Des Moines Register
09-13-06
Address hog-farm growth with Economics 101
Economist Mark Imerman's essay regarding the economic factors influencing
the trend toward large livestock confinements was right on point ("Let's Reshape
Debate About Livestock Production," Sept. 2).
Another factor that needs additional attention is the cost of manure management
from these large operations. Presently, the full cost of disposal is not reflected in
the consumer price of meat.
Additionally, the cost of odor control and compensation of neighbors within
gagging distance should be part of the final consumer price. Neighbors near or
downstream from large livestock confinements should not bear this cost
disproportionately.
By factoring in this very noxious part of large-scale meat production, consumer
price will be forced upward, demand should decline correspondingly and the
pressure to build or expand large-scale livestock production will also drop.
Consumers (like me) who enjoy pork, beef and poultry should pay the full cost of
production, including the responsible management of the resulting tons of
manure.
- Kent Balduchi,
Des Moines.
I applaud the intelligent, insightful remarks of Mark Imerman. He showed how
we, as consumers, really do have the power to drive economic and social
circumstances - even those regarding livestock production - through our
demands for better products at lower prices.
His comments also cut to the core of a problem many Iowans have had for
decades. We continue to ignore the obvious implications of our inability to
resolve the issues that divide us, and it causes our state, cities and counties to
suffer and fall further behind those who are able to find solutions to their
problems and move on.
In the meantime, our state's population is stagnant and aging and declining
quickly in most counties, according to the 2000 U.S. Census.
If our citizens follow the status quo, Iowa will continue to suffer as a result.
Shouldn't we all be working to remove the barriers that keep us from growing and
prospering as a state? A change of attitude and a willingness to face up to
difficult decisions at all levels would help.
- Scott Whyte,
Goldfield.