Welcome to Talk Shop

When I was working at a major metropolitan newspaper a few years ago, my editor looked at me and said, "Nobody cares about agricluture anymore. Banks, business, advertisers, that's who we're writing for."

Funny, I said, "I thought we were writing for the readers"

I was met with curt, "Well, if you don't like it, you can always quit."

I did.

Why? Because I don't believe that the impact of the agricultural industry is simply limited to those involved in it, but to our society as a whole. I believe that agriculture, and the resources it supplies our nation with are valuable and important. I also belive that agriculture, and the small town rural communities it supports, are essential to our country and the American way of life.

 Case in point:

 How do you think people would react when faced with the same percentage of price increase as we have for say, oil and gas? 

 "Gasp!"  Exactly.

Our food supply is not a right, it is a privledge that we enjoy because our govnerment and our economic/trade policies supported the development and expansion of agriculture within our borders. It is a benefit we enjoy as Americans, and it is a benefit we could very well loose if we don't protect and promote United States interest in agriculture and development. 

People complain about subsidies and budgets, but they rarely seem to mention the benefits that are enjoyed as a result of these programs. Nor, do they often examine the consequences of what would happen if they were to be eliminated. The lay person does not understand the complexities of production costs, cash flow analysis, and market fluctuations that make these programs not only vital but essential to our nations well being and prosperity.

 I hope you will enjoy our news sections and logs on agriculture. This truely is the back bone of America. To all of you, thank you, because of you, America is strong.