Rending, tearing, gnashing, etc.

Jennifer C. Bokaer-Smith (jcb13@cornell.edu)
Thu, 10 Aug 1995 12:56:37 -0400

I think perhaps what Stewart was getting at was that these discussions (ie
the one among Stevahn et al) tend to be taking place at a level that does
not necessarily include the practical. As both a farmer and one who
studies sustag, I often feel that non-farmers don't always *really*
understand issues on a practical level. This does not mean that I see
farmers as the only stakeholders in the whole food system! As Leslie
pointed out, we are all involved and it will take all of us to bring about
change. I simply think that, especially where specific production
practices are concerned, farmers have a whole lot to tell us. Are we ready
to listen?

>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
>>

Jennifer Bokaer-Smith
Division of Nutritional Sciences
231N MVR Hall
Cornell Univesity
Ithaca, NY 14853

Phone: 607/255-7153
FAX: 607/255-0178
e-mail: jcb13@cornell.edu