True Grit Farms":4hbqvzyp said:
That's is the problem with our system of rules and regulations.
It is the big players who lobby for the rules. They have to to be competitive. No way they could make money if local farmers could supply a local market. Think of all the miles trucks run to keep these big operation's working.
Resistant weeds are becoming a real issue. There have been no new chemicals found as a herbicide in 10 years. Those that are in use now are rapidly becoming ineffective.
Will that pull a 54 row planter??
Smaller farms can be much more efficient, when they are allowed to compete. Small dairy can graze an apple orchard for example. Free range egg layers can work with sheep, even in an orchard as well. Multiple layers, multiple units like farms used to be. Of course this works, and does not require lots of chemicals, or the same level of loans, or allow control by these big companies. 70% of the worlds food is grown by small farmers. About ten years ago the average size of tractor used in agriculture was less than 40 horse power.