Agriculture and Environment

The focus in 2011 is Agriculture and the Environment. Everything I read indicates that the Agricultural Community just doesn’t get it and needs to become more green and environmentally friendly.  After reading through some student essays on the topic of agriculture, it is no wonder they do not appreciate where their food comes from. Here are some recent examples of articles from this past week.

Some Examples :

Article  Is Biodiesel Good or Bad for the Environment

• Biodiesel takes away from food production.
• Biodiesel reduces emissions
• Biodiesel reduces rain forests

Article   Your turn: Common sense is needed for rural rules

• Need to control dust created by farmers

Article   VA’s Family Farms Left Holding the…Manure?

• Farmers are causing pollution of streams and need to be managed closer.

Agriculture and Education

I think more of the focus should be on educating people where our food comes from. If you live in the city, did you spend time learning about agriculture. I know I did not hear the message of agriculture at an level in school.

Look at this article,  Students learn about sustainable agriculture Wouldn’t this be a great class for people of all ages to think about? Do people understand how far farming has come in the last 10 years?  Do they understand how food is produced?  Everyone has driven a car. How many people have been on a tractor or a combine? Do you realize the power of a combine and what its role is in the harvesting process. Do people understand the care that it takes to manage cattle, hogs and chickens?

Summary

There are legislation after legislation always trying to regulate agriculture.

In addition, there is a huge disconnect with people understanding issues and topics regarding agriculture.

Agriculture needs a place in cities.

People need to understand what agriculture brings to people in cities.

The farming community understand the role of agriculture.

Stop the debate between conventional farming and organic farming. Both are needed to feed the world.

It’s time that Agricultural Companies and Agricultural Advocates  in cities promote their message more to create a better understanding.

What would happen if farming was regulated out of business? Where would our food come from?

~Brent Pohlman | Midwest Laboratories