Rick Haines, owner of the Independent Ag Network with headquarters in Twin Falls, Idaho, says “I’ve always believed there is a future for American agriculture, and still do.”
The keynote speaker at the Rocky Mountain Stockgrowers annual meeting and banquet recently was excited that about half of the crowd of 200 attending was under 45 years of age, and said he was impressed at the afternoon meeting by the young producers’ energy and ability to communicate.
Rural America is a way of life, and Haines is optimistic that things are changing because of the young people who have chosen this career and decided to stay and have their roots in the soil.
“Without you, Montana will die,” he said.
Nevertheless, Haines observed that many rural communities are dying and said that as goes agriculture, so goes Main Street, and as goes Main Street so will go agriculture, the community, the county, the state and the nation.
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He described the close-knit community where he lives and said the difference between rural and urban communities is the compassion people have for one another, and a willingness to help in a time of need.
Then he challenged the group saying, “How many of you are willing to work to save your community? You can change things from the inside, but you can’t change things from the outside. Everyone owes something to the organizations that support your business.”
“You have no apologies to make for the price of cattle,” he said. “You have waited three to five generations for this. If anyone complains about the price of beef in the grocery store, remind them of the cost of their Ford pickup.
“You are the caretakers of the soil, providers of food, community spirit and schools. This is the time for rural America to shine. You produce a bountiful, healthy food product, and don’t have to be ashamed.
“If you cannot feel good about it now, you should get out of the business. At least enjoy it with your family and thank the Good Lord.”
Haines admitted change is a lousy, unexpected thing individuals think they can fix.
“But you need help,” he said. “That help comes in the form of everyone getting together and not being complacent.”
He strongly encouraged the older generation to send young people to meet with legislators and to lobby.
“It is their future. They articulate and understand the language of the young aides they will be dealing with,” he said.
He concluded, “We live in a great country but it’s not tracking right; get involved, stay involved and be happy.”
