So how important are the farmers, ranchers, cattlemen and dairymen (and their families) to our area?  Consider what they contribute to our economy.  They produce goods that are then sold locally and nationally as well as internationally which in turn brings revenue back into our local economy.  The land that they farm & ranch generates property taxes that help fund our local government.  Their operations create jobs in our local economy.  Not only jobs on their farms and ranches, but more importantly, jobs in related businesses such as fertilizer & chemicals, irrigation and farm equipment, trucking, potato & grain storage facilities and even pickups and ATVs that are used to check their crops and livestock.  And when they have “good years” that produce good prices, they expand their operations.

So how can you, an individual or a single business owner or manager in our community, help our local agri-businesses have a “good year”?  After all, you are but one person.  I have a few suggestions:

1.    Make sure the products you buy at local stores are produced locally.

2.    If local products are not available in your favorite store then encourage them to carry products that come from local farmers, ranchers and dairymen.

3.    Elect local and state officials that support our agricultural economy.

4.    Encourage our elected officials to maintain existing or to create new incentives for our Ag businesses so they can grow.

5.    Help our local legislators protect our local water resources that are so vital to agriculture.

6.    Respect the property rights of our farmers and ranchers.

7.    Express your thanks to the farmers and ranchers you come in contact with…thanks for taking the risks they do to continue to produce goods that return dollars to our community.

If each of us would take but a few of these steps, it would make an impact.  Agri-business remains vitally important to our area’s growth and to the success of other businesses within our Chamber’s borders.

Fortunately we live in a community with a diversified economy.  We have a growing and healthy University, an expanding medical services sector, stronger retail shopping and exceptional outdoor recreation surrounding us that brings tens of thousands of tourists through our area.  But let’s not forget an essential part of our local economy.  Thanks to our area farmers, ranchers, dairymen, and cattlemen! 

Back next month…

Ted