Editorial / Opinions

There is not enough appreciation for farm animal contributions and the value of these to our society. Yes, PETA went a bit overboard with their memorial, but recognize that it might be better to memorialize some cattle, than the other approach, which you see so commonly, that of neglect. You do not mention this in your (January 16, 2012, Life is Simple) article, the lot of egg-laying chickens and abuse heaped on turkeys on turkey farms.  Get a tiny camera and just visit some local pig, or poultry farms if you want material for your articles.

Agricultural education was recently slapped in the face by a well-read online news source. Rebuttals against this article quickly filled the e-news rooms and social media networks.

My nearest neighbor, Marvin, stopped by a few mornings ago to have me do some online computer stuff for him. While we were visiting about the goings-on in the small community in which we live, he surprised me by taking a serious tone and asking if I had been feeling alright, as of late.

There are so many things to be thankful for as we head into 2012. As we try to kick our bad habits and keep our resolutions lets not forget all of the good things that 2011 and years before have given us.

A book editor sent me an email the other day, asking if someone could rope an antelope and brand it? My reply was anyone that crazy should be quartered at the state insanity ward. I didn’t tell her it hadn’t been tried but it would be more likely than roping mountain lions.

My nearest neighbor, Marvin, stopped by a few mornings ago to have me do some online computer stuff for him. While we were visiting about the goings-on in the small community in which we live, he surprised me by taking a serious tone and asking if I had been feeling alright, as of late.

There are so many things to be thankful for as we head into 2012. As we try to kick our bad habits and keep our resolutions lets not forget all of the good things that 2011 and years before have given us.

I read a news article last week reporting that a group representing People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is petitioning the Illinois Department of Transportation to be able to erect a roadside memorial. This memorial would be built at the site of a traffic accident where several head of livestock died when the truck that was hauling them, overturned. PETA, in their words, wants to honor the dead animals and bring attention to the dangers that exist to farm animals in the United States.

Where is the future of agriculture? Does it lie in your hands, my hands or in the hands of the next generation? You probably know the answer to the question and/or have an opinion on the matter. I believe that it lies within all of our hands and the hands of many generations to come. So is it a secure future?

With a New Year on hand I know lots of folks will make resolutions. Consider resolutions for both your personal life and for your farming operation.