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Bruce Askelsen
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- Eagle Grove, IA
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HR 875 Threatens small farmers/gardeners!
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Started this discussion. Last reply by Jim Tripp Apr 12.
Interesting Statistics about Winneshiek county
Started Jan 29
Some more info!
Started Jan 25
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If you check this, please know that I am trying to get that book back to you, but that hasn't been going well. However, I am still on it, and will get it to you as soon as I can get there when it is open or when I finally go to the right place.
I am staying home sick today, quite ill. Hope to catch you next time you're in town.
I also agree with you about the (show me the money) mentality, so in knowing that if we want to help today's farmers change the way they farm and that money is the big factor here lets throw money at it until we begin the transformation we desire. Ultimately, I think we need to start with the banking system, because they do drive a lot of the decisions that today's farmers make. I guess what I'm trying to say is if 8.5 out of 10 times a decision is made for financial reasons then lets provide the financing for the good incentives not the unsustainable incentives. After all, this country has been throwing good money after bad for many, many years now. My daddy has a saying, (sometimes, you have to go in the back door to open the front door).
You, my dad & most other farmers were in the same place as far as just going with the flow, so to speak, but that was the knowledge that was presented to them.But my dad like you used the good ol' horse sense god gave them and realized what they were doing wasn't sustainable and changed the ways they farmed (the power of observation). My suggestion is to use the fact that many of today's younger farmers have college degrees to (educate) provide them with viable alternatives as it relates to sustainable farming practices. I really believe we are on the cusp of a farming revolution. Most farmers know they need a different model, but ultimately they do have to make payments, so if provided with viable opportunities they will make the needed changes. Gotta go for now, but thank you for the exchange of ideas.
Sorry to hear about your dad, & I'm looking forward to meeting you when you get moved back up here! Welcome home my friend!
John
As for lobbying, I'd like to go with you to lobby our local officials about GMO seeds as there are very few them who do farm, so they wouldn't know much about GMO's nor could they as local elected officials do anything to influence seed companies to do things differently or enact laws to change farm issues.
Now as far as lobbying our elected state officials, you are the very person that should be lobbying state level officials with your vast knowledge on seeds, farming, judging etc. Because they are the ones who are influenced by the crazy amounts of money seed companies,farm bureau and farm related industries (along with others) give to our elected officials for elections & re-elections, not our city & county officials. And, the way things have gone in the past it is QUITE OBVIOUS to me that the lobbyists are making real headway with our elected officials. There is a reason DC has over 30,000 registered lobbyists working on our elected officials.
Also, I'm very supprised I've never seen you at ANY of the many city council OR supervisor meetings that I've been at. Nor do I remember seeing you at any of the town hall meetings our state & national elected officials hold right here in our local area. Nor did I see you at any of the events I attended when I ran for State Rep this last year.
Now as far as farmers being lazy,, I couldn't DISAGREE with you more. While there are some that are lazy, the vast majority are not. Just the same as there are some bad farmers, the vast majority are good farmers or are at least trying to be good stewards of the land they want to pass on to their children. But they need to be educated with accurate facts and data to help them make responsible & sustainable farming decisions.
To answer your question on what I do; I was born & raised on a dairy farm over by Hawkeye, Ia. After high school I moved to Florida & started a career in sales and became manager of 2 Ladies shoe stores.15 yrs ago we moved back here to Iowa to raise our 4 children. I've worked part time for a farmer down by Ossian all 15 yrs while continuing a career in sales. I've also owned my own candle (handcarved) & craft business, I've managed a welding shop for a brother, I've managed a redemption center, worked in a grocery store, worked for Gage & Gage plumbing & heating, I'm a commercial property owner & a Certified Bi-lingual Auctioneer. I'm a Farm Bureau member & past co-chair of Winneshiek County Community of Hope Growing project. I was assistant manager at Rockweiler Appliance & TV, I sold ATV's, motorcycles etc. at Decorah Kawasaki/Suzuki. I'm a salesman at heart.
Just out of curiosity, how many acres do you have, what do you grow for crops & what do you raise for livestock?
God bless, John Franzen
PS. There is a town hall mtg with a representative of Tom Latham at Decorah city hall tomorrow @ 9:30 am. They are there every 1st Tuesday of the month. Also, John Beard & Maryjo Wilhelm, our new State Rep & State Senator are having a town hall mtg Feb. 28th @ Decorah city hall @ 9:30 am. Hope to see ya there! :-)
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