OCR Text |
Show February 1971 UTAH FARM BUREAU Poge2 ui ms aims Tally o Utah Young Farmers Meet The enthusiasm that predominates the meetings of today's young farm leaders is phenomenaL There is so much attention being focused on young adults who have been "maligned", deprived of their rights, who ask the state for tuition fees for favor by "seeking" the higher education and then return the men and their wives have colleges of America. These young forged ahead like the story of the man who did the impossible becuase he didn't know it couldn't be done. The competition and spirit of these young people is truly a marvel. P SO FOOT ESDaglk? Over the years there has been a lot of talk about the FARM BLOCK in the Congress of the United States and the State Legislatures. There is still talk of such evert today. Upon his retirementfrom leadership of the American Farm Bureau Federation, Charles B. Shuman had this comment about farm legislation and politics: "I do not believe that the Congress of the United States will want to repeat the many months of acrimonious debate and political intrigue required to pass a government supply and price management program. There is nothing in the November election results to indicate that it paid off at the polls." Mr. Shuman appears to be saying that in spite of all the political intrigue, using farm issues as a basis for obtaining political favor at the polls, there was little indication that opponents or proponents benefited or lost as a result. It means that little attention will be forthcoming in the political arena about farm programs. The public is more concerned about the issues of Viet Nam, war, welfare for the aged, unemployment for the able who don't work, or won't work, and the multitude of other social benefits, rent subsidies, public housing, medical assistance for those who can't afford medical services or who choose to save and spend for other purposes. Indeed there is little concern about agriculture in politics. and the number of Congressmen has reduced in about the same proportions. In Utah's legislature there are a total of twelve farm legislators, three in the Senate and nine in the House. Obviously any farm bills that have passed required more than just a farm vote. It is doubtful that very many labor bills would be passed if the same relationship existed for labor as does exist for agriculture. "How is this so?", should be the next The number of farmers is now about 5 of the population Jack Loveless, IFA gives award to outstanding Young Farmer, Burke and Anna Ray Johnson. The Utah Young Farmers Association met in their annual convention at the Ramada Inn this past week. Elected to head the association for 1971 was Brant George of Kanosh. Gene Topelato, Ogden was elected Vice President and Ray Hansen, Spanish Fork, to serve as Reporter. M r. George who succeeded William Roberts of Henefer, appointed Melvin Whittaker also of Kanosh as Secretary. Other young people recognized for their service and leadership qualities included Burke Johnson, Aurora who was chosen Young Farmer of the Year and received a $200 check and a stetson hat and trophy. Spanish Fork Chapter was recognized as the outstanding chapter. Ray George, Kanosh who also happens to be a brother of the new president won the Speaker of the Year contest after displaying a breadth of knowledge of subject material His delivery and ability to respond directly, unhesitantly to questions put to him by the judges was appreciated by all in attendance. The award for beautification was presented to Mr. and Mrs. Dee Hardy, Bax Elder County. , question. There is a striking difference between legislation proposed by labor and certain other groups as compared to that supported by agriculture. Agriculturists haven't enjoyed the benefits of financing their programs through a payroll plan. Only recently, and only in one or two commodities has it been suggested or implemented and then collections have been used for promotion of the commodity to make it more attractive to the consumer. Money has the effect of talking a lot more than good intentions sometimes and so farmers continue to take a back seat. de-ductio- n However, it is interesting to note that throughout the legislative sessions farm bills and particularly farm bills supported by Farm Bureau have done surprisingly well. Farm bills that originated with Farm Bureau have been developed only after discussions in town, county and state Farm Bureaus have taken place. With this type of individual participation the result is usually one that not only benefits agriculture but most of society. On the other hand, farm bills ask for benefits already enjoyed by the rest of society. What is good for one ought to be good for the other. Farm people have always contributed their fair share and more and have seldom asked for selfish treatment. For example, legislation was sought to eliminate the sales tax on such items as bailing wire and twine, fertilizers, sprays and the like which are used in the manufacture or production of commodities that would later be sold for consumption. Such advantages have been enjoyed by industry almost from the beginning. Why should farmers be expected to pay under similar circumstances? The list of such legislation could be extended. After all, who benefits in the end, there is nobody that can survive without eating. It is already concluded by national leaders that farmers are probably the least rewarded for their tremendous productivity. President Nixon made this statement: "That area of the American economy that has had the greatest growth in productivity and that has the highest productivity per man hour, anyway you want to rate it, is American agriculture." He further added, "It means also that the nation owes American agriculture a very great debt, a very great debt which perhaps has not been adequately reflected in agricultural income." In view of this relationship farmers and ranchers need not be appologetic about some of the requests that are made of the Legislature and the Congress. The Farm Block is and will continue to be successful only when the general welfare is taken into account. Other groups could do well to consider this fact as carefully as has the Farm Burau and related farm commodity groups. Mr. and Mrs. Dee Hardy presented award Farm Beautification by Wayne Probst, Federal Land Bank. Addressing the confab on the issues of our environment, Ronald Brenchley of Monsanto Chemical Corporation, d environmentalists in science Omaha, Nebraska said, and the news media are unfairly linking pesticides to the nation's pollution problems." He said the public has been drawn to wrong conclusions by implying that chemical residues such as DDT have ruined commercial fishing when the real damage to lakes such as Lake Erie is industrial waste and raw sewage dumped by surrounding cities. He said chemical pesticides in large doses can cause illness or death to people just as modem drugs may kill people in like manner. "It would not occur to anyone to ban penicillin because its annual death rate exceeds "Penicillin can and will kill even when pesticides by several-folto used according prescribed methods. No death has ever resulted from a pesticide when directions were followed." He added, "Charges that the public is being poisoned by DDT in its food and drink are without foundation. This column would like to again recognize the fact that men and women who are engaged and industrious in their efforts to make a living even when the industry they serve is fading in numbers seldom receive public notice. One consolation is that you can't feed a family on public attention and as in times past the food is still good down on the farm. Dr. "Self-style- d. Ray George winner of speech contest receives congratulations from U.Y.F. President William Roberts. |