would have to take this modified Corn. This is a greater and greater expense for the farming sector. 588 I farm part-time & work for a poultry company as a feed mill grain manager. I think this would be a great win for the poultry companies and the environment If it doesn't hurt me as a farmer why not do it. Thanks. 610 If it pays we can play. 619 HAP corn sounds interesting but there needs to be a financial benefit to growing it that will make it worthwhile. 643 I only farm for a hobby. There are too many regulations and no money in it. 663 Will other markets, such as export, take HAP corn if processors are full and don't want my corn? Can I contract HAP corn on market? Will the processors build more storage for HAP corn or will they rely on the farmer to store it for them? 697 Concerned about locations to market product unless everyone grows HAP corn. Will all elevators accept and how will elevators separate? 791 Would only grow HAP corn if I did not have to store it on-farm. 13

14 Comments on Knowledge or Skipping Questions 98 Sorry, but I don't know much about the subject. 122 Due to the small number of acres, part of the questions were not answered 377 Unanswered questions are due to lack of certain knowledge. 633 Could not answer 6a and 6b, because had no knowledge of. Many other questions I had very limited knowledge of. 753 Very small and alternate with soybeans on small acreage. 769 Never heard of HAP corn. 775 Before asking HAP corn questions define and explain what it is. 792 Don't know much about this program. 811 My farm is in a very small way. I pay to have farming done and have paid little attention to details. However, I am interested in learning and do want what is best for the environment, products and life. Comments on Compensation for Participation in 5 Send at least $5. Thank you. P.S. Some surveys have sent $ Thanks for the George Washington! 266 Did not complete the survey but noted "I am returning the $1.00." 296 You didn't really have to include the dollar but it was a great attention getter. Thanks 535 One dollar? Farmer's just aren't supposed to make any money. "A way of life." 655 Thank you. 806 Thanks for the gift of $1. It will go into my daughter's savings for future education. 14

15 Encouragement from Farmers 46 Good luck with your research! 106 All the best to Dr. Bernard and Amy Parish. 209 You drive some of us to the dictionary - smile 322 Good luck. This looks like something that will really be helpful to everybody. 371 Public perception is a great thing. I worry a lot of wonderful science gets a bad wrap from Joe public. Thank you and keep up the good work whatever I can do to help. 547 Thanks for your study. We are going to need all the help we can get with Ag. In the next few years. 580 Thank you. I think that HAP corn is a very good idea. 599 I sincerely hope my survey is a help in achieving your goal. 619 Good luck with your project. 659 This is a good project. The more knowledge/informed we are, the more likely the support for HAP corn will be. If there are grants available o reduce risks I would be very interested. I am retired and have a love for agriculture. 731 Good luck with your survey and may there be positive results! Thanks Miscellaneous Farmer Comments 29 This will be my first year to use chicken manure so my phosphorus level is not a problem. If it becomes a problem, I would be more interested in HAP corn was the first year I didn't grow corn. I had too much damage from deer and I don't feel right now I will grow any in This is no joke. If you could put an anti-deer trait in corn, it would be well accepted and I might grow corn again. Also a trait in corn to grow its own nitrogen like alfalfa does would be nice. 80 Rotate between corn and beans alternating years. Nutrient runoff is not an issue doe to soil type and conservation practices. 97 If majority of corn becomes used for alternative fuels, what is the advantage of all these added traits? Any corn will ferment and make alcohol! 100 Check out vista beans. 15

16 142 Last issue of progressive farm magazine Good article about toxic coco hulls used for litter in poultry houses. Phosphorus content very high. 179 I didn't grow corn in 2006 because my nutrient management plan would not allow the use of poultry manure. (I rent 2/3 of my acreage.) I am planning to plant 10 acres of corn this year. (I would not have to segregate.) 302 Except for 2006, we have lost money growing corn for many years. 401 I seed Pioneer seed. 432 My main crop is fresh sweet corn. Use field corn for rotation. 447 Too small operation to be much help. Thanks 460 Go terps! was our 3rd best corn yield. Normal yield 105 bu/acre. 522 I do not grow enough corn to trouble with HAP. Sorry 528 Grow waxie corn for Staley Morrisville, PA % male 598 I also tend to 350 acres of corn in MD years old. Probably will rent our farms to someone else in the near future. I'm a poor selection. 634 I am 65 years old. I hope to discontinue farming at age 71. I milking cows from '59 to '03 and have grain farmed the last 3 years. We conventional till our corn and beans; And average about 160 bushels per acre. We grow both Pioneer are DeKalb at 25,000 pop per acre. Our beans average 45 to 60 early and 30 to 37 for late; depending on timely rains. Thank you. 683 Only planted beans in Also raises chicken which is a large part of his farm income. 817 Only grow corn seed with Poncho added. I farmed for many years a farm that was owned by a retired poultry farmer. It was in the late 80s to early 90s and had soil tests done and the phosphorus couldn't be measured. It was that high. I was advised for years by the professionals that it didn't leach or move by runoff. Then a problem arose with nutrients and all farms and farmers have to pay for farm management. Then new technology comes from our farm technology from the past like Roundup Ready products and farmers have to pay extra for new technology from our own work. Same as the poultry industry. These companies don't want to "pay" for their own waste. If farmers don't have poultry on their farms then the poultry growers want more for the manure than what it's worth. Farmers usually receive on the job training and expect to help others with knowledge and education. So my question is who pays! 838 Sorry this is late. 16