Overall Analysis

Farmers know about farming.  Years of experience working with the land and animals yields a unique variety of knowledge that neither study nor observation can provide.  When non-agricultural individuals view an environmental problem with farming, direct consultation with farmers will offer one of the best routes to better understanding the issue, why it occurs and how it might be avoided.  In the process of working toward environmental improvement, researchers, policy makers and interest groups cannot afford to ignore the wisdom of the agricultural community.  These individuals understand the complexity and compromise involved with farming.  They know the wide variety of factors that producers must take into account before changing agricultural practices.  Farmers share the interests of environmentalists and animal welfare advocates, and they find innovative ways to incorporate these interests into their modern practices.  

The lack of communication between agricultural and non-agricultural people has generated misconceptions and stereotypes about negative implications of modern farming.  Farmers emphasize the importance of gaining a comprehension about agricultural practices on a case by case basis.  They wish to be given credit for the diligent work the put in to protect the environment, rather than condemned due to the irresponsibility of people who are not associated with them.  Casting blame for environmental problems on farmers generates resentment and animosity among this group and removes their inclination to work alongside these groups in the future.  Working in collaboration with farmers, taking into account their perspectives and building on their knowledge, offers the best means to address the environmental concerns involved with agriculture.