Last night I stumbled upon a commentary in the Columbia Tribune which attacked modern livestock farming practices. The commentary started out attacking Sen. Bond for supporting a $250,000 public investment to research odor abatement on livestock farms. But the commentary talked very little about the study. Instead, the commentary claims modern livestock farms increase child abuse, spousal abuse and crime rates. It also claims modern livestock farms are a “disaster for rural economies.” As someone who lives on a farm and in a rural community, I know first hand the inaccuracies of this commentary.
I live on a modern livestock farm with my husband and children. Our family farm employs local citizens who were born and raised in our community. Additionally, we purchase corn from more than 200 local farmers to feed our livestock. This is an added market for area grain farmers. It supports prices and puts more money in their pockets. Our farm purchases our farm supplies, fuel, and electricity locally. My family farm contributes to the local economy by paying local property taxes on our farm, equipment and livestock. The property taxes from our farm help to pay the salary of one teacher in our school district.
Our family livestock farm has no influence on local residents to abuse their children, spouses or to commit crimes.
The results of this odor abatement study will be used by the entire livestock industry, including family farms, to ensure livestock farms are good neighbors. Rural economies deserve the same economic development dollars as urban communities.
American farmers and ranchers work diligently to produce safe food for Americans while protecting our environment, our land and our livestock. Americans spend less than 10 percent of their disposable income on food, while other countries spend over 20% of their disposable income on food. Public investment in agricultural research, such as the odor odor abatement study Sen. Bond is supporting, and ongoing work at the University of Missouri, is one of the reasons we have a safe and nutritious domestic food supply. Our state’s hard-working farm families are another. They deserve and are thankful for your support.