Have you ever taken a drive out through the country side and enjoyed a
quiet afternoon away from the city noise? As you drove did you notice the acres
of farm land? Have you ever stopped to think about who runs that land? The
majority of these small farms are run by families who have passed the
lifestyle of farming down from generation to generation. Although, according to
The Real Truth Magazine only one-third of
these family farms have a successor, someone who will continue the farming
tradition. There has been an ever increasing number of large scale farms. As
large commercial farming increases, the number of small family farms decrease
as generations move farther and farther from agriculture back ground. The
need for more land to build houses and provide space for an ever increasing
population has been the cause of many of these small family farms selling out.
What is going to help keep these family farms from becoming completely
extinct? Many of these family farms provide organic produce that can be found
at local farmers markets. While these products may not have as long of a shelf
life they provide a healthy alternative that can be frozen, bottled, or canned
for later use. During this time of year there are family owned pumpkins patches
and produce stands that can be a great family opportunity. (USDA- Small Family Farms)There are so many
ways that small family farms can be supported but it needs to start now.
I agree with the fact that successors of current ranchers and farmers are not as numerous as they were in the past. I believe there are a variety of factors that contribute to that issue, increasing population being one of them. I feel like the trends of today, with the increase in population, is healthy organic food. If the label says "Organic" or "All Natural," consumers will buy it. They don't know about the struggle that farmers and ranchers face in providing that food for them and the lack of appreciation. It's up to us to let them know about it! Great post Erin!
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