Thanksgiving thoughts
Brian Rees
Saturday, November 21, 2009
It has definitely been refreshing to see the sun here the past few days, although it has been a frustrating fall for most row-crop producers in the area.
The extended wet weather has forced everyone to wait to harvest what appears to still be an above average crop. And the longer the crop stands in the field, we can expect greater losses in both quantity and quality, both of which reduce the potential for profits this fall.
One thing that frustrates me — and angers the numerous producers who have this happen to them repeatedly — is the lack of concern for another’s livelihood as displayed by the many tracks and ruts that certain individuals make in crop production fields with their four-wheel drive vehicles while the crop is still in the field. Apparently they feel it is great sport, and derive some sense of enjoyment from destroying another person’s property (the crop in the field). That crop represents a substantial investment in fertilizer, herbicide, time and seed, as it has been nurtured from a seed to the point of being ready for harvest.
Trespassing on another person’s property apparently is not a concern either, but I am certain that if someone made ruts in their front yard in town or drove through the bushes or shrubs in the yard, there would probably be legal action. And that is to say nothing of those individuals who throughout the summer and fall help themselves to the production in the field — literally stealing from the area farmers.
I realize that as we travel throughout the county at this point in time, we observe many ruts in harvested crop fields. These normally run in parallel rows, and are the result of the producer attempting to get his crop harvested before it deteriorates further.
That is the producer’s decision, and it is a decision that is carefully considered with regard to the extra wear and tear on expensive harvest equipment, the potential for reduced production next year as the result of soil compaction, and the need for tillage to smooth the ruts that are being made and the additional wear on equipment due to the ruts. But most importantly, it is a decision by the person in charge of the crop — in charge of their livelihood and potential profit.
Another frustration — and often county expense — that I observe is the belief that rural areas of the county are an open dump site. Folks, we have a county transfer station that takes and handles junk, trash and debris in an appropriate manner. Your junk couches, mattresses, tree limbs or trash do not belong in a road ditch, or especially a gully close to a river or stream.
Not only is this an eyesore, but it has the potential to create some environmental issues and problems with the quality of our drinking water, which by the way is some of the best water in the state and nation thanks to the folks at the Emporia treatment plant.
So how about showing some respect for the property of others by keeping your “toys” out of another person’s investment and trash out of the county ditches? It would certainly make a number of area producers and county residents a lot happier and would go a long way toward ensuring a safe and secure food supply and environment for the county, area, state, country and the world.
Let’s be thankful for what we have, consider and recognize our many blessings in this country, and work to make it a better place.
Happy Thanksgiving!
HenryVIII (anonymous) says...
I've read about this new thing people are doing to keep others off their property. It's called a "fence" and, apparently, you can just put it up around your property (with a locking gate so you can get in) and it'll keep 98% of unwanted vehicles off your land! It's amazing! Invest in your future, buy a fence today!
I had the same problem with people walking into my house uninvited and then I discovered something called a door. It works great! Now, if people want to come in, they have to ask me to unlock the door for them.
As for the littering, I think we just need to enforce the existing laws. Start with cigarette smokers and fine them for every butt they toss on the ground. We need to make it clear that littering of any kind won't be tolerated 'round here! Some of those larger appliances might be registered to the owner, so try getting the model/serial number off the item and give it to the cops. Citizens should be vigilant and report LIP’s. (littering in progress)
Be thankful for the right to protect your property and prosecute offenders!
‘enry
November 23, 2009 at 11:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )