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.
1 Comment
|
Author: Kelly W. Sikes
Heritage Farmgirl Who is she? I am wife, mother of 3, daughter of 2 wonderful city parents, a sister to one sis, a home school mom, an office manager and a farmgirl! Well, this really does not tell you about me just some of the titles I have. I am a 40 something girl who has found herself very blessed by where life has taken her ….to the farm kitchen! I am a fun loving girl who loves to be in the kitchen cooking or looking thru cookbooks or the internet for new healthy delicious recipes for my family. I am happiest when I have a spoon in my hand (and a cup of coffee in the other) and my 2 girls in the kitchen with me cooking up our next creation. How she ended up on a farm……I come from a small southern town right outside Charlotte, NC. I thought I lived in the country! Until my college roommate, Jennifer took me home with her for the week-end. (I lived 20 min. west of Charlotte; she lived a 1hr. 20 min. east of Charlotte.) Wow!! What a difference. That’s when I really found out what it meant to be country. Rolling fields of corn, soybeans, and stuff I didn’t have any idea what it was (and still don't), then poultry houses after poultry house. It was not uncommon for you to go several miles without even seeing a house (for people). A year later, Jennifer set me up on a blind date with one of those country boys……well I guess you could say I was blinded by love and fell head over heels for my true love, Gary. We have now been married for 22 adventured filled years. Even though he was a country boy, we didn’t start out on the farm. We waited until 1996 to buy our land which is next to his family farm. We didn’t consider farming until 7 years later after Gary became sick. In 2011, we started Bountiful Harvest Farm. So here I am a farmgirl ……. What’s on our farm? We raise heritage poultry. We are a full circle farm- laying hens, breeders, a hatchery, chicken and turkey growers, and on the farm processing. If you are still reading, I’m impressed. I don’t claim to be a writer. I’m just a regular girl who is going to share about life on a chicken farm, some of my favorite recipes and a few funny stories of my family along the way. I hope you'll come back - just grab a cup of coffee (or whatever drink your hand desires), pull me up and visit. Archives
April 2013
Categories |