Can Agriculture Feed 9 Billion People?

A report out of the University of Nebraska questions assumptions when we project future crop yields.  When I look at the National Corn Growers Yield Contest winners, I am optimistic.  these guys are pushing the envelope and showing us how to produce more per acre.  The Illinois Soybean growers are also encouraging growers to take the yield challenge.  2012 results (the latest available)  were excellent considering dry weather. In addition to making growing more in our own country, some effort needs to be focused on helping small farmers around the world produce more with what they have.  Call it local production goes global.  Just because agriculture is low input and low tech does not mean that there is not room for improvement in soil erosion control and water management for example.