Harvesting Ideas from "Opposing" Views

As I reflect back on the recent interactions with the #Profood folks, I believe there are just some things that need much more than 140 characters to explain. In conjunction, there are also issues that seem irreconcilable, regardless of the amount of characters, both on paper and "live".

Let's take the simple approach and take each issue bullet by bullet. First two bullets:

• The #agchat community has no interest in changing and are afraid of sustainability - Anyone who has been involved in the agricultural community knows full well how much farming has changed over the last century  to adapt to an ever changing environment. We now use less resources, less chemicals, and better tillage practices, all the while maintaining a safe, healthy, abundant food supply. We are also looking for better methodologies by engaging in the latest in technology, scientific modeling, and University Extension offices. The #ag community knows full well what we are up against and will "change", as we have always done. Production agriculture IS NOT static, and every single argument against current practices of good #farmers makes this assumption by the very nature of the position. Farmers want sustainability, probably a helluva lot more than the #profood peeps do. If you think the farmers I deal with on Twitter are not sustainable, I say you haul your but out there to learn, or better yet make your ENTIRE living off the land. Then come back and tell me if sustainability isn't at the forefront of all good farmers.  

• The pushback we (#Profood) are seeing is because "Big Ag" is running scared. - Actually, the push back you get from me has zero to do with running scared. It has to do with the fact that #profood peeps tend to view our interaction as a "war" that needs to be won. Promoting production agriculture and the role it is surely going to play moving forward isn't a war or contest to see who can trump the other in a battle of wits, and it definitely isn't about a smack-down or trendig comparisons. It should be about everyone working together and listening, sharing ideas, and above all, learning. You obviously have many issues with the current food system, and I do not disagree that there are many to go after, but including the farmer in that mix and then calling them Big-Ag because it is easy and people "understand it" doesn't help and creates divides. I am not Big-Ag and never have been.

• There is no more to learn from #agchat - Sad, truly sad. Educating yourself is very important; however, education alone is not enough. I can say that because I witnessed it first hand. A company asked for voluntary retirement with a generous package. It so happens that many people took the offer. What the company didn't realize is that a huge void was created, an experience void. Long story short, this experience void hampered innovation and new product development. I say we learn from that mistake. If you think you have nothing more to learn from the very people who have been farming for 3-6 generations, I say think again. 

Do we not all want the same outcome? Safe, sustainable, healthy food, more kitchen time, and deep interest in our food? That is what I want. It is one of the reasons I support my neighbor, a local grower. He uses VRT, Lightbar, conservation tillage (Strip-Till), and is always researching better methodologies to grow our food. In my view, that is on the #sustainable path. 

Before proposing a situation to discuss, I close with a question for the #profood tweeps out there: How irritating is it when you get lumped in with the #AR crazies? How about people stating that all you want to do is convert us all to Vegan? I have seen both of these happen. I know full well that you are NOT doing any of the sort, but just imagine how the conversation would go, downhill fast. Go back on look through the conversations and blog posts. What I see is that the #ag community fully supports all types of good farming practices. We will need a diversified mix to deal with the issues we face.

Situation:

I (not to be taken literally) produce commodity crops (corn/beans/wheat), livestock, pork, and legumes as a cover crop in between crop rotations. I use the latest and greatest in guidance from AutoFarm. This means that I plant with sub-inch accuracy & follow the same paths thereby reducing compaction. I also use Variable-Rate Technologies in conjunction with my guidance to ensure I only use what inputs where I need them, thereby reducing my environmental impact. I have also migrated over to conservation tillage to continue to increase the organic matter in my soil. I soil test on a 3 year rotation to ensure I am not depleting the soil nutrients. I capture my manure and use it as much as possible to decrease my synthetic fertilizer use. In conjunction with that, my neighbor also uses my manure to be sure we use what is produced. Removing the $180 oil price from the equation, because equipment will change, what is missing in the sustainability of my farming operation?

I look forward to discussing the above situation with an open mind.

So what is "Big Ag" Anyway?

