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African ag connection
Capitalizing on the U.S. free trade policies and its Millennium Challenge benefits to the Leon and Chinandega area, the Nicaraguan farmers purchased over $500,000 worth of tractors, peanut combines, grain combines and other farming equipment. Approximately $170,000 was spent at an auction in Headland, Ala. The remaining equipment was purchased from farmers in South Georgia who are upgrading equipment and welcomed the opportunity to get a premium price on their used equipment. "They're growing. When the group first came they wanted two-row peanut equipment, stuff we used in the 60s and 70s," stated Jim Carver, Progressive Ag-Co president. "Today the Nicaraguans are buying the same six-row peanut equipment that South Georgians are using." Since first being contacted in 2003, Progressive Ag- Co has been hosting delegations from the region each year. The Nicaraguans contacted Progressive after they had completed a feasibility study in Kenya, East Africa, funded by the U.S. Trade and Development Agency. The Nicaraguans' visits to Georgia farms include onsite demonstrations, instructions on equipment maintenance, consultation on soil preparation, planting, cultivation and harvesting. "We've flattened the curve between what we've learned and what they've learned," Carver explained. "They share information on such issues as how to save on production cost. Fuel (diesel) is the single largest expense for the Nicaraguans." This year the group is focusing on ways to reduce fuel consumption. The group is learning better ways to work the land and people. For example, they've learned fuel can be saved by running four big tractors instead of 20 small tractors.
"The group is quickly closing the gap in their production methods and the ones we use," Carver stated.
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