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Authors, sign in!Where are all our writers? As I start writing here, there are only 3 entries since July 1. Vacation time for some and maybe a few like me, this is the busiest time of the year?
We finished our wheat harvest a week ago. Had unbelievable yield and quality. Now if the price would just reflect that quality and take into consideration the inflation on our expenses, we would be doing fine. The prices received by the producers is about the same as it was 20 years ago and even barely matches the returns in the late '40's after price controls were lifted following WW 2. Our production levels have increased dramatically, over the years. But, our input costs have more than equaled the increased production returns. The consumers prices have increased dramatically, too. But the farmer's share of the actual value of the wheat that goes into a 1 lb loaf of bread is still only 5 or 6 cents. If the producer got all of a nickel increase on the wheat in a loaf of bread, it should double our return. A bushel of wheat makes 60 one lb loaves of bread. We get $4.00 or less for a bushel of wheat.
The traditional "family farm" is extinct.
There are still a few family farm operations, but the majority of the family living expenses are covered by outside employment. That isn't necessarily from a supplemental job! The farm is the supplemental and actually winds up being more hobby and nostalgic life style than being the primary support of the family. And then, of course, we have a few old hangers on, like my self, who love the challenge and lifestyle it takes to battle nature and the economy. But, without our social security and medicare most of us couldn't afford the luxury of farming.
However, in spite of all those negatives for agriculture, I wouldn't trade my lifetime on the farm for any other vocation or location.
The political and social issues of our time deserve some attention by our writers. I miss the interesting activities of our Texas friends who used to write about the Central City Ministries. After the long hard days (12 to 14 hrs) I don't have the energy or time to address all those issues. But, I do enjoy relaxing before bed time and reading what others have shared.
Published July 11, 2010 by Ken Poland |
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| Tags:
Agribusiness
Agriculture
Economy
Farming
Politics
Social Justic
Comments (3)
60 loaves of bread per bushel? $4 a bushel? Aunt Millies 100% whole wheat bread at my local store is $2.99. someone seems to be making money - and it sure isn't the farmer.
my kansas friend says farmers are the only business that buy retail, sell wholesale and pay shipping both ways.
my dad lives on the family centennial farm - but has't farmed in 20 years - says he is letting someone else work hard to lose money!
Posted by gypsytoo
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July 13, 2010 11:22 AM
Posted on July 13, 2010 11:22
Good luck Ken with this week's wheat harvest. That sounds like a lot of work.
It does seem like there aren't many blogs lately. Perhaps many of the bloggers are just on vacation. Glad to read another blog from you.
Posted by Angelo Lopez
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July 14, 2010 4:52 PM
Posted on July 14, 2010 16:52
I do have an opinion about the extinction of the family farm. I think it's sad that family farms have been priced out of the market and I hate it that corporate farming has taken over. I'm a city person, though, and I don't know how to combat that trend.
As for no news and no opinions, I have a lot of opinions, but unless I have time to do some background research on an issue I won't write about it. And right now I'm doing some volunteer work for a candidate. Maybe I should write about that. It's a good feeling to get involved in a campaign.
Posted by Diane
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July 17, 2010 10:36 AM
Posted on July 17, 2010 10:36