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It
is not often I take the opportunity through the means of this article to
offer my opinions concerning an industry so dear to each of us. As a boy
growing up on a cattle farm, I looked forward each day to seeing what
new adventure would come along. Whether it was checking cows, looking
for calves or even bailing hay, the benefits of working outside on a
farm far outweighed any disadvantages I could think of. The work ethic
learned and the appreciation of nature was far greater than being able
to work indoors on a fixed time schedule. But, I often find myself
unappreciative of the opportunities my dad and uncle offered me to be
raised around agriculture all of my life.
With
that said, I think we are at a crossroads concerning the future of
agriculture in Alabama, especially the beef cattle industry. With record
feed, fuel and fertilizer cost, along with lower average cattle prices,
it seems there is little reason to be involved in the cattle industry in
the future. These facts, along with rising land prices and urban
development, have led to a large number of producers selling their
cattle or, at the very least, considering selling their cattle. This
should concern all who are involved in agriculture along with any
household in the United States that depends on agriculture for their
food and fiber.
As
family farms go away and population continues to increase, we will
become more and more dependent on uncertain foreign import markets to
supply us with a plentiful, safe, disease-free food source to meet the
needs of our families. I do not know about you, but I am concerned about
the aspects of depending on foreign countries to meet our food needs. We
need to look no further than fuel prices to see why we need to be able
to meet our own beef needs in the United States. While we continue to
see this trend develop, there are things we can do to promote
agriculture and our products as well.
First,
as an industry, we must support each other and band together to promote
our cause. I recently attended the Alabama Cattleman Association’s
Convention held in Birmingham. The Alabama Cattleman’s Association (ACA)
did a great job in promoting this event and offered cattle producers an
excellent opportunity to learn about their industry through attending
seminars, visiting with vendors who promote products for our industry at
the trade show and listening to guest speakers who are directly involved
in the betterment of our industry through the legislative process. While
we have thousands of members in the ACA, only a small percent of this
group will attend any of this three-day meeting. While I know it is
impossible for some producers to work it into their schedule, it would
be great to see a larger number attend. This is our opportunity as an
industry to be heard, to let others know our needs and concerns and to
learn how to make our operations more efficient and profitable. If we
speak as one voice, we will be a group of activists who will be heard
and will change the direction of agriculture in this state.
I
also ask all cattle producers to promote our industry to the next
generation of cattle producers. I can understand with the uncertainty of
farming it is hard to promote agriculture as a viable occupation. We
must promote our industry even in hard times. There is not a more
satisfying occupation than one in agriculture. Hard work, long hours and
hardships are a guarantee, but so does the self-pride, appreciation and
satisfaction of being involved in the oldest industry known to man
outweigh the negatives.
As
a cattle producer, I encourage you to get involved with the younger
generation in our country. Promote our industry, hire these young people
to work on our farms, mentor them and offer them an opportunity to visit
your farm. As a young boy, nothing meant more to me than driving a
tractor, looking at cows or going to a local livestock auction and I am
sure there is a large number of both boys and girls who would jump at
that same opportunity today. Please, give them the opportunity.
Third,
I would ask you not to stand behind the shadows of those groups who
would try to hurt our industry through demonstrations or the legislative
process. Animal welfare groups and population groups who want urban
development at the expense of farming are growing in number and are very
vocal when it comes to their cause. Let our voice be heard as loudly to
those groups and those who support and can help our industry through
better laws.
Am
I concerned about higher inputs and lower prices for our product? Of
course, I am. But, I also recognize we are involved in the greatest
industry in the world, with the best businessmen, weathermen,
accountants, marketers, doctors and promoters known. A farmer has to
wear all of these caps to survive but I for one cannot think of a more
viable, satisfying, beneficial industry to be a part of. Please, I
encourage you to help in any way possible to promote our industry.
Alabama Farmers Cooperative will remain steadfast in our pledge to help
you and the cattle industry in any way possible as we continue to combat
high feed and fertilizer prices along with being vocal against any group
who will try to bring harm to our industry. If I can be of any
assistance, please feel free to call upon me at 256-947-7886 or e-mail [email protected].
Jimmy
Hughes is AFC’s animal nutritionist. |
