From the reading in Paarlberg, I agree it is true that all forms of agriculture damage the environment, but I definitely side with the agricultural scientists believing we should use high-yield crops and the newest technology so we can get the most out of the land and cause the least amount of damage possible. By using the precision agriculture techniques, the rest of the land can be restored to or kept in its natural state that is not needed any longer due to the high yields produced from precision agriculture. I know we use way too many pesticides that damage the environment, but hopefully with more research we can produce seeds that will require less pesticide use. I found it interesting that agriculture is left out of the cap and trade system for greenhouse gas emissions.

I also found it interesting that today when we met with the Iowa Environmental  Council that they have voluntary suggestions and narratives as well. I feel like they should advertise stronger the negative effects of what the farmers are doing to the water and spread the word to change. Once they begin this, they should over time change the policies from voluntary ones to mandated compliance so change will actually occur. They are right that they need to go for the generation that is up and coming because I cannot see the older farmers changing their ways. Another attempt to make change is through the public. Since the people claimed that they wanted transparent water from the surveys then I believe they should be involved in the efforts to make that change. The public makes up the communities here in Iowa, and if its wants to make change then it should put in efforts to making it happen. If the community is involved, there is awareness and change will happen, especially if there are policies with teeth in them.