Farm Bureau

Beth Spaugh (bspaugh@cce.cornell.edu)
Mon, 11 Dec 1995 12:45:40 -0500 (EST)

OK, the discussion has been interesting and enlightening. I do feel at
this point I need to add my "two-bits". I attend several County Farm
Bureau meetings a year. Their policies drive me up the wall, but they are
good folks. I bite my tongue a lot, sometimes not enough. They know
somewhat where I stand, but we work well together. I appreciate their
support. They provide the financial backing for a Tour of Ag for
policymakers and business people and anyone interested. This seems to be
a critical undertaking to make people aware of the economic importance of
ag in our area and also to expose them to some of the variety in ag. Each
year we go to one area of the county, to one large and one small dairy
farm, to an apple orchard or direct market vegetable stand, and to one
"odd-ball". Last year the odd-ball was a race horse stable.

They know, as do the farmers who go through my basic 12-hour pest
management program, that I am pretty "radical" in my views. For instance,
that if I'd be much harder on them than our DEC is about pesticides.
Same with manure, soil erosion, personal injury and liability, etc.

We find common ground to work on. I respect their knowledge and
experience, but try to open their minds to other possibilities. Sometimes
I make headway, sometimes not. I do get their attention though and they
(I think) value the insights into what others think.

There are alternatives to current policies - other members get involved
and go to the policy setting meetings. Preferably get involved on a
regular basis and do your job. The exposure to a financially successful
"sustainable" farmer could do wonders.

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Beth Spaugh CENET: bspaugh
Cornell Cooperative Extension, INTERNET: bspaugh@cce.cornell.edu
Clinton County VOICE: 518-561-7450
6064 Route 22 FAX: 518-561-0183
Plattsburgh NY 12901