2017 Fall Farm Outlook

Page 46 Oct. 25, 2017 2017 Logan County Fall Farm Outlook Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS in 2015, was intended to protect streams and wetlands in the U.S. According to Dan Charles in his article “Farmers Fight Environmental Regulations,” the rule “defines what streams or wetlands are considered waters of the U.S. (WOTUS), and thus covered by the Clean Water Act.” In the same article, Don Parrish, senior director of congressional relations for the American Farm Bureau Federation, says “the rule’s definition is much too broad” because “All of a sudden, farmers go from farming fields and land that they have always farmed, to farming in ‘waters of the U.S.’ “ Much to the relief of some farmers, after an Executive Order in February by President Trump asking that the rule be reviewed, the EPA is now working on revising the definition of Waters of the U.S. There are hopes that it will clarify the definitions and relieve some of the regulatory burden on farmers. With all the uncertainty faced by farmers, it is no wonder farming is considered such a stressful occupation. The main issue is anyone connected with farm production is encountering considerable challenges that may require changes in the way business is done. There is no single solution to these varied challenges, but there are some actions some farmers have chosen to manage stress. Some farmers with lengthy histories of traditional farming are shifting into “niche” farming. Organic farming is a response to an uncertainly expanding market, but, of course, there are both cost challenges and unpredictable prices for “organic” products. Diversification is chosen by some farmers, spreading their efforts into a wider variety of crops so that difficulties with one crop may be offset by success with others. Though these choices will not work for everyone, learning to manage stress can keep stress from controlling you. Be sure to take a break and enjoy sunrise and sunset each and every day