Editor, Times-Union:
When you drive down the road and see and see fields of corn what do you think? Have you ever considered the economic development that each acre of corn supports?
Every acre supports the local parts store, the repair shop, the machinery dealerships, irrigation and tile companies, grain elevators, crop insurance and crop nutrition companies, and local lenders. This isn’t a complete list. Farmers support our local economy.
Agriculture is the industry that tackles food insecurity. Do you realize the struggles of the children in our local schools? Have you asked the food pantries how many families they assist?
The 554 acres of land that could be taken out of production can yield a significant amount of corn. On average, 1 acre yields 200 bushels of corn. In one year, that same acreage could yield nearly 110,800 bushels of corn. If the life expectancy of a data center is 20 years, the land it might occupy could yield 2.2 million bushels of corn.
What does corn or soybeans have to do with food insecurity? Grain can be turned into groceries because it feeds beef and dairy animals, chickens, and pigs. They supply the hamburgers, milk, pork chops, and chicken families put on their tables.
According to Indiana Farm Bureau and the Indiana Census, the average size of an Indiana farm is 272 acres. On average, each farm of that size feeds 169 people each year. That means 544 acres could feed 338 people. Over a period of 20 years that is 6,760 people. Keep in mind that number only talks about feeding people. There are additional diversified product benefits as well.
Grains can be turned into the fuel that powers cars or airplane. And, grain can be processed into other products like plastics and clothing.
Data Centers supply a service. It is a valuable service. Their life expectancy is 10 to 20 years. After data centers leave, what will we have? On the other hand, farmland is renewable and sustainable. Its aim is to continue to feed people just like it has since it was created. There is no life expectancy … unless it is taken away.
What is the most important industry for future generations? One that is temporary, or renewable farmland?
At what point will we have more industry than farmland? Can data storage feed hungry people?
At what point do we become a county that cannot provide enough food?
The proposed I-3 spot zoning in the middle of prime farmland would take away irreplaceable land, chip away at the income of our local business, and stop progress toward ending food insecurity.
The Area Plan Commission voted unanimously against the proposed spot zoning. However, the fight is not over. The next step is the 9 a.m. April 22 commissioners meeting. Three people have a decision that will impact the life of our county.
Contact our commissioners. Ask them to vote with the APC and against the I-3 spot zoning proposal.
Gabe Ayers
Warsaw, via email