RE: Modern farming debate

rrosati@rs6000.cmp.ilstu.edu
Thu, 10 Aug 1995 15:30:59 -0600 (CST)

at least 80% of the grain grown in this country goes directly
> for animal feed. I would imagine similar percentages hold in other parts
> of the world where meat consumption is similarly high. This is a rather
> inefficient use of resources, including, obviously, the land Avery
> laments being taken from wildlife should demand for food continue to
> increase. Indeed, some, including the acreage used for grazing, could be
> "given back" to nature.
>

While I agree with the value of natural areas I don't think the majority of
the American public is willing to pay the taxes required so the government
can buy private land and then give it back to nature. The alternative to
buying land is to take land from private individuals for public use. I
hope the USA is never reduced to that option. At this point in time any
individual can buy farm land and return it to nature. Have any of us spent
any of our own money doing this? Do we simply want to take someone elses land
and dictate how they can use it? If you have actually spent your own funds
to buy and preserve land, I heartily applaud your efforts. If the cause is
important enough we need to show it buy acting with our own personal
resources rather than trying to force others to act according to our values.

Ron