Despite Lingering Drought, Farmers Stand Strong
By: Sarah Hatten
Updated: March 16, 2013
(ST. JOSEPH, Mo.) While the effects of last summer's drought are still haunting those in the agriculture industry, some are still giving thanks for what they have.
"You take safe food, you take wholesome food, you take affordable food for granted until you're forced to think about it," said Tom Brand, Chair for the St. Joseph Metro Chamber Ag Committee.
Last summer's drought forced many to think about the condition of agriculture when it drove up costs at the cash register.
"There are so many people that are removed from agriculture and take agriculture for granted. They know they can go to the grocery store. There's still going to be food on the shelves. They know that it's an affordable food supply," said Brand.
While shoppers may be put out by higher prices, farmers come face to face with an uncertain future after a dry year.
The low levels of precipitation kept crops from growing like they should
"That has a direct economic impact on everyone. Not just the farmer. Everyone he does business with and the people that those folks do business with as well," said Brand.
The Annual Farm City Breakfast in St. Joseph offered an opportunity for those in agribusiness to connect.
"Some might even say that we're a farm-based community so this is an opportunity for us to bring the various segments of agriculture together and celebrate what we have here in St. Joseph," said St. Joseph Metro Chamber CEO, Pat Lilly.
"Just that need to come together. The need to tell agriculture's story. To remind folks that it is such a positive story to be able to tell," said Brand.
Ag leaders also hope to draw a younger crowd into the industry.
"For the longest time, the thought was let's get away from this town, let's get away from agriculture and we'll go somewhere else where there's more opportunity. People today are realizing the opportunities are here. There's no use to go away," said Brand.
The event has nearly tripled in size since it began nine years ago, with more than 350 people attending this year.
So, even the drought may have taken a toll on farmers' harvests, their perseverance and sense of unity is still strong.
Money raised from the event will go toward the Agriculture Future of America Program.
"You take safe food, you take wholesome food, you take affordable food for granted until you're forced to think about it," said Tom Brand, Chair for the St. Joseph Metro Chamber Ag Committee.
Last summer's drought forced many to think about the condition of agriculture when it drove up costs at the cash register.
"There are so many people that are removed from agriculture and take agriculture for granted. They know they can go to the grocery store. There's still going to be food on the shelves. They know that it's an affordable food supply," said Brand.
While shoppers may be put out by higher prices, farmers come face to face with an uncertain future after a dry year.
The low levels of precipitation kept crops from growing like they should
"That has a direct economic impact on everyone. Not just the farmer. Everyone he does business with and the people that those folks do business with as well," said Brand.
The Annual Farm City Breakfast in St. Joseph offered an opportunity for those in agribusiness to connect.
"Some might even say that we're a farm-based community so this is an opportunity for us to bring the various segments of agriculture together and celebrate what we have here in St. Joseph," said St. Joseph Metro Chamber CEO, Pat Lilly.
"Just that need to come together. The need to tell agriculture's story. To remind folks that it is such a positive story to be able to tell," said Brand.
Ag leaders also hope to draw a younger crowd into the industry.
"For the longest time, the thought was let's get away from this town, let's get away from agriculture and we'll go somewhere else where there's more opportunity. People today are realizing the opportunities are here. There's no use to go away," said Brand.
The event has nearly tripled in size since it began nine years ago, with more than 350 people attending this year.
So, even the drought may have taken a toll on farmers' harvests, their perseverance and sense of unity is still strong.
Money raised from the event will go toward the Agriculture Future of America Program.
