Jerry Crownover “Adopting” calves

just athoughtWhat’s On Your Mind, Ozarks?

Life Is Simple

By Jerry Crownover

Life

is Simple By Jerry CrownoverIrecently watched a TV show that originated in the United Kingdom. The show centered on rural life in England, and that particular episode exposed the many problems faced by beekeepers in that country with declining populations of bees, beehives and honey production. Just as I have heard in this country, there are lots of different theories as to why the number of honey bees are declining, but everyone agrees that they are – and drastically. One beekeeper, who was suffering from a severe shortfall in his income, had devised an ingenious plan: For a one-time contribution of 360 Euros (about $370 U.S.), the farmer will install a new beehive at one of his locations, complete with your, or your company’s Jerry Crownover farms in Lawrence County. He is a former professor of Agriculture Education at Missouri State University, and is an author and professional speaker. To contact Jerry, go to ozarksfn.com and click on ‘Contact Us.’ name or logo. He will also send you a framed certificate that acknowledges your commitment to helping increase England’s bee population. In addition, the donor will get regular social media updates, along with pictures of the hive that has been “adopted,” showing bees moving in and out of the new wooden hive that has the donor’s or company’s name prominently displayed. The patron will also have the chance to donate again next year.

As you may or may not know, the United States’ population of beef cows is smaller than it has been in decades. Prolonged drought across much of the country, coupled with a retiring population of cattle producers, along with increased government regulations, have contributed to the drastic decline in beef cow numbers. For those who are genuinely concerned about the difficulties faced by today’s cattlemen and cattlewomen and want to contribute to helping perpetuate an industry that helped shape this great country, you can.

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Jennifer Allen, Brenda Brinkley, Stephanie Beltz-Price, Neoma Foreman, Cheryl Kepes, Jaynie Kinnie-Hout and Eileen Manalla About the Cover

College freshman Grace Doss is serving her term as a Missouri State FFA Vice President. See more on page 18. Photo by Stephanie Beltz-Price

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor accepts story suggestions from readers. Story information appears as gathered from interviewees. Ozarks Farm & Neighbor assumes no responsibility for the credibility of statements made by interviewees. © Copyright Ozarks Farm & Neighbor, Inc., 2022. All rights reserved. Printed in USA.