The United States of America was founded on the premise that
control of one’s own destiny is essential to
”
life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,
”
but as a sixth-generation farmer I am concerned this is no
longer the case for today’s food producers, who face increased
government interference and severe economic pressure.
Dear Editor,
The United States of America was founded on the premise that control of one’s own destiny is essential to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” but as a sixth-generation farmer I am concerned this is no longer the case for today’s food producers, who face increased government interference and severe economic pressure.
Without question, the economic health of American agriculture must be of paramount concern to all of us; and it is essential we start considering from where our foods will come if America’s farmers and ranchers are forced to exit the business because it is no longer profitable. I am not going to tell anyone that the day is coming when we will walk into the grocery store to find empty shelves, but if something doesn’t change, the stores will be stocked with imported food.
I also remind you that food security is not a new concern. In fact, it was Henry Kissinger, who in 1970 said, ‘Control oil you control nations; control food and you control people.'”
Today’s elected officials have simply lost touch with reality, and I fear are unaware of the risks associated with not being able to provide nutrition for one’s own citizens. By mandating regulations that increase costs, not only in animal agriculture but the general cost of doing business, they put even greater pressure on profits at the farm level.
I recently visited a feedlot in Scottsbluff, NE, where the owner showed me the latest government-mandated environmental quality protection that is costing him $50 per head to implement. All the while he was on the phone selling a pen of cattle that he was happy to only lose $100 per head feeding. In early June, pork producer were losing $30/head for every pig raised. Likewise, I’ve been on three dairies in the past month where the owners have told me they were losing between $50-60 per cow per day.
Let me do a little cowboy arithmetic for you. A father/son 200-cow dairy will lose $300,000 in 2009, and the really sad fact is that if corn prices are $5/bushel come fall, I am not sure the corn farmer is going to be profitable either. Then there is the new “cow tax,” which some are estimating will add another $10 million annually in costs to the U.S. livestock industry.
The Heritage Foundation has estimated that the current global warming legislation moving through Congress would cause a significant decline in farmers’ net income. Farm income is expected to drop $8 billion in 2012, $25 billion in 2024 and over $50 billion in 2035.
Also being overlooked are the significant efficiency gains made by U.S. agriculture over the years. For instance, in the 1930s it took 100 man-hours to produce 100 bushels of wheat and it now only takes one hour. The production of a gallon of milk required 65 percent more water, 90 percent more landmass and resulted in 63 percent more carbon output in 1944 than at present. The caloric requirement for a pound of gain in a chicken has gone from 3,018 calories of feed to only 2,672 calories. Similarly, pork producers have moved from 4 pounds of feed per pound of gain to only 2.8 pounds of feed; a 30 percent improvement in efficiency.
American agriculture is sustainable and green, unlike any other segment of our society. Our farmers and ranchers know what it takes to provide for our food security while protecting our environment, but to continue with that responsibility they must have, and deserve, the support and trust of our elected officials and American citizens.
Trent Loos, Loup City, NE
The Golden Quill is awarded occasionally for a well-written letter.
Story on three bobcats being raised by WERC very enjoyable
Dear Editor,
I loved the story of the three bobcats being raised by the local Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center. It sounds like they will be well cared for until they are ready to be released.
We are lucky to have such an organization in our community.
Evonne Davenport, Morgan Hill
Same sex marriage indicative of the downward spiral of America
Dear Editor,
Same sex marriage is a hot topic and very controversial. We the people banned same sex marriage in the Nov. 7 election and the ban was upheld by the court. However, the homosexuals die hard and they are planning a reversal of Prop. 8 in the near future. The legality of this is to be determined in the courts.
What’s so wrong with same sex marriage? It denies a minority their civil rights; no mention of civil responsibilities. Same sex marriages make a mockery of traditional marriage. Just what is tradition? In the movie “Fiddler on the Roof,” the opening scene is Tevye driving a two-horse coach and singing “Tradition, its tradition, its all that holds us together, tradition, tradition …”
In 19th Century Europe, the Jews were persecuted, forcing a dispersal of families. The traditions that held the Jews together during that time included daily prayers, covering of their heads at mealtime, circumcision, Jewish songs and dance, etc. In spite of uncertainty, there were traditional marriages with dancing and singing by all, a great celebration. The bride and groom were highly honored.
Traditions play a major role in our society. Think of the traditions of Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter and all the joyous times of good fellowship and harmony. Our society is slowly abandoning tradition and is slouching towards Gomorrah. Think of these changes over time: Abortion, once forbidden, is now acceptable. Teenage pregnancy, once frowned upon, is now acceptable. Abortion and teenage pregnancy are closely related. Divorce, once taboo, is now readily acceptable. The most common cause of divorce is that neither of the partners know the difference between love and lust. Love endures; lust fades and so goes the marriage.
Society today has a huge debt unknown before in all history. Our government is in debt over $12 trillion dollars and each of us are responsible for our share. Until the sun rises in the west and sets in the east, all debts must be paid. Most of these recent changes are detrimental to our well-being. Then add same sex marriage as acceptable and you would do well to watch the sky for falling fire, sulfur and brimstone raining from overhead as in the time of Sodom and Gomorrah.
It is a tough world we live in. For help, you might try a prayer or two hoping for the best!
J.G. McCormack, Gilroy
