Growing up in Minneapolis, I thought food was something you just bought at the store. In the fall, there were statewide "teacher conferences”, so the "country kids" could help with the harvest. Even early in my young adult life working in the grocery business, I really had no clue what went into growing food. I didn’t understand that there was just as big, if not bigger, food industry in animal agriculture.
In the bigger picture, our current year is scarier. The pandemic and what seems to be climate change is wreaking havoc on what we considered “normal”.
Growing up, my dad used to say “2 things made America great, credit and waste”. It took me a long time to completely realize how historically what he said was true. Unfortunately today, these same 2 things are becoming our downfall.
Some of what I wrote in July is worth repeating.
· Imports of consumer goods are driving up container prices to unbelievable amounts.
· It is sad to think that we are now dependent on imports to fill the needs of our Amino Acid needs.
· I think we are lucky that PRRS hit us. Now I’m thinking to myself how could that be lucky. If we had that 15-18% more need we would be dramatically short.
The best part of marking time by years, is there is a next year and a time to start over again.
I will be at Dakota Fest in Mitchell, SD August 17-19. Stop by and say hello if you are there.
I will also be attending the North Dakota Livestock Alliance "Pigs. Diversifying for Profitability" in Fargo, ND on August 31st. Attendance is free The reality is North Dakota is becoming very attractive for animal agriculture. This is the 2nd year of this small Hog Conference in North Dakota.