Commentary.

It doesn’t have to be “Us versus Them.” I do not believe that it is unrealistic or utopian to believe that those of us who make our living in agriculture can coalesce into one “entity” when doing so would improve our chances of being heard. We would surely be a force to be reckoned with as a voting bloc, an educational alliance or a marketing cartel if we could all just get along.

But as I listen to and read comments made by many for whom I have great respect, it is not a coalition I see forming, but several well-meaning factions drawing lines in the sand, daring “Them” to cross. Sometimes “them” and “us” are not so far apart on issues, but distrust one another because historically, they have distrusted one another.

I like a good, healthy discussion. How are we going to learn anything and understand the world if we fail to ask questions and form our own opinions by listening to the facts and opinions of others? I find little if any common ground between my beliefs and those expressed by animal rights groups but I believe that knowing where our detractors stand helps us more clearly define our own position on any given issue. Without knowing the reasons behind another’s conviction, how in the world can we ever convince them to open their minds?

For more than a decade I’ve been warning you that agriculture is under attack and that we need to keep our eyes open and be ready for the fight. I haven’t changed my mind. But gee whiz, sometimes I think a few of us who have been in the front lines in the fight against animal rights activists and environmental-wackos have become suspicious of almost anyone who doesn’t fit into the “conventional agriculture” box. Instead of asking questions, we jump the gun, assuming that any square peg that doesn’t fit into the round hole is our enemy, or at the very least – just plain wrong.

If we (Us and Them) are going to feed a growing world population with a safe, affordable and abundant food supply while at the same time remaining economically sound and environmentally friendly, we need all of agriculture working together.

It shouldn’t matter how many acres you farm, what you grow on those acres, or how many head of livestock you own as long as you are a good steward of the land, livestock, water, air, your community and family. I like living in a country where we have choices. If you want tomatoes grown locally, you can buy them that way. If you want to purchase brown eggs from a free-range farm, you can buy them that way. If you want to buy natural beef or organic bananas, you can buy them that way. But expect to pay a premium.

“Us” should be able to grow a corn crop with stacked traits and “Them” should be able to grow non-GMO organic white corn and “We” should be grateful that both have markets for what is grown, because a rising tide really does carry all boats.

We should spend a little less time judging one another and a little more time addressing those issues of true concern, like universities and law schools across this country that receive millions of dollars to establish animal rights programs, and the ever-growing lode of regulations targeting nearly every aspect of our lives in rural America.

Commentary.

Last week, the Missouri legislature voiced support of farmers and ranchers by passing the Right to Farm referendum. This proposed constitutional amendment, designed with the intent to protect farmers from out-of-state activists, will next year be submitted to voters of Missouri for adoption or rejection:

Section 35. That agriculture which provides food, energy, health benefits, and security is the foundation and stabilizing force of Missouri’s economy. To protect this vital sector of Missouri’s economy, the right of farmers and ranchers to engage in farming and ranching practices shall be forever guaranteed in this state, subject to duly authorized powers, if any, conferred by article VI of the Constitution of Missouri.

This is pretty straightforward language. Lawmakers and representatives from numerous agricultural organizations rolled up their sleeves and worked together to craft an amendment designed to preserve and protect farming and ranching in Missouri. In the words of House Speaker Pro Tem, Jason Smith, “Four out of four people eat, and this measure would only enhance and preserve Missourians’ food choices and security.”

State Representative Bill Reiboldt stated “This industry is responsible for providing jobs to hundreds of thousands of Missourians, as well as providing food security for, not only our state, but a significant portion of the country. We cannot simply sit on the sidelines as special interest groups such as HSUS attempt to kill the industry in our state as they have in so many of our neighbors.”

In addition to the regular media channels, social media outlets “lit up” with posts and tweets about lawmaker support of Right to Farm.

I love the fact that social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter open the door for conversations among the like-minded and the not-so-like-minded. I dislike the fact that social media platforms are often used by those with no knowledge about a subject to stir up a whirlwind of fear, distrust and even hate.

Scanning Facebook the day after Right to Farm passed, I noticed a post by an acquaintance. She wrote: “Monsanto backed agenda? Is this going to help our small, organic growers and producers or will it hurt them? I’m curious.”

I had to breathe deeply, take a walk, and rewrite my response several times because I was so frustrated with the post.

This is not a big versus small issue. This shouldn’t be us versus them. I find no mention of Monsanto or any other agricultural company in this proposed amendment. I believe a rising tide carries all boats. There are some false prophets who mask themselves as supporters of animal welfare, when in reality, they don’t eat meat and they don’t want you to have the right – the choice – eat meat. They don’t care that our cattle are treated humanely. They don’t think we have a right to own cattle. They believe an animal has the same inherent rights as a person. These same groups don’t believe that you have the right to have a pet.

I believe Right to Farm will protect all farmers and ranchers by enshrining their freedom to produce. How a farmer decides to grow or raise food – organic or conventional – should be up to them and not outside forces.