Hugh Hammond Bennett, first chief of the Soil Conservation Service, now the Natural Resources Conservation Service once said, “Take care of the land, and the land will take care of you.” The famous quote still rings true today. Farmers and ranchers are truly the original conservationists, as they depend on the land, water and air to make a living; feed and clothe their families; and produce an abundance with which we feed and clothe our nation and our world.
Oklahoma’s farmers and ranchers have, and will continue to make great strides in conserving the natural resources this great state has to offer. Advances in technology have allowed them to harvest more bountiful commodity crops, and produce more meat, milk, eggs and produce than ever before. They are achieving success while using less water, causing less soil erosion and using fewer chemical inputs. All of which leads to more affordable choices for consumers, and an increased quality of life for all Oklahomans.
“Ultimately, a farmer’s land is his legacy,” said Jeramy Rich, President of the Oklahoma Farming and Ranching Foundation. “Ensuring the land is well cared for so that it can stay in production is essential to the continued success of the family farm or ranch.”
“That does not happen by accident. Oklahoma’s farmers and ranchers are committed to conservation for the benefit of their operation and because it is the right thing to do.” He added.
The Oklahoma Farming and Ranching Foundation’s “This Land is Our Land” series will focus on farming and ranching families across the state who have voluntarily implemented successful conservation practices on their land.
Success in agriculture is not achieved at the expense of conservation. In fact, good conservation practices enhance agricultural production and enable farmers and ranchers to continue to feed, clothe and fuel a growing population from all economic backgrounds.
To nominate a producer to be included in the series, please contact Amanda Rosholt at (405) 202-1463 or Amanda.rosholt@aggiving.org.
