I agree with you Kenny and sympathize as I watch the farm families I've served for 25 years grow frustrated at the mounting challenges to farming that seem to have little to do with growing crops. Many have a younger generation that want nothing to do with farming, for the reasons you cite. I'm concerned that our farm culture may be diminishing at a time when our need to preserve it may be at it's greatest.
Bill Shoemaker, Sr Research Specialist, Food Crops University of Illinois - St Charles Horticulture Research Center www.nres.uiuc.edu/faculty/directory/shoemaker_wh.html I was talking more of a general perception of the farmer and farming in general. I would have liked to have heard the discussion in the late 50's as we in the United States basically regulated the exploration for new oil field's to nothing. There was plenty of oil in third world countries ( most of which were our allies ) and the production would greatly spur the development of their economies. It did not take long to find that as a net importer of oil we could be shut-off from supply and would pay what we had to for the product ( The road use tax on a gallon of gas is now more than the price was in 72). I worry that we are letting the same thing happen with our food production. At most of the grower meetings that I attend at 48 I am one of the youngest persons there. I only hope that we in this country do not let a generation of growers move away from the farm because of poor returns, long hours of hard work and most especially the growing regulation imposed upon us by groups of well meaning but short-sighted groups that have the time to complain to the government until it is easier to pass the wanted regulation than listen to them anymore. The volumes of paperwork has increased 100% or more in the last 20 years. I will be the first to state that there has been and still are a small group of growers who cause most of these problems and as an industry we would be better served without them. In my area we have tried to become more proactive in identifying possible problems whether it be environmental, the way labor is treated, or how our farming operation effect our neighbors. Our goal is " Do no harm to others" and when someone stops trying to meet this goal then help them to remember the alternatives. Farming is a wonderful live style a way to make a living for those who are born with it in their blood. For the other people I can only feel sorry for them. We finished pruning today and its not to far to the golf course, because it will be in the 70's today and we sprayed peach last Monday and it looks like apples will need to be spray on Monday. May all you crops be plentiful and the demand for them strong. I hope this is a saying that is positive " may you die in Ireland". with much respect, Kenny Barnwell ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at AOL.com.
