The Stanford marching band continued their tradition of
taunting opponents for the third straight Rose Bowl. I’m proud of the Hawkeye fans that found this
to be a classless depiction of the backbone of our state. There have been several stories, tweets,
posts, and blogs calling out the band for the performance. I have become less
concerned about the childish mocking and more concerned on the underlying perception
there is about the lack of sophistication of farmers.
With all the available social media where we can see which
sandwich a Hollywood star ate for lunch the “smart” students at Stanford have no clue what
goes on in American agriculture or even their state. For instance, California is number one state
in the nation when it comes to the value of agriculture products produced -
bigger than Texas and yes, it’s bigger than Iowa. That Holstein cow that was depicted in the
band’s performance is better suited in California than Iowa or even Wisconsin
since California is the nation’s top producing dairy state. The half time debacle is a good example of
the divide between the 2% of food growers on farms and the 98% of consumers who
eat it.
Retired Iowa coach Hayden Fry could have never imagined how the America Needs Farmers “ANF” campaign he started in 1985 would
have new meaning thirty years later. Now
the challenge is not about saving individual farmers from financial distress,
but educating the vast majority of people that farmers are conscientious food
producers. America Needs Farmers and we
will continue to use our resources to feed, fuel and clothe the masses as we
have for generations. This isn’t Green Acres, Little House on the
Prairie, or even SimFarm anymore.
Farmers need Americans to know that we utilize some of the
greatest technology available to anyone, that it’s science based, and that the
new technology helps us use less land, nutrients, water, and chemicals to feed
the world. Iowa farmers are adopting the
newest, best technologies to grow crops and livestock for safe, wholesome food while
protecting the environment and water.
It’s inspiring to see Iowans unite around its farmers and
the significance of our role in feeding the world. We need to remain united in our resolve for Iowa’s
food production when others attempt to split and divide us. The challenge to all Hawkeyes, Cyclones,
Panthers, and Iowans – don’t let this feeling of being disrespected by some
classless students in California fade away in your memory without action. If you
are involved in farming or agriculture take it as a challenge to share your
story and explain what you do, why you do it, and how it benefits consumers. If you are an Iowa agriculture consumer take
a few minutes to discover how your food is produced and what farmers are doing
with science and technology. Don’t be
fooled by soundbites and cute catch phrases, or taunts from critics. Food production is complex and farmers are
increasingly resourceful. Farmers
shouldn’t have to be lonely, America needs us and we need them.
