Real Farming

Chapter 37

Attraction and Advertising

Real farming has a different perspective -- Carol Parker 1983

We are stardust

We are golden

And we've got to get ourselves

Back to the garden --

Joni Mitchell – Woodstock Joni Mitchell Ladies of the Canyon

Real Farming

“Hello Ms. Parker”

“Hello, I don’t think I’ve met you.”

“I’ve been out to your farm; you are doing a great job out there. I’ve been the extension agent here for 20 years.”

“I heard there may be an apple disease some kind of scab. I am seeking to find out more about it.”

“I heard that too, there was a public radio report. I have a pamphlet, but it is not current.”

“Who can I ask?”

“Our small crop specialist retired, forced out really. No one has actually replaced them.”

“Not a promising beginning, why isn’t there a new small crops advisor?”

“We’re being cut back the current administration believes in private business and smaller government.”

“I am a business this is information for a back-yard apple tree.”

“Our state doesn’t have many fruit growers, we’re not Michigan or Washington.”

“I don’t deal with the USDA often, but I could suggest many reforms. I’ve done better per acre than our traditional farmers. There is no PIK program for a producer like me.”

“That is true. The assistant or intern for the small crop advisor is still in place. At least until the end of the fiscal year. I’ve heard he was very good. I can give you his phone number.”

“Is he a doctoral candidate?”

“I think he is working on a master’s degree.”

“A grad student, OK. I’ll call him. Do you have any other suggestions?”

“I would contact Michigan extension; they may have been better funded in your specialty.”

“I would think considering the price of corn more diversity of crops would be encouraged.”

“Our farmers are independent producers, but corporations are the suppliers. They wield the political power and diversity is not as profitable for them. I did not tell you that if anyone asks. I intend to retire in this job.”

“OK thank you for your time. Did you enjoy coming out to the farm?”

“Yes, it is marvelous. You sell very high-quality products. Also, those big horses are a charming touch. I see you put them on your labels. How are your canning and freezing operations working out?”

“There are many obstacles to overcome. Learning proper and approved handling is important. Also, finding the right markets is difficult. Being a small independent, limits selling to large corporations. We do well in small markets regionally. When we get a market then we have to supply it. I have purchased apples and other vegetables to make our supply adequate, but that cuts the profit. We seem to be overcoming the initial problems.”

“I knew your grandfather. I always appreciated talking with him. He was a man of integrity. It seems your business is keeping the tradition. I know the young man isn’t a PhD, but I have found he is very sharp.”

“Hope to talk to you the next time you come out. I will tell Ruth you loved the Shire team. I shouldn’t, it will go to her head. She’s the one that brought the horses to Parkers.”





Photo by bainebiker  Pulling their weight.