Country Roads

I have always been thankful I live in a small populated rural community, but within the past two or three years, I feel doubly blessed to live where I do. Farming and ranching is a good life.

There has been rioting with the terrible looting and destruction of property and businesses in cities on the east and west coasts. Though most of the political unrest shows up on television and on social media, around here it has been mostly respectfully shown. There are no suggestions of picketing or boycotting local businesses because of a difference of opinion. People of different nationalities are respected here. I hope and pray that it remains that way.

Yet, we farmers and businesses who depend on the rural community, need to be on guard as there are some issues approaching that have to do with what some term “The Green New Deal.” A billionaire high tech guy has been purchasing farm and ranch land. It is reported he purchased 242,000 acres so far, and has thrown some of his funds into an insurance and investment company that has promoted farmers and ranchers. He has also invested in some machinery companies, but beware. A recent columnist reported after reading this billionaire’s book How To Avoid A Climate Disaster, the author promotes a zero-carbon world, “dropping from 51 billion tons of greenhouse gas emissions to zero within the next three decades.” There is also talk of trying to reduce cattle numbers and eating less beef. Going to eating only 100 percent synthetic beef he claimed would help get to a “zero-carbon world.” False logic is being used. Can you imagine going into a steak house and not being able to order a delicious steak, or being able to BBQ a favorite steak or hamburger on your grill?

Regulations are currently being formed to restrict farmers and veterinarians in ways in treating their cattle and other livestock, and at what age the livestock can be sold. More government regulations are being suggested on how a farmer or rancher is to use the land. This would be a disaster to all farmers and ranchers. We need to be aware of what is happening to our rural areas and the great life we have living here.