graze-l May 2005: [SPAM] - RE: [SPAM] - Re: [SPAM] - RE: [SPAM] - RE: [Graze-l] International
competition and next generation - Email found in subject - Email found in subject - Email found in subject - Email found in
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Dave G.,
Actions make things better, complaining does little to change things.
Graze-L'ers who go way back will recall when my co-op decided to pay me
less for my summer milk than my neighbor who produced all year. When I
invited the co-op representative to my farm to explain the reason to me,
they changed their mind when they had to explain it to my congressman,
newspaper, & radio folks as well as some extension people and a few
dairymen friends who also were surprise guests at that meeting. I then
worked to get on the board of directors. The other board members over
time have found that I'm interested in what is good for dairymen as well
as that co-op, maybe management is even seeing that now. With Scott now
in charge of the farm I also have more time to devote to other farm
issues so serving on the National GLCI steering committee allows me a
chance to get to Washington on a regular basis. Visiting with
legislators, I can share my views on farm programs and how they impact
farmers.
Other organizations like Milk Promotion Services of Indiana board,
MidEast Milk Marketing Agency board, Indiana Professional Dairy
Producers director, Indiana Farm Bureau Dairy advisor committee. And
several more have given me the opportunity to share with people who make
things happen what is needed for dairy farmers. It's all a slow process
but if things changed overnight there would be no consistency at all.
Dairy Farming is kind of like surfing. You get up on the board where you
can see the waves coming and then you ride the wave to stay on top, if
you slip off the board you have to swim in but then you try again and
get better at keeping your balance.
I've milked my own cows for 43 years and I've seen lots of change but I
still see opportunity for dairy farmers, and I still work on the farm
every day I'm at home, and most days I'm away I'm working for the dairy
industry. I think it gives me a good perspective of our dairy future.
We'll miss you as a dairyfarmer but I also see a great future in nitch
marketing beef and chickens. "I hate chickens"
Dave Forgey
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