Meyer: Ag Industry Must Be Its Own Advocate

You’ve heard it said if you don’t stand up for yourself, who will.  That statement is very true for the agriculture industry, according to Kay Meyer.  The President of the PNW Direct Seed Association said with so many wonderful and exciting things going on in the ag industry, it’s time farmers get off the sideline and share their own story.  Meyer said it’s OK if you don’t feel prepared to deliver a speech in front of a large crowd, she say start by talking about what’s taking place on your own operation.  She said there are many exciting things to discuss, such as the field of Bio Tech.

"That you can double your production and you can reduce the amount of pesticides or herbicides you use, because now you have a healthy plant or how you are using glysophate responsibly, and it’s such a small dosage, it’s less than they would be using on their yard.”

Meyer also told the Washington Ag Network it’s important for current farmers to spend time with the next generation, so young people understand what ag is, and what it has to offer.

“Getting involved at the high school level with your FFA, helping educate the young people, and then they can have that influence working with the land grant universities and conservation districts.”

Meyer said many government bodies that have a direct impact on agriculture and the future of farming, don’t have the intimate knowledge of the ag industry to make what she called well informed decisions.

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com