|
I have
mixed feelings about current farming practices. While many are doing
better than they were in the past, current methods of agriculture are not
sustainable.
However, having several generations of farmers in my family history I
admit the vast majority (at least of family farmers) are doing as best as they
know how and feel they can afford to protect their crops, land, and farms.
But the fact remains we really do not have a sustainable agricultural sytem
figured out right now. Unfortunately too, the family farmer is now in the
minority and is rapidly being replaced by farms owned by huge
corporations. Their interests do not always lie in sustainability although
I believe some are showing interest and are doing research. State
agricultural interests are working on helping to extend the longevity of
farming. Iowa for instance has been particularly aggressive in protecting
its largest business, farming, and offers educational assistance for soil and
water conservation methods at least through their county agricultural
extension centers. I'm sure many other states have similar
programs.
However, there is considerable skepticism about the sustainability of
even current advanced agricultural practices. Current practices of monoculture,
annual crops that require high levels of tillage, of herbicides and pesticides
does not appear to be sustainable. Even with conservation tillage soil and
water loss is significant. And the big trend toward genetically modified seed
(and feed) is also raising serious doubts. (Along with all of the promise this
may offer we simply do not understand all the potential
repercussions).
There
are others though, such as the Land Institute in Kansas, that are taking a very
different look at the future of crops and how they are planted, harvested and
maintained. And, unlike many others', there goal is to have sustainable
agriculture.
Developing sustainable agriculture will take time. The
good will and hard work of many will be required to get there but without the
goal of having sustainable agriculture we will never get there. The family
farmer has been a mainstay of this country and I hope they remain
so. I also hope the corporate farmers will see the light and aim for
long term viability too, rather than the quick buck. Sustainability is
clearly in their, and our, best interests.
Cheers,
Ralph
Bicknese
To Sarah Holland and others expressing concern
with the "green-ness" of soy based products, especially re. the growing of the
soy plants: do you really believe that farmers whose living depends upon the
health of the soil (healthy soils do produce the best crops) are going to
tolerate soil erosion, or even contribute to it? Most successful farmers are
very concientious about farming in a manner to best maintain and improve
the quality of their soils. Granted, there are a very few farmers who are
content to mine the soil for a few years, but they are a small minority. Most
soil erosion is caused by acts of that vicious old Mother Nature with her
extreme fits of excessive wind or rain that occasionally beats up on the very
best and most concientious of farmers.
mj
| 
