Illinois corn farmer hosts 360º show and tell

Since consumers are more interested than ever in what really happens on today’s farms, Illinois corn farmer Justin Durdan decided to “show and tell” 360º style.  In a series of pioneering videos, Durdan spent 2016 offering consumers a personal, panoramic view of the season-long action on his family’s corn and soybean farm in LaSalle County.

The Illinois Corn Marketing Board’s series covers all four farming seasons – planning, planting, growing and harvesting.  The videos also feature a Chicago-area radio personality and self-described “city girl” who questions Durdan about current farming practices and technologies.

“We know consumers have questions about farming,” Durdan said. “The goal with these videos is to answer those questions and let consumers see for themselves what we do on our farm.”

The video series includes Durdan showing the agricultural technologies he uses during each season – and how they help him be a good steward of the land. Durdan, who is the fifth generation to farm his family’s land in Streator, believes it’s important to give consumers an honest look at advanced ag technologies.

“As farmers, we understand the sustainability benefits of today’s farm technologies – growing more food on less land with fewer pesticides – but consumers likely don’t,” Durdan said. “We need to keep sharing our story and explaining what we do and why.”