AlO-Lancaster Farming, Saturday, July 6, 1991 OPINION Farmers Provide American Way Of Life We were reminded again this week as we celebrated indepen dence day that many people in the history of our country have contributed to the blessings we enjoy. The most recent persons who come to mind are those who gave of themselves in Desert Storm. Thomas Jefferson said that freedom must be continually earned. And our soldiers, sailors and airmen proved that again during this conflict in the Middle East. At this time of year we think of what the American system really stands for: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men arc created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights. That among these are life, liber ty and the pursuit of happiness.” While we hear a lot about the new freedoms in the Soviet Union, they still do not have enough to eat. If you have life and happiness, you really need to have enough food. That’s where the American farmer has done so well for us. And the agricultur al enterprises are of such importance to the American way of life that they also must be listed as important to our freedom. Back in 1776, when our forefathers signed the Declaration of Independence, nine out of every ten Pennsylvanians were far mers, self-sufficient and proud. Today, thanks to technological advancements—and the same strong work ethic in which those first Pennsylvanians believed-one farmer, on average, provides the food needs of 114 others. There is no doubt to the power of the Pennsylvania agricul ture and food industry. It’s our number one industry, bringing in $3.3 billion of farm income and leading to more than $32 billion in related business activity every year. Agriculture helps create jobs for 1.2 million people—one out of every five Pennsylvanians The farmers who provide us with such an abundance of harvest really form the base of the economy that we have come to call the American way of life. 'i Farm Calendar Butler Co. Fair, Butler. Keystone Stud and Ewe Show and Sale, Ag Arena, Penn State, thru July 7. Forest Co. Fair, Wolfs Comers Recreation Assn., Tionesta. Keystone Ram and Ewe Show, Ag Keystone Stud and Ewe Show and Sale, Ag Arena, Penn Stale, thru July 7. Doyle Thomas Retirement Open House, VFW Route 706, Mon Ag Teachers Conference, Penn State, thru July 10. Western Junior School, Blair Co. hosting, thru July 9. Lancaster Co. 4-H Fashion Revue, Farm and Home Center. Young Cooperative Leaders Con ference, Pa. Council of Cooperatives, Days Inn, State College, thru July 10. Blair Co. Junior Dairy Judging School, thru July 9. Lancaster Farming Established 1955 Published Every Saturday Ephrata Review Building 1 E. Main St. Ephrata, PA 17522 by Lancaster Farming, Inc. A Simnrmn Enktrprme Robert G Campbell General Manager Everett R Newswanger Managing Editor Copyright liH by Lancaster Farming Ag Teachers Conference, Penn State, thru July 10. Western Junior School, Blair Co. hosting. Young Cooperative Leaders Con ference, Pa. Council of Cooperatives, Days Inn, State College, thru July 10. Lancaster Co. 4-H Presentation Day, Farm and Home Center, 9 a.m. Dodge Co. Farm Progress Days, Brownsville, Wisconsin, thru Ag Teachers Conference, Penn State. Young Cooperative Leaders Con ference, Pa. Council of Cooperatives, Days Inn, State College. Dodge Co. Farm Progress Days, ' Brownsville, Wisconsin, thru July 11. Eastern Junior Judging School, Susquehanna Co., thru July 11. Grounds Managers Field Day, Ursinus College, afternoon. one. are: you ever GONNA GET ARID OF ALL THAT OLD SUNK? >RP£hT£R To Understand Nutrient Management The nutrient management bill is making its way through the legisla ture. The House of Representa tives have approved the bill and the Senate is now considering it. This piece of legislation will have an impact on many of our state’s farms. The current bill will require farmers to recognize the plant nutritional value of animal manures. By developing nutrient manage ment plans, farmers will be balanc ing the crop nutrient requirements with the fertilizer and manure he applies. By developing this plan, the farmer should be increasing his income by eliminating the unnecessary purchase of plant nutrients while reducing the possi bility of contaminating the ground and surface water. Animal agriculture is a very important segment of the com monwealths agriculture. To keep animal agriculture growing in the state will require all farmers work ing together to utilize the valuable manure produced by animals. With a better understanding of plant nutrition, how manure improves soil structure, and the amount of plant nutrients provided by manure, farmers will use man ure wisely in their cropping sys tems. However, it will take cooper ation among all farmers to make nutrient management work. To Be Alert For Field Fires The recent dry weather has increased the chance for field fires. Dust accumulation on gasoline engines will cause engines to over heat and catch on fire. Also, sparks from engines, cigarettes, matches and fires will set dry weeds, pas tures, and small grain fields on fire. To protect your valuable equip- Pesticide Institute, Penn State, thru July 11. _ Tri-County Pork Producers Weigh-In and Live Evaluation, Lebanon Fairgrounds. Dodge Co. Farm Progress Days, Brownsville, Wisconsin. Eastern Junior Judging School, Susquehanna Co. Assessment and monitoring of soil (Turn to Pag* A 27) r _3<j NOPE, X’M OUST LETTING IT 'AGE' ment (combines, tractors, hay bal ers, etc.), you will need to clean the dust off your engine several times a day, make sure the air intakes for the radiator are clean, maintain proper water level in the radiator, make sure the fan belt is tight and not worn, and carry a fire extinguisher. While operating your equip ment, keep an eye on your engine to make sure it is not on fire. If you smoke or do any burning, make sure any stray sparks will not acci dently start a fire. To Review Emergency Procedures Last week I participated in nuclear power plant emergency drill. I have a concern most far mers would not know what to do if they would be ordered to evacuate their farms. In case of a nuclear power plant problem, bring all animals inside and make arrangements to provide them with automatic waterers and WHAT DOES IT TAKE? July 7, 1991 Background Scripture: Nehe miah 1-2. Devotional Reading: Psalms 122:1-19. What does it take to get some thing done in this world? Tonight on television there were visual reports of the millions who are dying of starvation in Africa. Equally disturbing were the re ports of great multitudes of people in Bengaladesh who are the vic tims of a great typhoon. The commentator said that so far, the Western democracies had not evidenced much interest in helping them. It is ironic to recol lect that just a few months ago we spent millions of dollars to help the relatively-well-fixed Kuwai tis, but, as the commentator noted, the people of Bengaladesh and Sudan do not have any oil "to protect." Have you ever noticed how easy it is to raise money to kill people and how hard to find money to keep people alive? Our country united in its anger and hostility toward one man, Saddam Hussein. If only we could just as surely unite in compassion for the nameless people who have no power. MOBILIZING TO HEAL A whole nation was mobilized to wage war with the most advanced technology the world has ever seen. So, how do we mobilize our nation to use some of that technology to wage peace? Maybe we can't solve starvation, disease, ignorance addiction, and crime. But if we can send guided missiles to kill so effectively, can't self feeding. In the event of an eva cuation, only one person will be allowed to re-enter and only for a brief period of time. With two nuclear power plants close to Lancaster County, every fanner would be effected in the event of a power plant problem. Take time to read the material pro vided to you by the power compa nies and develop an emergency plan for your farm. Also, have posted next to your phone the numbers for the fire company, ambulance, poison con trol center, doctor, and police. With this list of phone numbers should be written a set of detailed directions to your farm. In the event of an emergency, time is a very important factor. These phone numbers and direc tions could save a lot of time and even a life. Take time now and instruct every member of your family on what to do in case of an emergency. we at least make some dent in these human miseries? So, what does it take? It takes a person like Nehemiah, someone who, when confronted with a par ticular failing of our society, can respond with deep sense of sor row. Through Hanani, one of his brethren, he receives the devastat ing news that Jerusalem was desolate and defenseless: "When I heard these words I sat down and wept, and mourned for days..." (1:4). If Nehemiah lived today, he wouldn't switch channels just because he wouldn't want to watch something that is unsettling. Nehemiah did more than weep he prayed: "...and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven." This evening, after the TV report was finished, it occurred to me that problems like mass starvation and others rarely get into my prayers. I pray for my family, my friends, and for those who ask me. But how often do I pray for the nameless starving, homeless, sick, destitute, lonely, and imprisoned. Not very often. Is it just because it is more natural to pray for those whom we know in some way, or is it because we know unconsciously that to pray for these people might place upon ■ us the obligation to do something about it? Nehemiah realized that the sad condition of Jerusalem was due to the sins of his people: "I now pray before thee day and night for the people of IsraeL.confessing the sins...which we have sinned against thee" (1:6). Most of our human tragedies are the result of human sin and it takes repentance if we are to do something about them. Nehemiah was an important person who used his position to get something done. Hanani was a person of lesser stature who also did what he could do: he told Nehemiah. Without him, there likely would have been no decree from the King. (Based on copyrighted Outlines produced by the Committee on the Uniform Senes and used by permission Released by Community & Sub urban Press)
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