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by Jack Fisher, Executive Vice President, OFBF

Somedays, it's hard to tell the good guys from the bad guys. I pick up the morning newspaper and read about last night's muggings, the stockbroker who cheated his customers, the burglaries, drunken drivers and thieves. And I read about the farmer who has committed the terrible crime of deciding to build a hog barn or put in a dairy.

More and more, hard-working families are being accused of premeditated farming.

Animal agriculture is increasingly portrayed as, at best undesirable, and at worst criminal. Any plan to add or expand a livestock operation automatically draws warnings of polluted water, destruction of the environment and a dozen other dire predictions.

The characterization of modern agriculture as some sort of evil enterprise must stop. And Farm Bureau must take the lead in making it stop.

The time to start is now, before real damage is done. The public still views farmers as honorable people who make positive contributions to society. But there are growing numbers of anti-agriculture activists who want to chip away at that good will. Their attacks must be countered.

We'll never change the minds of people who are committed to bringing an end to agriculture in Ohio. Our efforts must be aimed at reasonable people who appreciate farmers but who also have legitimate questions. We must explain what farmers do, how and why they do it, and what's in it for the public.

Modern agriculture's story is a great one: Safe and affordable food, jobs and economic stimulus, environmental protection. These are the stories that need to be told, and it's up to every one of us to spread the word.

The next time your local paper carries a story or editorial that you feel is unbalanced or incomplete, I'd encourage you to respond. Set the record straight. You don't have to be eloquent, just honest. I know this runs against your natural inclination to stay out of the public spotlight. Unfortunately, we no longer have that luxury.

While you're active locally, your organization will be working too – engaging concerned citizens and presenting your story to the media. And we'll be addressing the issues with local, state and federal government.

On the subject of government, my compliments go to the politicians who have been involved in the public debate over livestock farming in Ohio. With few exceptions our elected officials have done what the public should expect of them. They've listened to all sides, examined the facts and taken actions that are in the best interests of all Ohioans.

The politicians have done their jobs, and we in agriculture must continue to do ours. We must run our operations in socially and environmentally responsible ways. And we must take on the small numbers of vocal opponents who portray agriculture in a negative and untruthful light.

You and I know farmers aren't the bad guys. Lawmakers and the public know it too. But we can't afford to let them forget.