Whether
you are exhibiting your prize Angus heifer or interviewing for your State 4-H
Round Up presentation, you get asked the same question… “what do you feel is
impacting agriculture the most today?” My answer is always, public perception.
That answer is the reason I am pursuing an animal science degree with a minor
in journalism and electronic media. I like to start with some general facts, 98% of farms are family owned/operated
and have been for generations The average American is 3 generations removed
from the farm and less than 1% has a farming background. Hmmm… now how am I
supposed to tell the story of farming to someone who has no idea what a farm
looks like or even smells like! (Yes, farms have a smell just as cities have a
smell). As farmers and food producers we are challenged every day to feed a
growing world. It is estimated that by 2050 the world’s population is going to
double, that is 9 BILLION people! That’s
adding a city the size of Philadelphia WEEKLY… Yeah, let that stew a
minute. Now, most people would say that’s
36 years from now, no problem! Well, as farmers we look at it “that’s only
36 growing seasons and 36 calving seasons. That’s not including weather
conditions, a non-productive calving season, disease, loss of crop, fire, etc. Farmers are given the best job in the world
and we know it. We take pride in knowing when you walk to your refrigerator and
pour a big glass of milk, it’s safe, healthy and delicious. As your family
gathers around freshly grilled, juicy cheeseburgers and watermelon on the 4th
of July, remember that food was
raised, harvested and brought to you with your well-being and celebration in
mind. So please, thank a farmer, thank the veterinarians, the feed mill
operators, the livestock truck drivers that work 24/7. It takes every one of
us, consumer and producer, working together to bring safe and wholesome meals
to the table 3 times a day.
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as
for the Lord…”
Colossians
3:23
“Moreover, it is required of
stewards that they be found faithful.”
1 Corinthians 4:2
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