This is post number 1100 according to Google. I am wondering why I continue to do this and why some of you continue to read it?
My friend HP in Illinois asked the group that type on Crop Talk whether or not they support the National Corn Growers, American Soybean Association and the American Wheat Growers.
I wrote him a personal note I will share with you that is my take on this cool winter morning:
"Hi Hp, I think I support them but not in spirit every day but in principal. I can think of worse ways to spend my grain check off money.
Have they increased market share? I think so butut it is controversial, have seen good and bad both sides but they have developed market, no doubt in my mind. It would have happened anyway, maybe less or more but I think more good than harm.
Just hate feeding the naysayers on NAT. Your post brought out the naysayers and we both knew it would but a couple spoke up with good sense. I don't agree with the naysayers but have to read it I guess because I know some people think what I say goes against their opinion.
We are all in this together and all the people I know in all 3 organizations are good people I trust and they bust their butt for us. Maybe a few perks but not worth the hassle they put up with. About like school boarding I don't miss it but I am very happy of the direction our group took our school."
I wasn't intending on attending the Grain Symposium this week but when people I respect asked if I was going I decided to give it a shot. I was glad I did and took home more than I brought or gave to the group. I got to talk to farmers ang ag people I respect.
Groups trying to do good for all are worth supporting. Reading all the Canadian Wheat Board comments makes you wonder and reading what our own organizations do makes you wonder. The soybean growers split in their disagreement on how to handle funding and policy but I still believe more good was done than harm.
That's how I see it on the farm this morning.
With all the misinformed people airing their thoughts on the Internet and other media, I think all the good we can do is admirable. What do you think?
Ed
Ed
ReplyDeleteI follow your blog because you always seem to have something of interest to write about. You are a better philosopher than those I find at the elevator or coffee shop. Keep up the good work.
While I fully support the commodity checkoff programs, that for soybeans is currently getting a little pricey. I concur with the NAT comment that perhaps a flat rate per bushel with a refund option holds the organization leadership a little more accountable.
Ron Swanson
Thanks Ron, for the uplifting message. This blog replaces my weekly Extension articles and radio shows I did for seven years. I guess I missed it that much! It keeps me fresh and thinking and probably helps me more than it does you!
ReplyDeleteI see your point on the soybean checkoff. I really haven't analyzed it that closely but we both know the current program has caused rift between producers and that is something we should not do.
Thanks always for your support and comments.
Ed