Harrisburg, PA 48°F
As a practicing aborist, horticultural writer and broadcaster I am naturally drawn to the annual Farm Show in Harrisburg. I feel like I'm somehow reconnecting with fresh corn on the cob, picking walnut meat for candy and cookies, and getting shocked on the electrical fence around the bull pen at my uncle's New Oxford Farm. It's a recollection and a celebration.
If your exposure to agriculture has only been confined to the impressions you get at the Farm Show, you've missed the rather extensive back-story that I don't think the AG community is anxious for you too know.
Agriculture and allied industries are the backbone of this state's economy. You've heard that before. I've been a skeptical layman however, because what I now know about agriculture was that farms were being transformed into housing developments. How could it be such a big economic player?
Agriculture in the state and country can continue to produce food for a growing population on less land because it is so innovative and technology driven. So AG continues to produce food, while industries you've never heard of make the equipment, develop the genetics and apply science that supports the claims that AG is the number one economic driver for the state.
Agriculture is the Marcellus Shale play. It is big, it depends heavily on technological advances to compete, it represents a lot of economic activity, and it's a great target for regulation.
Events like the Farm Show are no different than the Auto Show or the Garden Expo. They are designed to educate you about the benefits of the products and players in the business so you'll be naturally inclined to ally yourself with them when issues arise, and therefore, continue to buy their products. It's called imaging.
It's a shame that things stop there however. Farmers (or shall we call them "food producers") are at the nexus of some of the most interesting, sophisticated and controversial technical developments on the planet. This ain't rocket science... it's much more!
And to effectively deploy that technology, these folks have to be a lot smarter and attentive to details than I can usually muster. I often remark that I am an arborist because I'm not smart enough to be a farmer.
Because I finally realize the importance of Agriculture, both in our state and globally, I explore its many facets on my radio program, Garden Talk, as well as write about it whenever opportunity allows. I alsoencourage parents and students to look closely at it as a viable career opportunity. And I definitely pay much closer attention.
This year, I'd invite to look more closely at agriculture. Check out the Farm Shows or visit a production farm. Watch tours on PCN or listen in to my program. The agricultural industry really is the original Marcellus Gas play. Farmers, few may they be, have their hand on the stick that brings the whole thing together.
Before you write off those rustic in the Carhardt coats with callused hands, honestly ask yourself if you're smarter than a farmer?
Bob Carey is Harrisburg Magazine's resident Horticulturalist and host of his weekly radio program, Garden Talk, heard each sunday morning at 11:30 A.M. on WIOO AM1000, WEEO AM1480, and 93.9 FM.
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