Farmers exhibit independent spirit every day
The Fourth of July is a day that we celebrate the independence of our country, the United States of America. Let us never forget the true meaning of the Fourth of July and what it means for our amazing country and the freedom we are afforded here in America.
On the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson wrote “may it be to the world what I believe it will be ... the signal of arousing men to burst the chains … and to assume the blessings and security of self-government. That form, which we have substituted, restores the free right to the unbounded exercise of reason and freedom of opinion. All eyes are opened, or opening to the rights of man…For ourselves, let the annual return of this day forever refresh our recollections of these rights, and an undiminished devotion to them.”
Farmers exhibit the independent free spirit of self governance every day. Decision-making rests with the individuals doing the work of producing the food and fiber for our country. The Yuma County agribusiness is different from most farming areas in the United States. Whether it is the fact that the families of the presentday farmers created this unique and unmatched farmland from the desert or the fact the land is continuing to be lovingly nurtured by the third, fourth and fifth generation on the land.
Yuma County farmers are distinct in their desire to work together with great selflessness, for the good of the community. Examples from the last 25 years include the great Gila River flood fight. There were 15,000 acres flooded from Texas Hill to Dome Valley; the canal system and pumping plant in Dome was threatened with destruction by the floods. The entire county took up the fight and prevented a disaster by the massive flood fight that occurred.
When the railroad decided it wanted to run a new line across the Yuma Mesa, something that would have destroyed croplands and lifestyles, the war against “Thomas the Train” took place. The man who was trying to acquire the rightof-way lands ran into the amazing synergy of Yuma. Before he reached the second grower he had planned to approach, the 1st farmer had called him and let him know what was going on. The battle went on from there and as a result there is no railroad on the south Yuma Mesa.
Over the years, Karnal bunt, a wheat disease, threatened to paralyze our small grain industry. Power lines were proposed in areas that would disrupt radio communication for the county and create hazards for crop dusters and other agricultural practices.
And just this year another battle in the ongoing attack on Yuma County’s water rights. Again, the entire community responded without any self-interest but the good of the entire community at heart.
Other areas are envious of the cohesiveness of purpose the citizens and businesses show whenever there is a challenge to our prosperity and way of life. There is indeed nobleness in their desire for all to succeed. Celebrate our independence and freedom this Fourth of July!