Focus on Agriculture
influence
of
farmers
continues
to grow
Glen Cope
Well-known political figures,
artists, actors, entertainers and the
like are deemed to be important
according to Time magazine’s list
of “100 Most Influential People.”
frees up income that can be used
to increase quality of life for all
hard-working Americans—income
that is used for a better car, home
or even college tuition.
One person not on the current
list is the American farmer. Now
sure, one could say that listing
categories of people could open the
door to many groups worthy of the
list such as soldiers, police officers,
firefighters, teachers and so on.
Why list the American farmer?
One reason is that we as Americans
enjoy one of the highest standards
of living in the world. Much of
that standard is a direct result of
farmers and their daily efforts to
provide affordable food for our
country.
Affordable food is one of
the main reasons America is the
economic superpower that it is.
In the last 100 years, American
farmers have made great strides
toward efficiencies in food
production. That same efficiency
ensures that food remains
affordable as our population
continues to rapidly increase.
Farmers are also making
improvements in conservation
through the use of no-till, precision
agriculture and other technologies
that reduce soil erosion, inhibit
nutrient runoff and increase yield.
American farmers have
significant influence considering
the average citizen spends only
about 10 percent of his or her
disposable income on food. This
Farming may not be as
glamorous as the lifestyles of
the famous people listed in Time
magazine. And urban children
typically aren’t interested in
farming as an occupation when
they grow up. That’s not surprising,
as the American farmer’s workday
often begins before the sun rises
and ends well after it has set.
In addition, the responsibilities
of caring for livestock and crops
rarely afford farmers the time
for a much-needed vacation. Yet
when Americans walk into the
grocery store and find the shelves
completely stocked from floor
to ceiling with affordable food,
most don’t stop to consider the
dedication and contributions of the
American farmer.
Today’s consumers seem to
think it will always be this way.
Stores will remain stocked…
food will remain affordable…
people will remain well fed.
These suppositions depend in
large part on the actions of today’s
politicians, regulators and, yes,
even consumers.
Fortunately for this country,
American farmers want to continue
to do what they have always done
whether or not they receive the
credit they deserve from those in
the mainstream. It’s in their blood.
It’s a proud American heritage.
In the meantime, American
farmers will continue to be among
the best “influencers” in our society
whether or not Time’s editors deem
them worthy of notice.
Glen Cope, a Missouri
farmer, formerly served as chair
of the American Farm Bureau
Federation’s national Young
Farmers & Ranchers Committee.
West Virginia Farm Bureau News 11