Agriculture's Clout

Change is something that everyone must deal with throughout their life. Currently agriculture is going through major changes -- not only in how we operate, but in how we fit into the world picture. The author of the article below makes some interesting statements about how agriculture's "clout" is waning. I don't agree. I think that agriculture's "clout" is on the ascencion. It has changed and is changing. The role is evolving. But I believe that once again, people are seeing the power of agriculture -- not only in food production but in energy use and production. The "food vs. fuel" debate is good for agriculture because it raises the level of understanding among consumers. There is much information out there, but it is our responsiblity to dispel the myths and educate the public to our true role in food and fiber production, the environment and in energy.

I Don't Get It, But I Understand It

Dec 7, 2007 11:24 AM, Troy Marshall

The headline is almost worthy of something the legendary Yogi Berra might say, but that brilliant piece of wisdom was shared with me a couple of days ago by a young Wyoming rancher. And, boy, was he right! We were talking about the fact that it was strange just how little the farm bill has to do with agriculture any more.

We were discussing the many different outside groups weighing in on the current farm-policy discussions. This includes the labor unions, and even radical groups such as the Humane Society of the U.S. (HSUS) and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

I had recently read a statement from the head of HSUS commenting on his group's efforts to ally with environmental, public health and union movements to challenge...(complete article here).