55 Years And Counting From The Tractor Seat By bill whitman What would happen if we were willing to take 10 minutes to share our passion for agriculture and why do we do this? Ten minutes that can help people understand where their food comes from and the hard work and dedication required to provide their No. 1 priority for life. Some of us may wonder if there’s any value to making the effort and frankly, I’ve wondered this myself. “Ignorance is Bliss” is a phrase I’ve heard all my life and often used the phrase myself. As I’ve let so many decades pass, I’ve tripped over some lessons during that time. One of those lessons is that Ignorance is NOT bliss. It is not a condition that we have to stay in. We should embrace learning every day. I can think of no lesson more important than knowing where our food comes from. I don’t think we need to share anything beyond our own experiences. The importance to people can’t be overstated. Recently, the exposure of bad lettuce affected 25,000 people. How many of these people would have been more careful about what they bought at the grocery or was on their fast food they were paying attention to the news or if folks were informed about their food and how it’s prepared? Maybe, if one person had mentioned the recall on Taylor Farms lettuce, half of those folks don’t get sick? Some of us don’t know how to even begin the conversation. I was just thinking how often I’ve seen someone staring at the meat counter with questions. When I see an opportunity to point out where agriculture has had an influence in the question on someone’s face, I take that opportunity to share agriculture’s place in the world. True, occasionally, they’ll not want to be bothered but I have found myself in many “10 minute” conversations in the grocery with an eager listener. I’m not suggesting that we each have to be skilled speakers but we are each capable of telling the amazing stories of how our farms and ranches have been the basis of providing for our country. I’m stressing this point because we’re seeing uprisings all over the country against these data centers being constructed. While I agree there are issues that need addressed regarding data centers, they are less of a threat than the millions of acres the country is giving to urban sprawl each year. So, please look for opportunities to tell the story of your farm. Incidentally, I want to express the loss of Orma Hanson recently. This lady meant more to the community of New Hope Ind., than she will ever know. When my wife and I first attended the New Hope church, Orma was introduced as the sheriff of New Hope. She wasn’t really a sheriff, but she cared about her community with a firm hand, just like a sheriff should. Proud of her sons and proud of her church and proud of her county. 10 minutes to share… Horse Sense: Hold your horses, don’t pass by the flowers without a smell. IndianaAg@bluemarble.net
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