You are watching a professional basketball game. As usual the game is fast paced, exciting, and, for the most part enjoyable. The game slows down a bit for a free throw due to an offensive foul. The "rock" is thrown up and...brick!.

This is what I believe happens with the term Big Ag. The term is thrown out there like a basketball (rock) heading to the rim only to brick. This could be semantics, but here is the thing; semantics matter, ALLOT. Semantics defined, is the branch of linguistics that studies the meaning of words. What is meant means more than what is said. Take one of my favorite expressions from my southern roots, "Bless your heart". Unless you are culturally aware, you may think this statement is meant as a positive; however, in the south this is not so positive. We southeners use this statement as a way to not offend people when we do not have anything nice to say. So what is meant means much more that what is said.

So isn't it about time my #Profood counterparts do one of two things: Define Big Ag or just stop using the term altogether. I prefer the latter. It just detracts from a conversation because inevitably the question will be asked: What is Big Ag? The conversation will then focus on this instead of debating real issues, like safe, healthy food, stable food supplies, food insecurity, and future direction of agriculture, GM foods, and many others.     

I took part in a #Twitter conversation last night, well according to some I didn't take part and just jumped into the middle of it. I believe that twitter conversations are meant to be broad and include our entire network. If you don't like having people take part in a discussion, use the DM functionality or migrate over to email; otherwise, please expect me to take part in discussions that pertain to any and all aspects of the world wide food supply chain. It is my passion so I cannot help myself. 

So, why bring this conversation up and how does it pertain to defining Big Ag?

Here is why:

As you may already be aware, Michael Pollen was invited by Cal Poly San Luis Obispo to speak about sustainable agriculture. It is also a well known fact that many in agriculture have a beef with Pollen and his stated positions. I am not going to get into the differences, but suffice it say, there are more than a few. Given this fact, one of the donors, who happens to be a rancher, Harris Ranch did not like a one-sided lecture and wanted a panel discussion instead that included meat expert(s), industry, and Pollen. Harris informed the school that they would not be donating funds if there was not a fair and balanced discussion. 

As you can imagine, this did not go over well with my #profood counterparts. Many were livid. The disdain for Harris Ranch's action was very apparent. Obviously, this was another Big Ag move to block their voice to be sure the truth was squashed once again. Big Ag was running scared and using their massive power to keep down the little guy again. It figures, right? This is always what Big Ag does; we keep the truth hidden so we can keep pillaging the land, produce un-healthy food, and squandering Mother Earth. 

This is the knee-jerk reaction I have seen many times. Now Harris was getting attacked by people who knew ZERO about the operation, people, and business. In a matter of a few tweets, Harris Ranch was now Big Ag.

As the day progressed yesterday, the usual banter went back and forth. I just watched from the sideline as yesterday was a bit busy. I finally had spare time in the evening and noticed a good discussion about the previous Pollen/Harris event. My first question: Is Harris Ranch Big-Ag? If so, why? And please define what Big-Ag means. I did not receive an answer, mostly due to the fact, I was told, that my intentions are too hard to read. Fair enough. Let this serve as my intentions. I really want to know what Big Ag is. Seriously....what is it?

So, instead of discussing the merits of why a panel may or may not have been better for an educational venue in terms of food, we spent wasted time trying to define Big Ag, and neither of the parties was going to capitulate. Dead End. 

Let's just do away with this term. As @JeffFowle said in a twitter update "Big" is NOT "Bad". To which my response is, EXACTLY. What you do, what values, morals, and ethics you live by defines whether or not you are "Bad", both personally and professionally. 

So there is no mistake and it is crystal clear:

There are folks in our industry that do not abide by the rules, but these are the few. The problem is that the few is the focus of the discussion. News in our country revolves around sensationalism, and it is really hard to take the good, hard work 98% of the farmers do each and every day and make it newsworthy. This translates to a position that the agricultural industry cannot be trusted and produces un-healthy food. Then we wonder why the consumer acts a certain way?

So, the question remains: What is Big Ag?

