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Greetings!
As I sat on a plane where I seem to
do my best thinking, and sometimes napping, I found myself
groping for a topic for this assigned editorial piece. Typically
you would find me on the early bird flight in seat 2A, overcoat
buttoned to the top, collar up, iPod on, and head leaning gently
against the window. On a good day if you are in seat 2B you may
hear the ever so slight rumble of my peaceful slumber.
Instead on this day I sit in my
typical spot admittedly eves dropping on a conversation that
leads to this editorial. The topic beside me, albeit innocent
with no ill intent, was boldly forged from ignorance and
misinformation. My fellow traveler was revisiting a night on the
town in a quaint restaurant that served only organic products.
The steak he selected as his entrée was grass fed while his wife
had the roasted free range chicken. Both meals were promoted as
all natural and drug free. The evolution of this chatter soon
leads to a discussion on their version of sustainable all
natural animal production. They now have my full attention.
Though my role as a seed stock
producer naturally involves me in this topic, my employer,
Veterinary Service Inc, also represents some of the top research
based drug companies in the world. As I sat there in seat 2A, a
rancher disguised in business attire, I could no longer just
stand by and observe. So, I jumped off the bench and put myself
in the game.
The details of the conversation
that developed next are less important than the end result. Our
session was neither controversial nor adversarial. Instead, it
was informative, productive and the participants surprisingly
receptive. As these two, and any others who happened to be
listening in, left the plane that day, they walked away with a
better understanding of production animal agriculture and the
value it holds in today’s economy. They found if looked at with
a bit of open-mindedness, it is possible to see the benefits of
producers using safe and approved products to prevent the
inception and spread of disease. Their level of comprehension on
what is touted as “sustainable agriculture” and what is reality
in relation to feeding the world is now expanded. Simply because
I jumped in the game.
The ultimate point here is we
each need to tell our story as often as we can in as many
settings as possible. Do not count on your neighbors, our
Universities, or any other affiliates. It is our responsibility
to continue providing the world with safe and vitally nutritious
food. Have you lost your voice? If so find it and use it daily.
PETA and the Humane Society of
the United States among other groups are no longer lurking
behind the scenes brainwashing uneducated free spirits one by
one. Today they have changed the mindset for many with abundant
surges of propaganda backed by billions of dollars to support
their cause. They are in our churches, our homes, our
supermarkets, and our legislative processes. Our message needs
to be strong, consistent, and sincere. Advocates for Agriculture
are needed. I am not suggesting you have to host a symposium, or
set up your soap box at city hall. Just tell your story, teach
the facts, and be engaged with your customers and community. I
challenge you to reach beyond your daily circle and inject
accurate information to consumers and the media in a proactive,
professional message. Best wishes and luck in the New Year.
Brad Gohr
WSAA Director
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