Farm Tour and Rainy Days

It was a cloudy, rainy day here on the farm last Thursday.  We were
honored to be hosting US Rep. Richard Hudson, NC Senator Gene McLaurin
and NC Rep. Mark Brody at our farm  to discuss farm policy with the small farm
and food policy with education of  consumers on how and where their food
is produced.  Due to all the rain we were blessed with we had to postpone the
farm tour. But we had a great time  sitting around our den discussing farming
and food policy with US Rep. Richard  Hudson, NC Senator Gene McLaurin
and NC Rep. Mark Brody. We had area local  farmers, Jared with CFSA and
Dustin NC Extension Agent all here talking local sustainable farming!  

Being given the opportunity to talk with these gentlemen is how our country
was founded; that it is to be heard.  We were able to share our passion
about providing healthy and nutritious food to our community.  As well as,
the problems we face because of laws and paperwork that put us at a desk instead
of outside growing food.
 
This is how our country is suppose to be governed -that all Americans have equal and
fair representation - being given  the chance to talk with Our Representatives and
informing them on how bills and laws they pass will effect us.  Now, I  know this does
not mean we will always get what we want  but being allowed to talk with them so
that they can make informed decisions when passing bills and laws that effect those
of us back here in their community, the ones they are representing. Because when it
comes to US policies, what will be best for California or New York may not work for
North Carolina or what works for Raleigh or Charlotte or what works for Big Ag
may not work for the small family farm.  Our Representatives and Senators need to
know what we face so that they can debate issues for us.  If we are not talking with
them, how can we expect them  to make informed decisions when they go to vote on
issues that we hold dear to our community and that will make a difference here in our
community.  Talking with those that represent us, letting them know how and what
we are facing and what our needs are so we can provide the best meat, produce and
dairy we can for our community.  Like I said yesterday "No, I can not feed the world
but I can feed my community healthy, nutritious food and if we make it possible for
more small local farms to farm easier- we can feed this country."

I feel these gentlemen really listened and took to heart what our area
farmers where saying.  I know that they can not know everything
about everything so for that reason, communication is the key
here.  I look forward to staying in touch so they can make me
aware of what is going on political in the Ag industry.  Because
I don't and can't stay up with every bill and law that  is going before
this session.  Rep. Brody said that there is already over 400
bills being introduced this session.

It was a great honor for us to host these gentlemen in our home, I look forward to
having  them back and taking them out on the farm.