We are NOT the Mohawk Valley

[dgriffin]

Too true.

[countrygal]

I don't know why agriculture gets pushed aside here and in NY in general. The one thing I think is that the politicians just don't have a clue about farming and most are not interested in learning about them. They think farmers are a bunch of uneducated hicks. They don't realize that most farmers went to college and even the ones that didn't are pretty smart cookies. They have to be. They wear many "hats": Vet, accountant, nutritionist, human resource manager, mechanic, contractor, chemist, conservationist, public relations manager, and now, computer programmer. I also think they believe that houses are more beneficial to an area than a farm is. Not true!

Working lands generate more public revenues than they receive back in public services. Residential areas sometimes use more public services than they generate. A pretty good website to look at is www.farmlandinfo.org. It gives a good pictures about land uses.

All we can do is keep farming and educate people about farming. Maybe we need a farming thread, lol!

[dgriffin]

I think a farming thread would be terrific. First, I've always been interested in the science, and second, Clipper's Busy Corner might be one of the few forums that combine farming and the usual stuff we talk about, which I can't think of a name for at the moment.

I'll go check out:
www.farmlandinfo.org

[Clipper]

The usual stuff that a couple of us chat about is called everyday BS'ing. It would fit nicely with and agricultural themed category, LOL.

[tanouryjr]

"The usual stuff that a couple of us chat about is called everyday BS'ing."

And that's exactly why I love coming here. No personal attacks and very intelligent conversation. Well, until Clipper talks, lol, just kidding. Have a great Thanksgiving Clip and everyone else. Don't eat too much...save it for me.

Countrygal - I did meet the new president of the Ag Association, Ben Simons. He's a wonderful guy and has been at every meeting since taking over. I think he would be a great person to talk to and hopefully you all can help lobby for the leadership to make Agriculture a seperate and distinct committee on the legislature. I have mentioned it since taking office but no one wants to listen to the "new kid," lol.

[tanouryjr]

BTW - Countrygal, if you don't already have his contact info, let me know. I'll PM it to you.

[countrygal]

I know Ben. He is a good guy. He is the President of the Oneida County Farm Bureau. He will do well in that position. If you are driving north and look up to the hill line and see that funny looking white radar ball, that is where Ben's farm is. Right next to that ball. Up on Star Hill.