Hi, I’m Zack. I just finished my last full semester at State College this past fall; I actually lived in a tent the whole semester on a local dairy farm because it sounded like a good time. Currently, I am living at home in Waterford, PA finishing up two online courses in order to graduate with a Plant Science degree in May. Also, I am working full time this semester. I grew up on a large farm, and I plan to work in the agriculture industry and get some experience before I take over my family’s farm. This geography class interests me because reconciling large scale agriculture and sustainability is a personal goal of mine. Other than that, I’ve been very lucky to travel extensively and I get excited at any opportunity to learn something about the world!
I think a geographical issue that is very important to me is going to be food production. I am a big proponent of large scale agriculture, but there are many problems that need to be fixed in order for complete sustainability. Geography will be very relevant do to the varied landscapes and changing climate. Feeding the world does not mean just producing more food, but creating stable production and distribution to places that actually need the food.
Hi Zack!
My name is Sebastian Hollabaugh, my blog post is located here; https://wp.me/p3RCAy-aWh
I was very interested when you said you lived in a tent, that must have been a very exciting time for you. I’m assuming you utilized campus computers, showers, etc. often. It actually doesn’t seem like a bad idea, and I bet you saved a lot of money on rent and utility expenses. I’m sure the nights were cold though, so I can’t even imagine how difficult it must have been. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this course as much as I think I will, and good luck with your family’s farm!
Hi Zack!
I’m Teresa, a Junior from the World Campus location (more about me here: https://wp.me/p3RCAy-aWg). While I’m not in the agricultural industry myself (far from it actually), I too am interested in food production. I remember my class last semester (GEOG 430) had talked about food production/distribution, and how much food is wasted. In the class we were assigned to watch a TEDxTalk about food production and as it turns out, around 40% of the United States food supply isn’t even eaten at all. According to the video, a lot of the problem lies in human ignorance and how “pretty” the produce appears; it is quite sad really. I personally believe that distribution is the problem, but I definitely agree on your point that we must adapt our food growing processes to the ever-changing environment. I’d be interested in any ideas you have on how to do that.
Here is the link to the TEDxTalk should you wish to watch it: (more about me here: https://wp.me/p3RCAy-aWg)
Hey Zack, my name is Wesley Phipps. The whole living in a tent for an entire semester really caught my eye, I bet that was a little difficult, but also very cheap. i think its super cool you want to take over your families farm. I spent quite a few long days helping a farming in the state college area bail and stack straw this summer which is to be honest not very fun. Anyways here is a link to my post
http://geog030.dutton.psu.edu/2016/01/20/42042/