Only The Strong Survive

In my travels today I was reminded of all the things and people that are gone in my life. Oliver Farm Equipment, Oldsmobile, Dodge Dakota, Ford Ranger, they are all gone. Is there something better? I don't really think so. The companies I like best didn't make it and only the strong survive.

Look at seed. All the mom and pop seed companies are gone. Bird Hybrids, Garst, Latham and all the little seed companies are gone. Now Monsanto is number one and a few years ago all they sold was chemicals. Pioneer is now DuPont, and by name, too.

Is bigger better? I don't think so. LuAnn had to go to WalMart today for business. While she was there she bought a new camera for the new baby. I detest shopping at WalMart but you can't beat their prices or handiness sometimes out here in the country. They employ a lot of people locally but not near what the mom pops they replaced would add up to for all those goods.

Little companies employ more people. Big companies find ways around people with technology. Look at Google, they are going through all kinds of changes and I have voiced my opposition for months now.

It does no good. It's like the boy who cried wolf too many times. People got tired of hearing the cry and the wolf enjoyed a cheap and delicious but short lasting meal.

Only the strong survive. Those good companies weren't necessarily weak, either. They became vulnerable. Naivety is very vulnerable. Things can be perking along and suddenly, its all over, in a flash.

That is my rant for today. The good thing is southern Ohio got a big rain. The water feature was as full as ever when we got home just now. Praise be to God! I never saw a farmer who didn't relish this rain today.

I wish I could post one of the many new pictures I have to show you today but haven't figured out why the picture uploader disappeared from my toolbar yet.

I will let you know.

Ed