MCFB United
We are in interesting times. I am relieved with the disclosures coming out of Washington, around COVID and Russian gate origins and coverups. Will mainstream media get back to being journalists? In times of spotty journalism, it can be difficult to identify systemic problems that need to be addressed, such as recent reporting by Matt Stoller, highlighting private equity’s monopolization of fire engineer manufacturing and parts. America is hopefully pivoting back to healthy debates, discussing solutions on their merit.
I greatly appreciate our Mendocino County Farm Bureau community. Experience, wisdom, civility, and educated opinions are exemplified by the member-volunteers at the core of this organization. I think it goes without saying that relationships matter in troubleshooting solutions. Whether a family, a business, or an industry, our highest potential is achieved through healthy relationships.
I am an enthusiastic member of the International Concatenated Order of Hoo Hoo, Black Bart Club #181 because the Hoo Hoo code of ethics includes building credit in relationships, promoting high business standards, and cultivating friendships. There are still many in the timber industry, modeling these traditions. I had the pleasure of attending Club #63’s annual crab feed at the Elks Lodge in Eureka last week. The coming together of hundreds of forest-sector people, foresters, mill owners, and mostly lumber sales, wholesalers, and distributors was an amazing event. It is a small world in timber, a large industry, but with small town relationships. Our networks matter. By building relationships we can work through challenging problems and be open to more perspectives and solutions. Those that show up do make a difference. Recent efforts to affect the draft vineyard order have resulted in improvements in that draft regulation. Through thoughtful discussions and tours, the staff at the water board listened. What’s next? Join the MCFB Land Use Committee to discuss the City of Ukiah’s consolidation of water districts and their planned annexation of large areas in the Ukiah Valley including farmland. Join the Natural Resource Committee to discuss the Northwest Forest Plan update, that covers the Mendocino National Forest and the draft Forest Plan that will be coming out for the Jackson Demonstration Forest. What ideas and relationships can we leverage to push for improved management decisions on these state and federal lands?
It is our small, independent operations that have the lived experience to make practical policy improvements, at all levels of government. The tradition of Farm Bureau is as relevant in the modern era as it was 100 years ago. I hope you will find the time to build MCFB traditions, to grow our community by bringing a friend, and to increase the influence of farmers. Our connections and relationships within a given commodity and on a regional scale are invaluable when working to promote sound policies affecting our farms and businesses. Our coalitions both contribute to the well-being of our businesses and ultimately our community relationships.
