Do you think it is fair?

Question

I was just reading our local farm newspaper. Our state is trying to pass a law that says that farmers will have to find alternate storage for manure in the winter, which will cost them hundreds of thousands of dollars and probably shut down alot of small farms, all because of city people moving to the country and they don't like the smell. What they don't realize is farming is not only your business, it is your way of life, the effort and work people go through for you to have a slice of cheese, a glass of milk, or a burger at your favorite fast food restaurant. The average farmer only makes between 2.00-3.50 per hour for the amount of hours they work. Then to hit them with something like this, that will set back their entire business.

Answer 1

I don't belive that smell is the issue. In the winter in some states, the ground is frozen. But when rain comes in the early spring it causes runoff that can not penetrate the frozen ground. Manure can contaminate brooks and streems and add nutrients to lakes that promote weed infestation or even compromise our water supply. E-coli is of particular concern. In the summer runoff can be controlled better because much more water can seep into the unfrozen land where it will be purified. The costs of farming should be kept minimal while protecting the environment. We need both.

Answer 2

It definitely seems unfair to me. Although the issue of contamination in the spring is probably a valid concern, I think that if the state is going to require farmers to contain their manure, then the state should subsidize the cost.

Answer 3

No. It is not fair. The farmers of our country don't get the respect they deserve either.