How do farmers, futures traders, scientists and policy makers forecast production? Forecasters of Farming looks at the history, art and science of predicting agricultural production using space technology and climate modeling. Producer Dave Harries (reluctantly) visits the Mondovi Vineyards in California where growers are operating what plant and soil scientist John Norman at University of Wisconsin calls precision farming: using meteorology and agriculture tools to get the wine just right. Orion Samuelson, host of the U.S. Farm Report on WGN in Chicago tells us about modern farmers’ need for accurate and immediate data. And we visit the futures floor of the Chicago Board of Trade where meteorology meets fear and greed. Cynthia Rozensweig, a climatologist at NASA’s Goddard Institute, shows us how far we’ve come since farmers looked at constellations for guidance. Rozensweig uses satellite data to fine tune global climate models and works to predict worldwide crop yield.

The Soundprint documentary series features the best work of top radio producers. The award winning documentaries are renowned for drawing the listener into the story with compelling interviews, authentic voices and rich sound. From memoirs to science, health and popular culture, Soundprint creates a powerful experience the listener will not soon forget. “Forecasters of Farming” is part of a Soundprint mini-series called Exploring Space Science, supported in part by the National Science Foundation. Here are some other documentaries in the series:

"The Enigma Force" Produced by: Judith Kampfner

"Getting Your Bearings' Produced by Judith Kampfner

"Health Over the Horizon" Produced by Judith Kampfner

"The Human Clock" Produced by Judith Kampfner

Soundprint Executive Producer: Moira Rankin

Technical Director: Anna Maria de Freitas

Managing Producer: Gemma Hooley

Science Editors: John Baker and Robert Smith

Audio Engineer: David Wetzel

Production Assistant: Dave Kelly