Save our farms

Agriculture backbone of the state

Arecent John Brummett column spoke of a basic necessity on which we shall continue to depend after the coronavirus epidemic has passed through our lives. He emphasized that, despite the coming of a world more dependent on online work and Internet commerce, there will continue to be the importance of maintaining roads. In Arkansas, rural roads and highways are a lifeline for agriculture.

I am reminded of a heritage that cannot be replaced by the technological infrastructure of a “new normal.”

For those of us who grew up in the rural South, farming was not just an occupation, it was our way of life. We were surrounded by other farm families who also worked very hard to produce crops and livestock. We encouraged and helped each other through hard times and celebrated together during the good times. We were vigilant and hopeful for the right weather to plant, grow and harvest our crops. Always optimistic.

Farmers don’t just work until the sun goes down, they work until the job is done. I have fond memories of hearing men singing at night as they plowed the fields getting ready for spring planting. Work was waiting when the weather was right, no matter the time of day.

In our rural school, we were encouraged to learn better methods of farming and home economics. The 4-H Club and Future Farmers of America chapters encouraged young people to be their best selves in their farm lives, with promising careers in rural America. We felt that our futures were secure because they involved the most valued and satisfying employment possible — farming the land.

My work in Arkansas land conservation has allowed me to see the farms, forests, and open space that make up our beautiful state. It is a joy to work with farmers who love their land and work hard to perpetuate farming traditions. Unfortunately, I have also become aware of the danger to the heritage of farming that we face in our country today.

At the time of our last census, the average age of the American farmer was nearly 60 years old. Farming is very hard work and not a lucrative career path for many young people. Successive generations have turned elsewhere for employment. In many cases, it is simply more lucrative to sell farmland rather than actually farm it, especially if the land is near a city or town.

A couple of years ago, the U of A and the USDA presented a meeting attended by a number of young people who had studied agriculture, and had chosen farming as a career. They could not find land to buy and/ or borrow the funds to begin a farming operation. It was difficult to hear their optimism being diminished by economic reality. They had prepared for a future that might be blocked by economic forces over which they had no power.

Here are some frightening figures that may give you an idea of the jeopardy of our country’s farming heritage. Ten percent of the world’s arable acres lie within the United States. Agriculture

contributes $992 billion to the American economy each year. It is also a vital component to our trade with other nations.

Between the last two census periods, 32 million acres of agricultural land were lost to development — three acres per minute. As we might expect, expanding cities and suburbs absorb much of the lost land. However, 41% of the lost acres come from development in rural areas.

This is especially alarming when we realize that just 17% of American land is ideal for farming. We must assume that the figures from the coming census will show even more discouraging statistics.

Arkansas is reported to have 47,500 farms, totaling 14.4 million acres — 43% of our state’s land. The average farm size is 303 acres. The value of all farm commodities for the state is more than $6.6 billion annually, ranking 11th in the nation.

These statistics relate directly to farming. However, our rural economy and lifestyle also depend on the service and support businesses which employ many more of our citizens. These are the foundation of our smaller towns and communities, making farm life possible while relying upon its success.

To preserve the foundation of our agricultural economy, we depend upon legislation that can assure programs to support farming and farmers. We are indeed fortunate to have representation in both the House and Senate which assures our voice will be heard on important farm issues.

Sen. John Boozman represents our state on the Senate Committee on Agriculture, chairing the subcommittee on Markets and Trade. He recently led a call to the administration for increased access to European markets for U.S. rice, a leading Arkansas commodity.

Congressman Rick Crawford’s district includes a majority of the rowcrop farmland in eastern Arkansas so vital to our state’s farming economy. He sits on the House Committee on Agriculture, and on subcommittees regarding Farm Commodities and Credit. He is a candidate to chair the committee in the coming session of Congress.

These two advocates for our state have supported and voted for the programs and tax advantages that give farmers an opportunity to conserve their land for future generations. My hope is that farming will not become a corporate business to the loss of the dedicated, hardworking individual farmer who is the caretaker of our natural heritage.

During this critical time, we are more aware of our diet. When you next sit down to a meal, remember this old saw: “Once in your life you may need a doctor, a lawyer, a preacher — but every day, three times a day, you need a farmer.”