For some “down” time, I sometimes like to hit the “Random Post” link on my blog. It’s always fun to see what we were doing on that particular random day. If someone is with me, I like to reread the posting to them to spark a memory of where we were and what we were doing. Sort of like playing a game. This particular posting is one I feel could be thought of on a daily basis and wanted to share the game with you, my readers:
I’ve been trying to keep up with the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance Facebook page www.facebook.com/USFarmersandRanchers. However, every time I visit to see what’s being talked about, I just get mad!
The following is MY opinion and MY opinion, only!
Why does it make me mad? Because there are a few people and a few anti-ag groups who speak up and, in turn, quiet the voices who SHOULD be talking – the farmer and the rancher. The farmer/rancher’s responses to the questions about food and animal production are oftentimes met with criticism and name calling. Once in a while, there will be enough positive ag comments from the farmer/rancher group the confidence level reveals the truth.
So, this is what scares me. These food activists and anti-Ag groups will be the ones that will be heard by our congressional leaders. In turn, the governmental agencies who are there to “protect” us will make rules and regulations from behind their desks which will affect all agricultural businesses. We’re already seeing it with the EPA, the USDA and even the DOT. The American producer and supportive businesses simply will not be able to continue to abide by all of the ridiculous rules created by people who lack common sense.
The food activists will yell and scream that farmers are growing and selling unsafe food products, raising their animals in cruel ways, creating more dust than should be breathed, receiving more subsidies than they are entitled to, etc., etc. Do these people not realize that by generalizing all farmers/ranchers into one mold and making unfair accusations they are slowly digging a hole that really shouldn’t be dug? When the backbone of this country is forced from the farm and the ranch, we will be forced to look for our food elsewhere. We will be forced to import more of our food, leaving the safety issues behind. Will we really know how our food has been grown, fertilized, or harvested? We will be at the mercy of an unknown link in our food supply that could be dangerous to our country! When it reaches that point, those anti-Ag people will have created a monster too large to be stopped – the farmer/rancher will no longer be there to put the food on our tables.
What farmer/rancher really wants to grow unsafe food? damage the land that’s been in their family for five generations? abuse animals? The farmers/ranchers I know are in love with the land and their animals. Why would they do anything that would jeopardize their way of life and the lifestyle they love? The farmers/ranchers I know take care of what they have and do it in a way that most Americans don’t understand. How many other businesses do you know put in 12-15 hours (or longer) per day, seven days a week? Get up every two hours to check for new baby calves and bring them in the house if they need warmed? Suffer from drought, lose everything and continue the process all over again in HOPE of a good crop next year? The average American would NOT put their lives on the roulette table and risk everything like the farmer does.
I wish these food activists and anti-Ag groups would make an effort to visit more farms and ranches before they make such untrue and ridiculous accusations! I wish they would think about how their food gets to the grocery store shelves and eventually their tables before it’s too late. There are quite a few agricultural groups supporting the farmer/rancher who are trying to educate the American public. Unfortunately, I think they’re preaching to the choir! We’ve all got a story to tell and I challenge you to start telling that story! Don’t be afraid of the ones criticizing agriculture – speak up now and make them aware of the truth before it’s too late!
Here are a few links that are interesting to me:
http://nebraskafarmer.com/story.aspx?s=54218&c=9
http://www.findourcommonground.com/
Good for you, stand from the rafters, shout from the roof tops and take the “bull by the horns”, sorry couldn’t resist. Like you said, we all need to stop preaching to the choir. I think you are the one to approach the mass media and actually get something done.
Well…I don’t know if I could get the media to actually listen to me, but maybe someone will. 🙂 Thanks for your vote of confidence, though, Dawn!
Farmers and Ranchers are about the only industry that does not control the level of production (affects of uncontrollable weather, pests, etc.) or control the prices of commodities they sell. I say this is the reason most farmers turn to faith to carry them through the difficult times.
I think it’s because of their faith they should be viewed a little less harshly! Can you imagine not having that faith to get you through the tough times? I can’t!
I agree! Something really does need done about educating the US, espicially those who think they know best but really have no clue what they are talking about! Just to show how uneducated our country really is, a classmate said she hates farmers. A friend of mine, who is a farmer, and myself quizzed her why. And according to her we don’t need farmers. I asked if she liked to eat and she said yes, of course. I replied that what she eats is grown by a farmer/rancher. She replied that pizza isn’t grown by farmers. I anwsered by saying no, not a whole pizza but all the ingredients are, wheat is made into flour which makes the crust, farmers grow tomatoes, cheese comes from dairy cattle, which are fed by the gain farmers grow, and so fourth with the meat. It is just reducilious! Some people really believe the grocery store makes food. It’s kinda sad really.
Ethan…GOOD FOR YOU! Can you believe there really are people who believe this?? That surprises me coming from someone with rural surroundings! If that’s happening in Hooker, OK, can you imagine what they must believe in New York City or LA? Unfortunately, there are people out there who would love to shut the farming/ranching industry down and sometimes, I have to wonder what the people in DC are thinking with the regs they come up with. They don’t know. It’s as simple as that. It’s pretty bad when going to DC and talking to staffers in the offices of our Senators/Reps and when asked if they know what a combine is and their answer is no. Really?
Keep educating, Ethan! Keep telling those people who don’t understand where their bread comes from that it starts right here at home!
Well said, Tracy! The problem is trying to figure out how to not ‘preach to the choir’. In North Dakota there is a measure to be voted on this election day addressing cruelty to dogs, cats and horses. It pulls everyone’s heartstrings, but what the general public doesn’t get is that is this is a sneaky way in to control our ranchers. I know don’t know any real cattlemen who would mistreat an animal in their care. Okay, I’ll get off my soapbox. I’m preaching to the choir!
Yes you are!! If those anti-Ag groups, especially HSUS understood how much a farmer loves his animals and the land they wouldn’t have an agenda to push. I hope for ND’s sake, the truth is told and people truly pay attention! You’ll have to let me know how it goes!