We can predict our future by our
inability to think outside the current task, by clinging to practices
that have been proven by a better way, by our apathy, ignorance and
sometimes stubborn belligerence. We can also take some good things, too
far. We all can do this.
One
of these practices that is impacting our future world is the use of
synthetic chemicals. Many of the synthetic chemicals for agriculture
exploded in use after our nation’s wars like Atrazine (first registered
for use in 1959) and Agent Orange (or 2, 4-D) that was used in Vietnam.
Some of these synthetic chemicals disrupted many of the historic
practices of rotating crops that helped curtail weeds and build up soil
naturally.
The synthetic
chemicals used in agriculture and some lawn care is a difficult subject
to discuss because it’s so broad, diverse and impacts so many –
especially here in agriculture country. It’s almost a religious
exercise, you either believe in chemicals or you do not – no room for
any discussion in many circles. So, as I always do when I decide to
venture out into subjects like these, I pause somewhere in the middle of
that “religion.” I consider those I know who work for chemical
companies. I also consider the farmers. I consider them; but, I also
prayerfully keep writing because I am compelled by what’s happening in
the bigger picture that impacts all our farms and our entire world. It’s
an impact far greater than even the most recent Roundup® resistant
weed.
The
American Agriculture Movement (AAM) held their grand opening of the AAM
History Exhibit in January of this year at none other than the Bayer
Museum of Agriculture in Lubbock, Texas. In other news, on a bigger
scale, this past year has also brought much talk around the
Bayer-Monsanto merger. The irony perhaps, is that many of the farmers in
the AAM movement most likely opposed the merger of the two companies.
No comments:
Post a Comment