05/08/06 Farming in the exurbs

It is tough to farm in the midst of encroaching suburbs. This is as true in the Willamette Valley as in the outskirts of Boise. Will farming exist midst the exodus to exurbs? Yes, if the environmentalists lighten up and yes, if the farmers are like my neighbors, Jamie Stewart and Lynn Christenson. Both grow tree fruit that adjoins our horse property. Jamie called Saturday to let us know that he would be spraying if weather permitted good drift control, and he had alerted his crew to be especially conscientious near our pastures. Lynn always calls to tell me not only when he will be spraying, but with what. I can move horses and water if I feel it is warranted. Environmental hypocrites would love to displace these farmers with some planned community and manmade greenbelt . I can never understand that logic. Land removed from production is lost to us forever. The majority of farmers make great neighbors I'll take the whir of the wind machines, and fresh fruit on my doors step over some "sustainable" strip mall any day.