Imagine being on the TV reality show Shark Tank. You are there asking for $5,000,000 of venture capital. Immediately after you make the request, Mark Cuban asks, "How are you going to spend the money?” You respond, “I really don’t know. I will probably keep doing what I have been doing, but only work harder; do more of the same.” It is at that point Mark Cuban’s head explodes and in unison with every other Shark Tank investor, he says “I’m out!” And who could blame them. I don’t know anyone that would invest their money into a business …
Sediment – how far is too far?
How far is too far? As a grandpa, this is a subject of great concern. The distance an ornery grandson can travel in just a few seconds is amazing. Sometimes this distance really matters and sometimes it doesn’t. In a busy parking lot, yes, it really matters. In an empty field, it probably doesn’t much matter. But as a responsible Grandpa, I better know how far is too far for the different situations or I will have to deal with the consequences.Likewise, how far is too far for soil to move in the erosion process? Well I guess that depends …
Top 5 Scary Conservation Math Facts
Do you dread the 5 words “just do the math” like I do? As a high school student, I hated those words. Let’s just say I was mathematically challenged. Yes me, mathematically challenged! As proof, I will let you in on a little secret. I ended my first quarter in Algebra II with an F. (Fortunately, I still learned enough to do simple algebra.)If you haven’t done the math on conservation, I encourage you to do so. I will tell you it is scary, really scary.Here are my Top 5 Scary Math Facts for Conservation.5. Current Funding Levels Aren't …
The Conservation Cop
Last month, I attended a conference where the topic of “more regulations in agriculture” was a reoccurring theme. Sitting in the audience, I began to notice my hands were getting sweaty and I started to feel anxious. It took me awhile to realize I was having a flashback to events that occurred years ago. I was recalling those days when I was responsible for enforcing “Conservation Compliance”.For those of you who think the front line of environmental enforcement is a cakewalk, think again! Certainly, a few of my colleagues reveled in the power, …
More Regulations
It’s about time! Everyone knows that increased regulation always solves the problem. ~ quote penned by Tim Eshleman, sarcastic brother-in-law.Recently I wrote a post that encouraged ag retailers to assist farmers with future regulations. Since then, I have been asked for my opinion several times on regulating agricultural pollution. As I ponder this question, I find the answer is complicated. First, let me go on record by saying that I absolutely believe farmers need to reduce soil erosion and improve water quality. The science is crystal …
Ag’s Impossible To-do List
Have you ever felt like you're responsible for completing an impossible to-do list? Who hasn't, right?I can vividly remember one day earlier this year when I attempted to type a list of all of the things (both personally and professionally) that I wanted to accomplish every day. I still have the list... it has 15 items. As a number, 15 doesn't really seem like that many. But, these weren't everyday obvious things. The words on my list weren't brush teeth, pay bills, empty Inbox, or feed kids. Next to each check box were phrases like learn …