Comments on: Farmers, Ag Producers Rally To Keep FSA Office Open In Molino

By: JSCS

JSCS — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 03:13:40 +0000

This office serves the area where most of the farming takes place in Esc. Cty. It is a vital part of the north end of the county. Glad to see that Jim Taylor was there. Helps me decide who I will be voting for in Nov. Thank you, Jim. Jeff Miller sending a representive was greatly appreciated also. Rep. Miller, please don’t forget us here in Esc. Cty.

By: Resident

Resident — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 02:45:54 +0000

FYI. There is another elected official representative present from the Soil and Water Conservation District, Richard Freisinger. I am able to identify him in the large photo, partially shone on the right side.

By: Resident

Resident — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 02:36:46 +0000

My2sense. It is apparent the general public does not understand nor does it
appreciate the struggle of the American farmer to make the operation worthwhile.

Whether one is in sympathy with the farmer is beside the point, however, they are
a very brave breed of people, we have to admit. For many farmers it is a way of
life–the good life–close to the earth type–with lessons for life learned each day!

What is purchased by the consumer is a product that has been successfully
cultivated–harvested–and ready for the market–with a market price that is
equitable for the buyer as well as the farmer who has taken a chance to sink his
hard-earned dollars into a venture that is a gamble, at best.

Farmers apply needed agricultural conservation practices to restrict severe
erosion problems that protect the soil so that silt, pollution, etc. does not reach our waterways! These operations cost dearly.

Regardless of how one feels about the Federal government and its intervention
into ‘handouts’ or ’subsidies,’ if it were not for the agricultural program system available to stabilize the prices and control the over-production, the commodity may not be found on the shelf for our enjoyment and, if so, at a much higher price–but safe to consume!

The small farmers of America need to know they have a price support system
on which they can depend when their crop survives and possibly some partial assistance when disaster arrives.

Look at the whole picture of the United States agricultural possibilities, solutions
for the problems (and they are many) as well as how the nation can best support
itself for tasty, safe food that we offer our family each day. It is a complex task
that cannot be solved by just you and me.

Let’s keep the farmers and the support system. We need them both.

By: Trish

Trish — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:38:44 +0000

This office is not JUST for farmers. They have all kinds of services that land owners can benefit from. I only have 10 acres but they have helped me on several occasions with various problems/questions. So we all need to be concerned with the closure.

By: Jannavicia

Jannavicia — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:15:19 +0000

I know for a fact that Jim Taylor contacted Cong. Miller’s office and had them make two phone calls to Mr. Cunningham. In addition, Jim Taylor personally handed a letter to Cong. Miller about this meeting. That is why Cong. Miller sent his top aide, Ms. Santurri, to attend the meeting. She collected as much data from Mr. Cunningham and others as she could, because Cong. Miller is very interested in the plight of the farmers in Escambia County. This also shows the above and beyond efforts of Jim Taylor to help the farmers and anyone else in District 5 that needs his help. It’s very interestng to note that there were no other elected officials or candidates present at this crucial meeting, other than Jim Taylor, Chris Jones (Property Appraiser) and Ms. Bennett (Soil & Water Board).

By: Jane

Jane — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:43:18 +0000

To contact Congressman Jeff Miller all you need to do is look up “contact congressman Jeff Miller” on the internet. It will give you an opportunity to send an email, call his office, or give you an address to write a letter. He will respond to emails and his office does give him your messages. Make your voices heard…this is what government is about. If you sit silently by complaining no one in government will hear your concerns. Remember the old saying “the squeeky wheel gets the oil”!!!

By: Jane

Jane — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:10:03 +0000

We need to involve Jeff Miller in this…everyone who wants to needs to send him an email along with the County Commissioners. I am dissappointed that not one County Commissioer was there. Remember that when their elections come up!

By: citizen/ farmer

citizen/ farmer — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 02:53:32 +0000

GLENN,

Sure wish you would of been at the meeting yesterday to stand up for this office since you are now running for the district 5 seat. The only person I know that was there was Jim Taylor

By: citizen/ farmer

citizen/ farmer — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 02:41:50 +0000

I was glad to see Jim Taylor at the meeting. He was the only one running for county commissioner district 5 that was there. Thank you Jim for not forgetting us farmers on the north end!!! PLEASE help us keep this office open.

By: Glenn Austin

Glenn Austin — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 01:01:23 +0000

Relying on the Federal Government to help in this matter may seem like a fruitless venture. I suggest looking to Escambia County and find out if there are any locations available in the area that can be used as free office space. The employee’s aren’t going anywhere and the Economy of Escambia County is directly affected. This translates in jobs lost from farmers who have to cut back. This County is struggling enough and we need to work together to make this work for all of us.