We find out more every day about how rural America does, and does not, matter in the farm bill debate. But the bonds that are forming among those that seek a better future for rural America are just as important as the outcome.
On November 14, the United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) announced their support for the Senate farm bill’s ban on meatpacker ownership of livestock. UFCW support brings with it the voices of 1.3 million members nationwide, including more than 250,000 workers in meatpacking and food processing.
However, UFCW’s announcement is encouraging for more than the clout they bring to the debate.
Their support demonstrates the union’s recognition of the interconnectedness of farmers, ranchers, workers, and rural communities. The UFCW news release on banning packer ownership of livestock says it as well as anyone could.
“A handful of meatpacking corporations dominate the beef and pork industries. Meatpacking companies have used the changing landscape to own as much livestock as possible. As a result, farmers have lost business. In the pork industry, when meatpackers own the hogs from birth to slaughter they can move livestock and production to wherever they can find the cheapest land and labor.
Workers, communities, and the environment have paid the price for these disruptions. Giant hog feedlots with lagoons of hog waste sprang up overnight and overwhelmed the environment and water tables in parts of the country where hog production didn’t exist 30 years ago. Giant processing plants were built near the feedlots to employ a workforce that is beholden to the industry. Workers at processing plants located in places like Iowa and South Dakota lost their jobs when plants were shuttered and never reopened.”
Elise, a 73-year-old woman from rural Michigan, recently wrote her senators in support of the Dorgan-Grassley farm payment limitations amendment. Although her experiences may vary from those of many farmers, ranchers, and workers in the food industry, her hopes for rural America are cut from the same cloth.
“When I look at the old farm bill, I see little that supports our small farmers and those who want to start a small farm. … And so I am asking you to please support the Dorgan-Grassley amendment to the 2007 farm bill. This amendment will bring an end to unlimited farm subsidy payments by closing the loopholes and placing a hard cap on payments. … I believe the savings should also be invested in our future through programs that support rural development, conservation, beginning farmer, and nutrition priorities.”
Last year Elise started a farmers market in her community. She manages the market; puts up signs and booths; makes coffee; provides music; and publishes a newsletter with poetry, recipes, and a spotlight on one of the market’s farmers. As well as any, she is fighting for rural America.
When rural really matters it will be because family farmers, ranchers, workers, and rural Americans like Elise forge new bonds of community and stand up for each other when it matters most.
Contact: John Crabtree,
johnc@cfra.org or 402.687.2103 x 1010 to comment.
Dakota Rural Action has been a close ally of the Center for Rural Affairs since the South Dakota grassroots organization was established. In particular, Dakota Rural Action is a key ally in South Dakota on livestock market reforms, beginning farmer and rancher initiatives and on anti-corporate farming laws. Visit them online today. 
