The Southern Minnesota Land Use Expo held north of Blooming Prairie on July 20 could have easily carried the subtitle “Bringing Home the Bacon,” considering the lack of any inclusion from dairy, poultry and other sectors of the ag industry. In review of the long list of sponsors, one is missing: Hormel Foods Corp.  However, I’m sure they’re quite grateful for all that the hog industry does that provides them with on-going, record-breaking profits each quarter.

Discussion at the event included that of buffer strips and water quality. Interestingly enough, our neighbor to the south, the state of Iowa (an Indian name meaning “Beautiful Land”), ranks 49th in the nation for water quality and No. 1 in hog production, an ironic combination.

Unfortunately, Big Ag advocates refuse to hear and entertain contrary opinions. At the Southern Minnesota Land Use Expo, several legislators in attendance encouraged citizens to voice their concerns and participate in the democratic process. These same legislators, who are nothing more than a mouthpiece for Big Ag, talk out of both sides of their mouths. When the MPCA citizens board expressed environmental concerns regarding installation of a huge dairy operation in western Minnesota, all of the legislators in attendance at this event voted to abolish the MPCA citizens board, including Sen. Dan Sparks of Austin, Sen. Vicki Jensen of Owatonna and Sen. Dave Senjem of Rochester. Only Rep. David Bly of Northfield had the guts to vote against abolishment of the MPCA citizens board.

We will not be silenced, nor will we allow Big Ag advocates, including elected officials, to ruin our environment.

 

Brad Trom

Blooming Prairie