#FollowFriday #Ag Folks on Twitter

 Another exhilarating week has passed by. I spent the great deal of the week at my company headquarters in State College, PA; a beautiful part of the country.

I received a few #FF mentions from #ag folks that I hold in high regard. To be mentioned by these folks as someone to follow on #twitter is really amazing. I am continually thankful for the interactions on #twitter, especially from my fellow #ag tweeps. My heartfelt thanks for the conversations and knowledge you continually share with me. As we are all aware, agriculture, as an industry, is going to be faced with huge challenges to deliver on our promise to provide food, fuel, feed, and fiber to the world. I am very confident that our industry is going to indeed deliver, in spades. Now is the time "non-ag" folks to get involved! We need your interaction and interest so so the facts and truth about farming can be spread far and wide. Don't be sucked in with the sensationalism that compromises some of our media outlets. There are farmers and ag industry folks ready and willing to interact with you. Many are even willing to accept you as a visitor on their farm or business to answer your questions. Now is the time to find out where your food really comes from and who produces it. Yes there are bad people and companies out there as with any market, but there are more of us, many more of us, that do not get coverage and media attention. The foundation of our democracy is an educated populace, so take the time to educate yourself.

Below is a list to make it a bit easier to get started. Every one of these individuals has enriched my life. They are also eager to spread the word about #agriculture.....and why we LOVE it so much. So, pull up a chair, open a beverage, and take a load off. The water is nice!

#FollowFriday list in no particular order:
@mpaynknoper
@FarmerHaley
@cornguy
@CariRinker
@jilib
@featherchick
@JPLovesCOTTON
@KYFarmersMatter
@AFBFMace
@Tykerman1
@AFBFCyndie
@JeffFowle
@RayLinDairy
@iamafarmer2
@KSFarmBureau
@followfarmer

I am VERY short on time so I will have to add to this list a bit later and send out an update. To all other #ag folks, I am continually grateful for your presence. Go ag!

Agriculture and the political example it sets

The purpose of this blog is to discuss agriculture. It is meant to be an open forum for everyone involved in agriculture to speak their mind. It is really not meant to discuss politics, and this post will certainly not get into political positions directly; the bully pulpit is not in effect here, but all one must do to see how polarized things are at the moment is to turn on the television. Our 24 hours news cycle can be distracting and, well, useless sometimes. That is not a knock on the media as that is just the system that is in place. A great example of sensationalist TV faring better than civil discourse is CSPAN. As many of my friends and family state, "that is the most boring TV we have ever seen." Why is that I wonder? Let's face it, how interesting is a good, in-depth policy discussion? How many individuals would tune in to that news outlet if there was a focus on policy? I propose that their ratings would take a hit. It is so much easier to pull out the race card against all dissidence of current policy. It is also great TV when Obama is called a Marxist (I wager that 1/2 the people calling him that have NO idea what that means), racist, or Nazi. Where does that really get us? Does it make our country better? The answer is unequivocally no. And this is exactly why the media and general population should take a look at agriculture.

As all of us are aware, there is a very heated debate taking place in regards to health care in our country. Actually, there are very heated debates going on about the role of government in our society. These debates are the cornerstone of our democracy. Any President that tries to implement bold changes has faced significant opposition, from FDR to Reagan, and now Obama. I am thankful I live in a country that allows everyone to speak their mind. That being said, I must say that recent events really do challenge my die hard belief in the First Amendment. My steadfastness hasn't faltered, but it certainly is trying at times. It is, after all, the First Amendment for a reason.

Let's take a look at the 9/12/09 protest first. I am all for grassroots efforts culminating into a march and show of support or dissidence; however, it is really difficult to determine if many of the individuals taking part were actually there showing their dissidence of health care reform (#HCR). There were so many signs, both literally and figuratively that had nothing to do with health care. Look here for examples. This is what our media covers because it is sensational. What that does is detract from the actual debate. The fact of the matter is that Obama is not a Marxist, Nazi, or "death panel" advocate, and the Republican party is not full of racists. If you truly believe either of the above, then this post is definitely for you! Does racism still occur in this country? Yes, and it is not party dependent. We need to marginalize such activities and call them out for what they are. Every news outlet from ABC to Fox news and all of Congress should repudiate these views and mention that these people are the minority in our country, minority indeed! They are certainly free to speak their mind; however, it should be stated that such positions are deplorable.

