Yesterday was Memorial Day. I spent the majority of the day
working. I went back to the field this morning and started thinking about the
ignorance of people.
There are “ignorant” groups who find fault with many aspects
of farming. Today I want to concentrate on the lies being propagated about CAFO
farms. Another term they use is Factory Farms.
Because of our size we are a CAFO. And these “ignorant
groups” claim Factory Farms are evil, money grubbing businesses that take
advantage of their employees, treat their animals horribly and are only in it
to make big money.
Yesterday while many of these “ignorant people” were
enjoying picnics, parties, parades and parks this is what we were doing on our
horrible CAFO farm.
Starting before 6:00 AM Son # 2 was out in the field
planting corn – while being sick with the flu. He’s 4th generation.
My husband – Farmer who is generation 3 was chopping hay. I was merging hay
just in front of him. Two employees were helping with the hay. Daughter-in-law
#2 was picking up and delivering ammonia. Son #3 was busy mowing more hay. Five
to six of our employees were milking and caring for the cows. One of the
grandkids was in the field too. Later in the day Son #1 came and did some
chisel plowing for us. Farmer relieved him later in the evening and finished
the field around 10:00 PM. Son #2 planted until late evening also.
So, this family factory farm who is supposed to be uncaring,
evil and just plain bad spent the whole day working to provide good quality
food for our cows. Getting crops in in a timely manner is important to quality
for our animals. I ask you – does it sound to you like we are evil?
Are we only in this to make the money? That would make me
laugh if times weren’t so dire. Our milk prices have dropped by ½ in the last
couple of years – with no relief in sight. Funny how our expenses don’t follow
our income.
Sorry if I sound grumpy but to tell you the truth it’s
frustrating to see how the “ignorance” and “fear mongering” is settling in with
some consumers.
Sunday we were in the ER getting meds for Farmer who has a
great case of poison ivy from clearing a field. During the time there I had
opportunity to speak to 2 nurses about milk and the safety of it. They had no
idea that there is no way there can be antibiotics in milk – it’s against the
law and all milk is tested – ours even before it leaves the farm.
Also one said it was sad that the big farms could make more
money than the small ones. I explained that the small farmer got the same price
for their milk as the larger. Being big doesn’t give you advantages. In fact,
since we are CAFO we have a whole lot more regulations we have to follow.
So bear with me as I let off some steam and hopefully help a
few understand that things aren’t always as fabricated. Most farmers welcome
questions and would love to show and tell.
