Ben Potter

Ben Potter writes about the many new on-farm technologies that make farmers better, faster, more efficient and more profitable. He has more than 9 years of experience writing for a cotton publication and an advertising agency serving agribusiness clients. This helped him build a strong foundation of agronomic and crop-protection knowledge for corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton, rice, peanuts and a variety of specialty crops. Ben attended both the University of Missouri (journalism) and the University of Memphis (technical writing). Ben’s grandparents were corn and soybean farmers, and his father was a soil scientist with the USDA. Away from work, Ben keeps busy with a broad range of activities, whether it’s long-distance running, growing habanero peppers or spending quality time with his wife and two daughters.

Latest Stories
Yogurt-maker Dannon catches heat for new GMO policy
Cover crops can be a wonderful addition to a farming operation, according to Randy McElroy, technology development representative with Monsanto. They do require some extra planning – starting with a different timetable than some farmers may be used to dealing with.
More than a decade ago, retail titan Walmart announced three long-term goals – it wanted to run on 100% renewable energy, create zero waste and sell products that sustain resources and the environment. Here’s how U.S. rice producers could benefit.
Many farmers are still interested in learning more about how to fold this production practice into their operation – and more importantly, how to do so mistake-free. A new mobile-friendly publication series from Purdue Extension hopes to put some of these worries to rest.
As more and more farmers turn to cover crops, they want to know if there are benefits beyond improved soil health and conservation. Are improved yields also in store?
A new study reveals that conservation practices such as cover crops and no-till are catching on in Iowa.
As cover crops continue to gain popularity among farmers, Soil Health Partnership (an initiative of the National Corn Growers Association) is doubling down on talking about the practice’s many potential benefits.
There was a time when once grain left the farm gate, little was thought about where it went. Those days are disappearing quickly.
Ever since the late 1940s, agricultural output has grown slowly but steadily at an average annual rate of about 1.5%, while input usage has only increased by about 0.05% per year during the same time period. Mapped out over seven decades, those changes have really added up.
A new initiative, Prepared for Environmental Change, is the latest project funded through Indiana University’s Grand Challenges Program. IU plans to invest $55 million to develop actionable solutions for Indiana farmers, communities, businesses and individuals.