1/12/09 Passing the Torch

The lyric in one of my favorite songs states, new or different isn't the definition of wrong. As the "mature" generation of farmers and ranchers passes the torch and are introduced to the up and coming generation they will need to be careful not to dismiss new ways of producing our nation's food and other farm products. Environmental, sustainable, and conservation are not alternative words for "wrong". Many conventional farm practices already embrace these ideas, and have for decades, as in water and soil conservation. Agriculture practices have already changed dramatically since WWII due to new technologies. Some of the farm practices that are considered tried and true today were also quite new and different once and all but dismissed by our Grandfather's generation. The farmers of the future will continue to discover new ways to farm that will be economically, environmentally and socially responsible while embracing the fundamental principals of farming. There is hope for the future of sustainable farming.