Northern Ontario farmers ahead of the curve

A recent article in the Sault Star (March 15th) profiled a group of beef farmers who have gotten together to promote “local consumption of locally-raised beef”.  These Sault area producers are sharing their knowledge and expertise with each other, in hopes that consumers will recognize the value of their products.  By offering conveniently packaged products from animals raised locally, they are hopeful that transportation costs will be significantly reduced and environmental impacts minimized.

Penokean Hills Farms is a perfect example of collaboration among farmers.  With support from NORDIK, Algoma University’s research facility, participants have worked hard to plan and market their idea, and I’m proud to see producers from my hometown area using innovative strategies to move their venture forward. 

Kudos to Dan Bellerose for writing an excellent article, creating consumer awareness for this initiative.

The only thing I might have added is that these Northern Ontario farmers are leading the way for counterparts in other areas of the country.  By tightening up the process, working with a local packer and area retailers, they have implemented value chain management.

Attack the message, not the messenger

To those who write scathing letters to the editor, if you can’t dispute the facts in a story, don’t turn on the experts involved and malign their integrity.

You have every right to express an opinion contrary to the one you are responding to, but please have the decency to respect the fact that not everyone concurs. 

I appreciate your passion for the subject about which you write, but attacking people you’ve never met because you disapprove of their profession or their employer just doesn’t cut it. 

Let’s use the example of pesticide use.  Don’t people love to slander the scientists who develop or test these products.  Heaven forbid a highly respected scientist takes a job with Monsanto or Syngenta.  Those who oppose their products assume that these learned individuals checked their morals at the front door before they entered.

This is the epitomy of ignorance.  You only need to turn to the letter section of the Ontario Farmer to find out how many readers seem to know more than those who have spent years training for their roles in the field of research and development.

One letter that shocked and disgusted me came from a ‘gentleman’ attacking Dr. Donna Houghton’s credibility because she works for a chemical manufacturer.  I doubt the writer has ever met Donna.  I, on the other hand, have actually had the privilege of working with her. 

Let me clarify something.  Donna is one of the nicest people I have ever met.  Her family and friends are fortunate indeed.  She also happens to be a very well-respected toxicologist, who has dedicated herself to the study of human exposure to pesticides.

Do you honestly believe that she would jeopardize her reputation, her ethics, and her fellow human beings for the sake of the company that employs her?  Please!

There are many things with which I disagree and I appreciate that we live in a time and place that allows us to express our opinions.  However, I refuse to follow the mean-spirited lead of others who, not being able to dispute the message, turn on the messenger.