This is fast becoming the chant of farmers who are succumbing to the siren call of the Confined Animal Feeding Operations. There is even a propaganda video, put on by the big conglomerate factory farm industry, that shows a frame of nothing but piles of money. They are doing their best to lure our county farmers into their fold.
Farmers who want to pursue this venue profess denial about the effects their operation will have on the surrounding community. Most farmers who go this route make sure they don't live anywhere near the CAFO. So, while they talk denial, they must have some idea that the air will be polluted along with the well water.
People living South of Packerton are facing such an operation. Many have been informed of the ill effects these big factory farms cause. People in this community can't understand that one person is trying to dictate the quality of life we will have. Most of us know this farm family and have been on a friendly basis with them. Our family has always allowed them to put a truck full of grain under cover if a sudden rain came up. We have allowed them to put equipment under cover so it would not be ruined. Farmers help farmers. So, this is the thanks we all get?
Money speaks louder than kindness or even health issues. One of our sons would have his health so compromised that he would have to move away if this operation is allowed in. Who would want his property knowing what would be across the road? We have open ditches and creeks in abundance, in this area. These will be polluted and the watershed shows that it would end up in the Eel River. When talking about the tons of hog manure that they propose to spread in this area. The response from the pro industry people is, "That's the smell of money!" Please educate yourself about CAFOS.
