Thank a Farmer

WARNING: SOAPBOX ISSUE

I watch the Georgia Farm Monitor each week - this is a show produced by the Georgia Farm Bureau and for me, it is a way to stay connected to home, learn new things about my home state, and learn more about agriculture.  Obviously having a grandfather that farmed and having my other grandparents live beside a massive dairy growing up, I have a significant appreciation for farming and farmers. 

I also understand that unlike most of us, farmers (and ranchers, dairymen, etc) put everything on the line and are at the mercy of really one thing - the weather.  Something they have no control over - bad weather can mean no crop, which basically means no money.  Think about that for a minute.  Sure, USDA offers crop insurance but keep in mind - that isn't a given - each year cuts are discussed for it (and yes, I am sure some people cheat the system, but not everyone).  And there are other factors, but more and more it comes back to the weather.  Then toss in increase in gas prices which is required to operate the equipment that is required to plant and harvest crops or feed the cattle or deliver the milk...then all these new EPA regulations on everything from pollution (yes cows produce methane, yes it is considered a pollutant that some have tried to regulate - so please tell me where to get my milk or beef if cows are now regulated for the bodily functions) to medications.  Now I understand we have got to regulate things, but when those that grow our food can no longer operate because of cost, we have a problem.  Get beyond food - what about cotton?  Are we going to become completely dependent on other countries to grow one of the most basic, most commonly used fibers??

Anyway - back off the regulation issues - back to the life of a farmer.  I can't say it any better than to share a real life story.  I encourage you to watch this video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMSFN8FFRXQ&feature=channel_video_title).  A childhood friend (honestly she was born 5 days after me at the same hospital - we have been friends since we met in the hospital nursery) and her husband have been selected as a finalist for a Farm Bureau award.  If selected, they win a trip to Hawaii.  After you watch this, I think you will agree with me - they deserve this trip - they need a break.  Even Andrew said, "my hours aren't as bad as the hours they put in each day, and they don't even know if they will break even."

I say all of this for one reason - to ask you to Thank a Farmer.  To all of my young friends that are continuing on the tradition and for those in my family still keeping up the cows, thank you. 

And I leave with my the prayer my parents taught MB and I, "Thank you, God, for bread and milk and other things so good.  Thank you, God, for those who grow and cook our food. Amen."