So, why should we have a look at agriculture? How does paying attention to agriculture apply to the current health care debate? The answer is quite simple. When we debate agricultural issues, we talk about POLICY, pure and simple. Ask a farmer about the effects of, say Cap and Trade and the answer revolves around the effects such a policy will have on their ability to run their business; growing our food, fuel, feed, and fiber. It isn't about what Obama and Congress "are." It is about the actual guts of the bill. Ask a farmer about Indirect Land Use and, not surprisingly, the discussion is about policy. It isn't about Pelosi, Frank, Grassley, or any other elected official directly; it may focus on their position, but it isn't about attacks on character. Farmers spend the time required to educate themselves, and......wait for it......actually READ the bill. What a novel concept right?

To take that further, we are currently in a debate surrounding the future of agriculture and the role various types of agricultural approaches fit into the puzzle; that puzzle being massive population growth, finite resources, and a healthy citizenry. Granted our discussions, at times, become antagonistic. There are a minority of individuals that play to the sensational also, but, as with the current debates, these are the minority. The majority of us use a wonderful approach to the discussions; that is education and facts. If there is something that one of us has detailed knowledge about, we share with the group. Lo and behold, it actually furthers our discussions!

And that, after all, is what we all need to focus on. We need to educate ourselves on the issues and then determine our position. If you already have a position because Glenn Beck or Rachel Maddow "said so", then go back to the drawing board. There is nothing that replaces a good, in depth read. Take the time to educate yourself on issues. You may find that the 24 hour news cycle is not meant for a replacement in your own research. I also encourage you to look to agriculture as an example. Beyond that, everyone should be paying attention to agriculture as it is what drives a thriving society. Yes I know that was a shameless plug, but #ag is where it's at so come join us! We would love to interact, answer questions and talk about policy.

#FollowFriday #Ag Folks on Twitter

Another week has flown by! As I reflect on the events of the past week, I would like to thank my fellow #ag tweeps for yet another enriching twitter experience. I appreciate all your efforts to ensure an adequate, safe, and healthy food supply. I am especially grateful for your willingness to share your knowledge, not only with me, but with the general public. Working together I am totally convinced agriculture, in it's entirety, is going to face the upcoming challenges we are certain to experience. I am looking forward to another exciting week ahead as I tweet from my company headquarters in State College, PA. As an aside, if there are any #ag tweeps in the neighborhood, drop me a line as I would be more than happy to meet and shake hands.

The following #FF (#FollowFriday) list is not an exhaustive list; it is a list of the #ag tweeps I had the most interaction with this week. For all "non-ag" folks, please take an interest in #agriculture. It will enrich your life as agriculture is a mix of art and science, exhilarating, fascinating, fun, complex, and just plain wonderful. It is the cornerstone of ALL thriving societies; not to mention, there are so many excellent people involved. You will not be disappointed once you take the dive, so do it to find out where your food comes from, who produces it, how they produce it, and why. (Psst - I will let you in on a little secret: Almost every family farmer that produces our food does it because they love it...their heart is in it!)

Besides following the below individuals, an excellent resource to get you started has been put together by @followfarmer. This is a great spreadsheet designed for you to be able to follow the worthwhile #ag folks on #twitter. I am looking forward to tweeting with you in the twitterverse.

My #FF list of #ag folks - in no particular order

@FarmerHaley                    @foodprovider
@RayLinDairy                     @featherchick
@TroyHadrick                    @derekbalsey
@AFBFMace                     @OliverRanch
@kansfarmer                       @KYFarmersMatter
@daringrimm                       @WriteNowBiz
@KSFarmBureau                @jilib
@mpaynknoper                   @n_web
@Kath_Monsanto               @JPLovesCOTTON