Much of our rural economy though is not based on the experience or niche product, but instead based on the commodities market. Beef, pork, soy beans, corn and hay are often produced on a large scale and sold based on the pricing of the national market. I often overlook this kind of farming in my thought process. I understand that we all eat and use the products off of farms like this. This is what most of the farming acreage is around here. As we talk about farming, it is critical that we always think and include all types of farming. I have heard the term of Crocs and Timberlands referring to the footwear that different farmers would wear. Me, I tend to wear sandals and scrub my feet each night in the summer. Organic growers are tagged with wearing the crocs while the more conventional farmers would wear the work boots. Recognizing that farming practices are different without segregating groups is important.
Groups like Future Farmers of America, Farm Bureau and Farm Credit University are recognizing these potential rifts in the industry. In our efforts to grow more farmers, our programs need to keep in mind that agriculture is a wide range of products and growing styles that our students can devote themselves to for the future. The growing part of the ag world is the local niche crops like wine grapes and hops but we will always need conventional farmers to keep the commodity crops growing.
As you drive around the countryside this fall and choose your pumpkins and gourds for your seasonal decorating, remember that somebody grew that pumpkin. We will always need a farmer to capture the sunshine and convert it into food and other products. They need to make a living like everyone else. Harvest is here and we are happy to deliver.
Written by: Doug Fabbioi