We have talked about either the direction or misdirection of the President. Now, I say we because a few of you concerned actually sent in rebuttals which to me is quite healthy since often times there is only one viewpoint heard. But I believe we can all agree that we have forgotten about those individuals who earn a living in the Agriculture industry.
Let me first say, we have been blessed not to have had thus far a major tornado, tropical storm or hurricane hit us this year. Meteorologist attribute this phenomenon to a westerly wind called "El Nino." But on the other hand, this same wind has created some weather in the state that has caused major losses in the agriculture industry.
By being the largest industry in the state means that combine revenues are multi-billion in nature, year after year. This year, the losses will be in the billions. Dried up crops are sitting in water-soaked fields. Many farmers have cotton they either can't or won't get to because of the water.
Since many of the crops grown go towards feed, the price of keeping livestock alive this winter will probably go up. When this industry is affected the way it has been this season, every component of the industry is affected.
Sometimes the general public overlooks the situations and the choices that the professional farmers make each and every season. We buy groceries and often complain about prices. We raise our own gardens. We hunt and fish. So the last thing we sometimes ponder is how that farmer is doing. Since I don't engage in either of those things but like to eat, I some times wonder about the farmer. I wonder how they are surviving in a recession. I wonder what they are going to do to get past all the water. I wonder how this will affect any loans outstanding.
I have nothing but respect for the farmer. My grandfather was a farmer. He farmed until he was near 80 years old. Never once did I hear him complain about how things were doing in the field. If you asked, he might share with you exactly what was going on, but, never complaining. It was more in a manner that this-stuff-comes-with-the-job attitude.
All I have to say is my hat is off to all of you. I realize with all the technological advancement in farming, the government subsidies, easy loans and insurances and even many farmers having the know-how to invest in the futures market, but farming is still one of the most difficult vocations a person can tackle.
I believe no matter what type of personality, a farmer must have plenty of faith in the Lord. No matter how good a crop produces, the pay-off is depending on what nature does. There are several industries that provide a service and produce a product but there is only one industry that provides a service and produces a product whose ultimate existence is determine by the elements -- farming.
So if you get in a conversation with one of your local farmers, please listen and sympathize with their situation. Realize they are last of a dying breed.
In 1900, almost 90 percent of the American population by profession was doing some kind of farming. Today maybe 1 percent of the population will profess their loyalty to the profession, and yet these men and women seem to have the same attitude as those past. Give them a word of encouragement and let them know you appreciate what they do and respect their profession. I know I do.
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