Darned if they do... darned if they don't. How are farmers to reconcile increasing energy and food needs with activist criticism?
December 9, 2009 column from the Star Beacon and Gazette by John Parker
We have a real dilemma in this country and it can impact farmers and consumers right here in Ashtabula County and all of Ohio. On one hand we have the big city media and a few others that are very critical of today's family farms that produce the abundance we enjoy. They try to say that our modern agriculture is producing food that isn't healthy and is not good for us.
Then there are the other activist groups that don't want us to eat or use in any way animal products. They claim that meat, milk, eggs and other high protein, healthy foods should not be a part of our diets.
Looking at the other side of the dilemma, we are using a fair amount of corn to produce ethanol which replaces imported oil. So there are media and consumer activists that are now saying we are taking food away from those that need it to produce fuel. It's the "food or fuel" debate that has gone on for some time.
With the current low food prices and apparent bountiful supply, should consumers take an interest in area harvests?
December 2, 2009 column from the Star Beacon and Gazette by John Parker
You live in town on a small plot of land and you usually go to the store to buy your weekly supply of groceries. You find all kinds of excellent food items on the shelves and in the coolers, so your big decision is what kind to buy or what brand is best. You don't have to worry that the shelves are empty and you won't be able to buy enough to feed your family.
With all these choices and an abundant supply of things to buy, why should you be interested in the corn and soybean harvest in our area? Or across the nation? Let’s take a look at that question.
While a bit later than usual, corn harvest in our area has moved along fairly well. Wet October weather caused delays in maturing the crop and muddy fields for harvest. Then some nice November weather allowed farmers to get into the fields to harvest their crop, along with the rest of their soybeans.
Thank you to everyone that helped - whether you put a sign up in your yard, wrote a letter to the editor, spoke to a civic group or just passing the message on to your friends and family - every single person was vital to the success of this campaign.
In HSUS's concession press release last night they did say that they were pursing a ballot measure similar to California's Issue 2 in 2010, so our battle will continue but take a moment to enjoy this victory.
I am providing a link to the campaign statement below. Also below is a link to an ABN Radio interview with Jack Fisher that covers what we accomplished and the next steps in this effort to maintain livestock as a viable industry in Ohio. We know more work is to come. Today I want you to enjoy the passage of Issue 2. Congratulations on a job well done.
Local dairy farmers are suffering from the current low milk price crisis.
November 4, 2009 column from the Star Beacon and Gazette by John Parker
Got Milk? We hope so but with the current low milk price crisis on dairy farms, we may lose some of our hard-working dairy farm families. It is a sad and heart-breaking way by being forced out of business because low milk prices they have been receiving just won't keep the farm going.
Locally dairy farming is still an important part of the economy of Ashtabula County. Latest figures show cash receipts from dairy and milk at about $18 million annually. That means a contribution of $54 to $90 million a year depending on which multiplier is used.
So every dairy farm forced out of business because of low prices affects all of us. More importantly is the emotional impact on the families involved. Most of them are in the dairy business because the enjoy working with their animals and like the way of life on the farm. But if they can't make a reasonable profit that allows them a decent family living and pay the bills, they have no choice.
Featured Aug. 12, 2010 Issue: Farmers taking action to help long-troubled Grand Lake St. Marys, Agreement doesn't get rubber stamp from livestock board, Remembering Debbie Porteus, Bob Evans, OFBF invest in youth with hog purchase, Stalled trade deals could lead to loss of market share, and more.
Featured 07/15/10 Issue: The Agreement, Our Take: Livestock Care Board integrity worth protecting, Farmers engage on water issues, Conklin cleared of animal abuse, OFBF members consider policies to deal with budget gaps, and more.
Featured 06/10/10 issue: Hunters, farmers face a shared threat, OFBF condemns abuse, stands up for Ohio farmers, I am Farm Bureau finalists announced, Livestock care board wraps up listening sessions, More conservation funding opportunities available through NRCS programs, and more.
Ohio Farm Bureau District Office for Ashtabula, Geauga, Lake and Trumbull Counties, Ohio
53-B E. Main Street Orwell, OH 44076 (440) 437-8700
