We all know that politics is a sensitive subject. Once you say your opinion or post it online, you will have people that agree and people that disagree. Some will no longer “follow” you online or be friends with you because of what you shared.
Some believe you shouldn’t mix work with politics. But the truth of the matter is that there is no escaping the fact that politics can and will control our business and livelihood. So, with that being said, this blog will be about politics . . . so get over it.
Trade deals, taxes, and wages control our way of life in this industry. Whether you are blue (Democratic) or red (Republican), it will impact you one way or another. We have been on edge around here waiting on the elections to come and go. Waiting on the outcomes, whichever way they go, to see how they will affect us and how to adapt. Plus, there is the large elephant sitting in the room — COVID-19. There are a lot of things at play and a lot of different outcomes these elections will have on them.
What is your strategy? For me and my family, we will continue to get up every day, put our boots on, and go to work. We will strive to do the best for our farm and community. We will keep up with economic events and trade deals that will impact the industry. We will manage the best way possible.
If the dairy industry picks up, then that’s great. If it doesn’t and we receive obstacles in our path, we will evaluate and move forward the best way efficiently. We will adapt. American farmers are the backbone of this country. Determined, resilient, and persistent are just a couple of words to describe the men and women who make up the vast majority of American farmers.
I think for both presidential candidates and the House and Senate races, we see the good, the bad, and the ugly. We weigh our options, we make our tally marks for each, we ask for God’s guidance in our decision, and we pray that His will be done.
Mark and Caitlin Rodgers are dairy farmers in Dearing, Georgia. The Rodgers have a 400-cow dairy that averages 32,000 pounds of milk. Follow their family farm on Facebook at Hillcrest Farms Inc.
