GETTING IT RIGHT

Most of you have noticed the price of a dozen eggs recently. There are several reasons why the cost has jumped, but it shows that our food supply can be disrupted. Our food chain is the best in the world but as strong and resilient as it is, it can still be affected by outside forces. As we move beyond the COVID pandemic, which also tested our food chain, we must get it right. You may ask, “get what right?” My answer to that is everything.

First, we must make sure the public understands that our food doesn’t come from the back of your local grocery store. I don’t want to insult our reader’s intelligence, but you would be surprised how often people don’t understand the origin of their dinner, much of which comes from local farms and ranches, some of you might know or recognize.

Here in our great state, getting it right, is happening currently with our legislature. With their help we can get it right in making sure that our farmers and ranchers in Arkansas can compete with our neighboring states, even on the national and world stage. That means rural communities – including our schools – must have the same quality services available to them as our larger communities. That means broadband connections are fully implemented in every county and community in our rural state. Quality healthcare is a necessity for rural Arkansas so that our farmers and ranchers, their families and those working there are all kept healthy to run the farms and ranches so vital to our food supply chain. It also means that our rural roads and fire departments must be maintained and our law enforcement at the county and local level are supported and properly funded. Arkansas Farm Bureau will be involved in all these plus many more issues during this legislative session. Our membership is highly involved in this process because it affects them and their livelihoods.

We must get it right on the federal level, also. Our congressional delegation is very supportive of rural Arkansas and agriculture. Our federal farm bill is due to be overhauled this year. We must get this right so that agriculture in the U.S. can compete on the world stage. A country that cannot feed itself cannot prosper. Nor will it be secure from the tyranny of other countries that might interrupt our food supply chain. We are very thankful for Sens. John Boozman and Tom Cotton and Congressmen Steve Womack, Rick Crawford, French Hill, and Bruce Westerman, who give of their time and expertise, always with our farmers and ranchers in mind.

Our whole state depends on the complex agriculture policy and certainly that includes a sound federal Farm Bill. We are also very appreciative of our senior senator, John Boozman, who is the ranking member on the Senate Agriculture Committee. Sen. Boozman works tirelessly for the citizens of our state and there is no doubt his leadership will help us get it right on the Farm Bill.

Inflation, energy costs and environmental policies all play a big factor in the prices you see in your order from your favorite fast-food, restaurant and in your grocery store.

The price for that dozen eggs I mentioned earlier will stabilize, hopefully soon. The supply chain problems will eventually be remedied. But our food supply is very dependent on every one of the issues discussed. Make no mistake, America’s food supply is the best in the world and that is something we should never forget or take for granted. Arkansas agriculture plays a significant role in this country’s food supply, while also being significant producers for cotton and timber products as well. Agriculture is still the largest industry in Arkansas.

Almost every family in our state can trace their roots back to a farm or ranch. I believe most people treasure those connections. Our Farm Bureau will strive to work to make sure you and your family will continue to be able to sit down and have a healthy and affordable Sunday dinner. To do this, though, we all must get it right! •

The ABCDEs of Melanoma

Do you have a suspicious mole or growth? Check for melanoma with these criteria.

Melanoma is the most severe form of skin cancer It often appears in people who have experienced severe, blistering sunburns. If you have a mole or spot that seems different from the rest of the moles on your body, remember the ABCDEs of melanoma:

Asymmetry - Is one side different from the other?

Border - Are the edges irregular or poorly defined?

Color - Are there shades of tan, black, white, red, or blue?