I am thankful I grew up here, in the rural community of McDonald County. I'm proud of the dedicated farmers who have decided to do everything in their power to make a living producing food for the world.
Over the past few years, these dedicated farmers are being attacked by special interest groups -- sometimes through the government -- complicating their lives with rules and regulations that cost more to abide by than they profit.
Add to that, there are outsiders with delicate noses who think they have the right to dictate new rules on how to fertilize a farmer's fields. They (the outsiders) must have known before relocating that they were moving to a place that has cattle, pigs and chickens. For centuries, we have used natural fertilizer to create improved crop production in our fields -- grass, grains, vegetables.
Personally, I believe we do not have to change the way we do business.
If people come here and decide they don't like the way we smell, they either need to change their attitudes about us or leave.
With a Love of Farmers,
Gary L. Stewart
Stella, Mo.
Editorial on 11/16/2017