Letter to the Editor

Ag recognition

Tuesday, March 21, 2006

Dear Editor,

My favorite bumper sticker says, "Don't cuss the farmer with your mouth full."

America's farmers and ranchers provide a consistent, safe, abundant and reasonably-price food supply for the eaters of the United States.

Last time I checked that covered all Americans except those who are fasting and those on a no-food diet. It is fitting, therefore, that March is National Agriculture Month and March 21st is National Agriculture Day.

Agriculture is important not only to the stomachs of our great nation but also to its economy. Every dollar produced by the renewable products sold by farmers and ranchers turns over seven times. That's one good reason to keep family farming and ranching profitable. 

Another good reason is as a counter balance to all the other types of imports we think we need in this country. Until last year, agricultural products leaving our country helped balance the influx of products from other nations.

Last year the United States' agricultural imports exceeded the value of the products exported, lead by diminishing beef exports. 

Can a country importing more than it exports survive? The subject is gaining more and more jaw time.

Do an increasing ownership of United States assets by foreign countries and an out-of-control national debt contribute to an increasingly shaky future for the United States?

What is the solution? Women Involved in Farm Economics (WIFE) feels that country of origin labeling (COOL) is a much-needed tool so US consumers can show their true red blood and buy American-made products.

While American farmers and ranchers appreciate a special day within a special month for displays of appreciation for the delicious food we produce, a better display of appreciation would be for consumers to loyally buy U.S. products whenever they are available.

This is impossible now because there is no way to know the source of the food on the grocery store shelves. March should be the month for America's abundantly fed diners to demand country of origin labels. As you visit with candidates for all the offices, please ascertain their support for COOL. If they don't think you need to know the source of your food, don't vote for them.

America's farmers and ranchers appreciate this special month and the opportunity to showcase our great products and our contribution to the U.S. Economy. So to use the new catch phrase of daytime television, "Back at Ya," WIFE would like to say "THANKS" to all you consumers who continue to eat every day. Just think about it. Without your continued dedication to filling your tummies, we would be out of a job. Bon Appetit.

**Pam Potthoff

Women Involved in Farm Economics

I Vice President

Trenton

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