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CLOSING COMMENTSFrom FARM PROGRESS Magazine 11/2/2000 WHAT ADVANTAGE DOES THE NORTHEAST OFFER FARMERS?Gail McPherson None, beyond cultural and family ties. We have what America offers everyone: free enterprise, private property, favorable weather and an excellent extension system that delivers research and education to the farmer. Without any one of these, agriculture anywhere is at a disadvantage. Closeness to markets may or may not be an advantage. Our population densities make possible direict marketing. But being so close to populations brings other pressures that aren't always positive. We can sell to local end-users at a higher basis. But our fields are smaller, our efficiency is lower and the buyer isn't excited about the extra 30 cents. The cost of getting into farming varies. We've been amazed at how many first-generation farmers we know, some over 50, others under. Northeast land values at least give farmers equity, a basis for credit and an option to retire. But taxes, even with "Clean and Green" advantages, are still based on higher values and rates. We like the scenery, the season, the rolling hills and the soils that make our poeaches taste so good. We're the fourth and fifth generation here. It's where our family and friends are. Gail and husband Paul McPherson lead Maple Lawn Farms, and produce fruit and grain on over 1,000 acres in southern York County. |
Copyright © 1999-2001 Maple Lawn Entertainment, Inc.
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