| MINNEAPOLIS The future of Midwest agriculture depends upon farmers
getting the word out about their importance, the Wisconsin agriculture
secretary told Minnesota farmers Tuesday.
We need to say in the Midwest that diversity is our blessing,
said James Harsdorf, Wisconsins secretary of agriculture, trade and
consumer protection.
Harsdorf, a dairy farmer south of River Falls and a Minnesota native,
spoke to farmers attending a farm show at the Minneapolis Convention
Center.
We need to be more advocates about what agriculture can do, he
said.
Minnesota Rep. Bob Ness, R-Dassel, joined Harsdorf in encouraging
farmers to get involved.
Farmers have to be a lot more active, a lot more engaged, Ness
said. The old adage is true: Government is run by those who show up.
Sen. Steve Murphy, DFL-Red Wing, said other industries are not shy
about asking for public help.
You look at every other business, they are eating at the public
trough, Murphy said. Look at the Twins thats a perfect
example.
The owner of baseballs Minnesota Twins has said he needs a new
stadium, with some public funding, to remain in business.
If farmers get more involved, Harsdorf said, lawmakers will better
understand their needs.
While his Wisconsin is known for its cheese, 80 percent of the countrys
cheese plants are in other states, Harsdorf said. Dairy production is
increasing elsewhere, he added, and that is where new cheese plants are
being built.
Agriculture could be a growth industry in states like Minnesota and
Wisconsin, Harsdorf said, but most leaders do not realize its potential. |