On Thursday I attended an incredibly heated debate titled Competition for Land: Conservation, Energy? Production?. From each angle there were industry representatives discussing their side of the story. Each stressed the challenges they face...erosion, manure management, corn production for energy, ethanol boom and decline, and challenges a beef producer faces with EPA requirements and high prices of corn.
Wherever you stand on this, there is one thing all sides could agree on: Young people continuing the tradition of farming. Can it be done? With all of the challenges facing young people today (land prices, estate tax, input costs,urbanization etc), it seems like a huge mountain to climb.
This is what I think: challenges or not, we are the future of food and fuel production. We someday will run the land and will be responsible for conserving it for future generations. While it may be hard to remain optimistic, I know that I am determined to someday raise my kids on a family farm.
What are your thoughts on this? Do young people stand a chance? Should we even try? How should this country respond to this growing problem? How do we secure our future in food production?
Just some food for thought? Some cud to chew. Let me know when you have mulled it over...
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Comments (4)
Amanda...I think there is always a place for a young farmer who is willing to sweat it out and eat boxed macaroni and cheese three times a day for a while. We bought our farm ourselves with no family help. It's been a long hard road but worth every struggle. We have tough times ahead..but by the grace of God we will still be in agriculture working our way to having a farm paid for and still enjoying the fruits of our labor. If you're willing to work and sacrifice, sacrifice being the most difficult aspect...you can have anything.
Posted by Melissa | October 22, 2007 8:51 AM
Posted on October 22, 2007 08:51
I KNOW there is a place for young people today. Someone needs to produce our food and if it's not us another country will! Although there are challenges, all of which I am facing with this same situation, I know this is what I need to do and I will do it one way or another! I just haven't figured out the secret yet, but when I do I will let everyone know! ; )
Posted by Ashley | October 22, 2007 3:30 PM
Posted on October 22, 2007 15:30
Thanks for the optimism girls! It's just the pump up I needed. Hope your goals work out for you Ashley. It's an uphill battle, but I believe its worth it. Thanks for your input!
Posted by Amanda Nolz | October 22, 2007 5:35 PM
Posted on October 22, 2007 17:35
Well shoot if we don't take a stance, who will? What will happen to the food production in the future? These questions are what goes throughg my mind and that's why I do what I do and I'll take a stance any day.
Posted by Caitlin Williams | October 24, 2007 3:25 PM
Posted on October 24, 2007 15:25