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New definitition for a rural community

For the past several years, as the “farm population” in this country has steadily declined, the need to work together and to be more proactive has steadily increased. From agriculture-friendly state and national legislation and environmental regulations, to biosecurity issues such as preparing for and managing soybean rust, BSE and/or Foot and Mouth Disease; those involved in the business of agriculture will get further by teaming up and working together to address these issues.

During the recent World Pork Expo, Brownfield Network together with the National Pork Checkoff co-sponsored a Commodity Roundtable featuring representatives from the pork, beef, soybean and corn industries. As a farm broadcaster and a member of the agricultural community, it was reassuring and exciting for me to listen to these producers discuss economic and production issues impacting agriculture today. Most of these issues that on the surface appear to impact one specific segment of agriculture, in reality have an impact on all segments. The ripple effect of BSE, soybean rust, or PRRS on other segements of agriculture can be devastating. Rising input costs – from fuel to fertilizer to iron – have a direct and immediate effect on every segment.

Not so many years ago, those of us who lived and worked on a farm probably had some beef cows, a dairy cow or 2, chickens and a few sows. In addition to the livestock, you probably raised corn, soybeans, and wheat. You knew all of your neighbors. Your land base was all close to your home, and there was a neighborhood security system. If someone saw an unfamiliar vehicle in the area, it wasn’t long before all of the neighbors were aware of it. The plan for security and biosecurity of agriculture did not have to be written down. It was known instictively and could be implemented immediately.

Most farms today are “specialized.” Instead of raising several species of livestock, you either raise none or focus on one. If you raise corn and soybeans, chances are you own or rent land 5, 10 or 15 miles away from your home farm. The fabric of rural America has changed, which is a reflection of how the world has changed.

I baked old fashioned cream pies topped with meringue for a fish fry at our little country church last week-end, which brought back memories for some of the older ladies who used to feed threshing crews. The close-knit local communities that bring back warm memories for many, no longer exist as they did in 1950’s. . .but I must tell you that sitting with that group of farmers at the Commodity Roundtable during World Pork Expo, I certainly felt like I was at a small community gathering.

Work together. Learn from one another. Educate and inform those who are not involved in production agriculture – those who are not part of your “community.” Look for “unfamiliar vehicles” and alert your neighbors. Those unfamiliar vehicles might be anti-agriculture groups such as PETA, or overzealous television “newsmen” blaming high fructose corn syrup and farm programs for America’s obesity.

If you would like to listen to the recent Commodity Roundtable, go to www.brownfieldnetwork.com/porkexpo/ or www.porkboard.org on the internet.