Thanks given for recovery assistance (02/22/07)

To the editor:

Now that a year has passed, the Mississippi Gulf Coast is seeing the fruits of the labor provided by the many generous people who have tirelessly assisted in our recovery and rebuilding efforts.

We'd like to thank all the members of Westchester United Methodist Church of rural Bryant who have given of their time, hearts and hands.

We would also like to thank the countless others from the Portland area who also gave of themselves to aid in our recovery. Words can't begin to express our appreciation.

As we continue to rebuild our coastal communities, we are inspired by the ongoing commitment of so many people around the country, such as Portland. Because of this kindness, Portland has a permanent place in our hearts.

If members of your community would like to see how we're progressing, please visit our website at www.gulfcoast.org. Thank you again for all the hope you have provided.

Warmest regards,

Stephen B. Richer, executive director, Mississippi Gulfcoast Convention and Visitors Bureau

Supports CAFOs

To the editor:

It seems there has been some information floating around about CAFOs that apparently has been instigated by some specific groups (led by women) against CAFOs. Well, I am a woman who supports CAFOs, and I support the agricultural industry in general. There is plenty of talk about how terrible these CAFOs are, but the talk lacks key facts.

The modern CAFOs and agricultural industry of today are much more regulated than the past operations. In the "good old days" farmers raised a "few" head (50-100). Many typically raised them in open lots, where rain and water allowed the manure to flow wherever the land would slope. Today the enclosed barns are completely contained and there is great care given in the management of these barns. Hog barns today are enclosed and they allow farmers to keep the animals free of disease and worms, which in the past were a big concern in the hog industry. The animals are kept dry and cared for with great regard by some of the best stewards while producing some of the safest (and, by the way, cheapest) food supplies in the world today.

There seems to be plenty of people who want to yell and scream about how dangerous CAFOs will be for Jay County, but these same people are not saying one word about the township and county issues regarding sewage and lack of control, which has resulted in more than half of all IDEM violations from 1997-2006. I have yet to attend one meeting at the courthouse with citizens asking when the county is going to do something about these risks. I also have not heard exactly where people want the CAFOs to be built. The only response I hear is "not next to me," but these CAFOs can't be built in town, they can only be built in ag-zoned areas.

There seems to be all types of complaints about all the dangers of CAFOs. I have heard them all, from allergies to endangering our water supply. I am not quite sure how a CAFO can affect allergies or asthma any more than other elements which are common in ag-zoned areas. What about gravel roads, or the vast plant materials you are surrounded by which are found in many of our woods - not to mention crops of soybeans, corn, wheat or hay? These are all common, and yet these people with allergies or asthma never seem to mention these problems. As for the drinking water threat, I learned from IDEM that there has never been a contaminated well found in Jay County caused by a CAFO. I am sure with all of the added regulations and improved modern building requirements we are safer today than we have ever been.

I am tired of hearing all the things people do not like about farmers, and yes, I said farmers. Whether you are growing grain to feed the hogs or own the CAFO building to raise the hogs, you are a farmer. I wish people would remember that all farmers are responsible for feeding people. Did you know that one farmer feeds an average of 140 people? They grow and raise nutritious foods that sustain life. They do not ask for permission to harm the environment, they only ask that they are permitted to build and work in ag-zoned areas while following the many rules and regulations which are established.

So whether you are a mother, sister, aunt or daughter, it does not matter. We should all stand up together and support our local farmers and appreciate all they do for this community, as well as the world. If you have a concern or an issue with a neighbor who is a farmer, go to them and discuss your concerns. Give the farmer a chance to explain what they are doing to follow all the rules and protect the environment.

Let us choose to be a different kind of county in Jay County. Let's show other counties how we can work together. Let's stop the whole "us vs. them mentality."

Seriously, how can people be against farmers and then go to the store and purchase the very food he has provided for them? Unless you are growing and raising 100 percent of your food supply, you are benefiting from the hard work of farmers. When I see a sign in someone's yard which is anti-farmer, I wonder how that person would feel if all of the farmers banded together and said let's stop providing food for the nation? Has anyone ever stopped to think how the farmers feel when they pass one of these signs.

There is a way for farmers and non-farmers to learn how to co-exist in agricultural-residential areas. Let us set that example.

Loria Pursifull

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