Re: Rending, tearing, gnashing, etc.

jhaskett@asrr.arsusda.gov
Wed, 9 Aug 1995 10:10:36 -0400 (EDT)

I really don't see how having grown up on a farm imparts any
special knowledge about the behavior and relative importance
of soil biota. This is in itself an elitist attitude. Some farmers
have been successful in acting as stewards of their land over
generations and millenia, others have managed to permanently
ruin its productivity in a few decades. Mearly "getting your
hands dirty" confers no exclusive insight. Careful investigation,
experience, discussion, examination of the facts, and efforts to
determine them will advance knowledge when the participants act
in good faith. This is true of farmer participants and "asphalt
agronomists" alike.

Cheers,
Jonathan Haskett


On 8 Aug 1995, Stewart Duncan wrote:

> I have been on sanet for over a year and have responded to only one
> communication, though I have been tempted on many occasions.
>
> The lively debate being carried on by the honorable benbrook, avery,
> and stevan(sp?, sorry) brings a shot of much needed levity to me out
> here in the heartland. One question I have often been tempted to
> pose to all participants in these written diatribes is: "Did you grow
> up on a farm, in a farming community, or in any area remotely
> connected with production agriculture and food and fiber production"?
>
> I did. Our small family farm was "sustainable" because both of my
> parents worked off the farm. Frankly, that lifestyle sucked. If
> someone wants to live in such a manner, fine. If someone else wants
> to farm half the county, to eke out a living on narrow margins, fine.
> Either way, too many folks with too much time on their hands and
> opinions out the wazoo want to legislate how either or both of these
> producers should be allowed to make a living.
>
> These elitist attitudes are embarrassing and boring. Go out and get
> your hands in the real thing rather than your foot/feet.
>
> Stu Duncan
> Extension Specialist, Crops and Soils
> Kansas State University
> SC Area Extension Office
> Hutchinson, KS
> Sduncan@oznet.ksu.edu
>