I was raised on a small farm in San Pablo, Colorado, a 6th generation native.  My ancestors have defined my way of life by seeding the ground, transplanting, hoeing, weeding and irrigating the crops and finally, celebrating the harvest.

From the nation’s earliest days, farming has held a crucial place in the American economy and culture.  Farmers play an important role in any society, of course, since they feed people.

The price of oil, however, has taken farming to a new level.  During my campaign, I spoke with several dozen farmers who acknowledge that increase of costs, labor, low commodity prices, drought, operation and low margins have always been a concern.  But this season they have found themselves with a new dilemma – the uprising cost of fuel.  They feel that the U.S. is “in a recession” and proclaim difficult times for families.  One said he was selling his farm because he’d “rather not deal with the constant financial worries involved with farming”.

Frank Schmidt who operates many of the Farmers Markets in the Front Range claims that many farmers he works with in Pueblo have survived several years of drought but with the steady rise of fuel, it has taken its toll and farmers may not be able to continue to farm at the same level as previous years.  He estimates this will be seen at this summer/falls Farmer Markets and the prices will reflect the same.


Some farmers are turning to mule power to fight rising oil prices.  The price of oil affects everything that is made, transported, eaten and sold in the United States. 

I believe we should support government leaders who believe in paying off the deficit instead of prolonging the war.  One reason crude oil prices are so high is because speculators view Bush actions as a threat to the supply of oil.  Example:  His threat to Iran, his no diplomacy foreign policy, etc.  In addition, with continuing war efforts, the value of the U.S. dollar has dropped 31%.