An introduction to agriculture from the farmers' perspectives

        Buying and consuming food in America involves few reminders of the process involved  in its production.  With the exception of local farmers' markets, crops and livestock travel hundreds of miles and pass through the hands of numerous individuals between their departure from the farm and their arrival on the table.  American food consumption is far removed from food production.  The average American individual need not posess any knowledge of agriculture in order to keep keep himself or herself fed.  Consequently, minimal communication exists between producers and consumers.  Both groups depend on the other for their sustenance, but few opportunities for contact between them exist.
        Nevertheless, urban citizens may develop strong opinions concerning the environmental and social impacts of agricultural processes on the land.  Interest groups composed of primarily non-agricultural individuals advocate practices contrary to the conventional styles of farming taking place.  Agricultural Groups with members involved in agriculture often offer a counter-view, defending their methods against the acusations of these interest groups.  Disagreement between agricultural and non-agricultural people has become routine.  
        As a non-agricultural person concerned about environmental welfare, I developed an interest in agriculture due to the enormous impact it exerts upon America's natural environment.  However, before coming to a conclusion about how I believed agriculture ought to take place, I recognized my own ignorance of the reality of life for people involved with agriculture.  In order for the non-agricultural population in America to address their concerns about farming, they must first understand the way farmers see these same concerns.  Not until both sides of agriculture posess a shared understanding of agricultural issues van they work in collaboration to resolve them according to the interests of both groups.
    In order to work toward a shared understanding of farming practices and their impact on the environment, I discussed this topic with local farmers and other individuals directly involved with agriculture in the nearby region  Through my interactions with these individuals I gained a much greater understanding of how and why agriculture is practiced according to today's methods.  These interviews affirmed for me the common interests shared by people in agricultural and non-agricultural communities, while enlightening me to the lack of communication between these two groups and the misunderstanding and animosity it produces..