It would be an eye opener for a good portion of consumers to spend a
day with a Washington feedlot operator, Illinois corn grower, Georgia
seed stock producer, Utah rancher or an Arkansas cotton farmer. To see
computer projections of average daily gain, soil testing, laser
leveling, vineyard irrigation systems, dairy genetic selections, swine
and poultry’s meticulous ration calculations and the voluminous
scientific research being used in all phases of agriculture.
The corn seed or semen sample that is put to work on our farms and
ranches every day has as much technology behind it as a satellite on its
way to Mars. But the trusting consumer doesn’t see all that. They
only see us driving a grain truck out to the mill or taking a trailer
load of feeders to the sale. We, in our greasy overalls or well-worn
cowboy hat, are the tip of the technological, tried and trusted,
diligent, essential iceberg that puts food on their table.
For more see Baxter Black's column On the Edge of Common Sense
Baxter Black is the cowboy poet.
ReplyDeleteCowboy poet, philosopher and sometime veterinarian and sorry cattle feeder
DeleteI just finished The Omnivore's Dilemma....thought I knew a little....come to find out I know nothing about what is going on!
ReplyDeleteSounds like I need to read that book.
ReplyDelete