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This letter is in regard to Jeff Moyer’s recent column
about transitioning to organic farming methods potentially
straining relationships with friends and family. Our problem
was a little bit different because we started raising (grass-based
livestock) something totally different that the family's traditional
row crops, and they don't seem to have much respect for our
efforts. They are very successful and have been so for many
years, and we are just starting and trying to work off-farm
to avoid bad debt, etc. They really look down on our used
equipment and "piecemeal" approach—converting
the fields from crops to pasture a few acres a season—and
don't even talk to us "farmer-to-farmer" about our
work.
They think our use of native grasses and heritage breeds
is more proof we are just amateurs and only doing it for fun.
Hopefully that will change as we grow and are successful ourselves.
In the meantime, it is very discouraging when family and friends
whom we thought would be great resources see us as just another
"little hobby farm" when we really are focused on
making the farm profitable and sustainable as well as enjoyable
for our family and lifestyle.
Jamie Oliver
Virginia
Thanks for the article about changing trends in farming and
the unforeseen social and family issues that come from that.
I've struggled with such things most of my life, and I never
changed anything I was doing. I've always been and organic
fan and environmentalist. Fortunately, most of the things
I've been talking about and working for all these years are
now front-page news, above the fold and getting the positive
attention they deserve.
Nothing succeeds like success itself!
John Meshna
Vermont
www.dirtworks.net
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