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