Farmers

Gonzaga Farmers                                                                                       Gonzaga College HS

                                                                                                                                3/17/2011

As farmers, we have a complex relationship with the Chesapeake Bay. While we appreciate  the Chesapeake Bay and all that it has to offer, it is very difficult for us to comply with  the new laws that aim to clean up the Bay and cause less erosion. In order to efficiently  grow crops, we use fertilizers and pesticides on our farmlands. It is true that some of this  fertilizer runs off into the Bay, but the fertilizer plays such a large role in our crop  production that many of us are not willing to give it up. The system we have for farming around the Chesapeake Bay now is one of the most effective and efficient systems in the entire country. By changing our practices to better suit the bay, we would be causing more harm than good. Fewer crops would go out, and less people in the Chesapeake Bay watershed would have food. Our own way of living would be severely disturbed if we focused entirely on cleaning up the Chesapeake Bay. First, it would cost us lots of money to simply follow these new rules because we would have to develop new ways to reduce runoff. With fewer amounts of pesticides being used, we would not be able to produce as many crops. Our own families would lack the necessary amounts of food, seeing as many of our farms are family based. We would also receive lower annual incomes, thus forcing us to spend less and live our lives in an even simpler way. In conclusion, while I have nothing against the Chesapeake Bay and believe that it is a valuable part of our environment, I believe the changes involved for the farmers would cause great harm to the immediate area.

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    From:   Pattywagons - farmer - EHHS                                                                 Ask

                                                                                                                        3/28/2011

       Exactly what all does the Chesapeake Bay offer you all?

    From:   Hick Chick - farmer - NHHS                                                                  Ask

                                                                                                                        3/30/2011

       I agree that it would cost a lot of money to regulate our fertilizers, but if we regulate

        the usage of our pesticides just enough, we won't lose crops. There's a way to save

       the bay and stay in business.

    From:   John Deere Green Farmers - farmer - EHHS                                         Ask

                                                                                                                        3/31/2011

       We think that your opinion about how farmers use the fertilizers to grow a successful

       crop each season is a respectable reasoning, but have you thought what effects the

       run-off water containing fertilizer does to the water? And how much nitrogen is being

       put into rivers? Nitrate levels can become dangerous in ponds, streans, and shallow

       wells when run-off is exposed to highly fertilized fields. Cattle will then become

       exposed to nitrate posioning and most cattle will die from a large consumption. So what

        are ways that you think farmers can do to help prevent this risk of happening to their

       cattle??

    From:   The Great Apple Plantation - farmer - MslmnHS                                   Ask

                                                                                                                        4/7/2011

       If as farmers we were to find natural pesticides that had substantial effects on

       keeping insects away then we could use fewer amounts of pesticides to keep our crop

       production stable and we also wouldnt have to worry about lossing money and putting

       our families in jeopardy.

Farmers

Hick Chick                                                                                                  North Harford HS

                                                                                                                                3/18/2011

Solutions to cleaning up the Bay cost farmers a significant amount of money. We have to  spend a lot of money on Best Management Practices (BMPs). BMPs make reductions in nutrient, sediment and bacteria levels. Over the last 15 years, Pennsylvania farmers have invested $157 million in nutrient management practices such as stream buffers and manure pits (singazette.com).

There are 8.5 million acres of farmland in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. We plant cover crops to stop erosion of sediment into local streams. Cover crops are planted after into local streams. Cover crops are planted after the fall harvest and are usually wheat rye, and barley. They absorb excess nutrients in soil and retain nutrients for future crops. Although these things are good for us, it is also important for the Bay that we create riparian buffer zones. Buffers take away our harvestable farmland.

Solutions to cleaning up the Bay could benefit our farming business directly. Farmers in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia could earn thousands of dollars a year in additional revenue if congress passes legislation to create interstate nutrient trading program (wri.org). Farmers who reduce nutrient pollution could sell credits to other sources of nutrient pollution, such as waste water treatment plants. We could benefit by getting more business through this legislation.

To make more farmers willing to participate in seeking a solution, we could receive compensation for all measures being taken to save the bay. If we use BMP's we will be paid back. Although we are giving up a lot for the Bay, a Pennsylvania state program provides tax credits for implementing conservation practices. Farmers would prosper from solutions if we were compensated.

What would happen if farmers were so harmed by the process that we disappeared? You wouldn't have any food. Communities and families would be devastated and a whole heritage would be lost. If we disappeared there would be so many jobs lost. Companies would also not survive without farmers.

We are willing to go the distance to help save the Chesapeake Bay. Work may be harder and different than what we're used to, but if the state will help to compensate, we will help in our special way. Chesapeake Bay cleanup initiatives will affect the way we do business whether we like it or not.

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    From:   Pattywagons - farmer - EHHS                                                                 Ask

                                                                                                                        3/28/2011

       Why doesnt West virginia earn any money to help their farmers???

        Response        Hick Chick - farmer - NHHS

                             To:  Pattywagons - farmer - EHHS

                                                                                                                        4/1/2011

              I'm sure West Virginia does receive funding for their usage of BMPs. Through

              EPA funding, West Virginia does receive funding for their farmers who use BMPs.

               I live in Maryland and close to the Pennsylvania border.

    From:   I Love APES - Other - GCHS                                                                  Ask

                                                                                                                        3/31/2011

       I agree that the state or perhaps federal government should provide farmers

       subsidies, tax cuts, or other benefits to encourage less use of pesticides and more

       environmentally friendly methods.  However, I also believe that there should be a

       punishment for those who continue to use pesticides despite these benefits.  For

       example, if legislation were proposed to help farmers who reduce pesticide and

       fertilizer use, additional legislation would be brought up imposing fines on those who

       continue to use these environmentally unhealthy methods.

    From:   A Van & 6 Kids - Other - LHS                                                               Ask

                                                                                                                        3/31/2011

       We like your point of view.  Since the farmers are accused for polluting the bay, they

       are the ones pressured to practice more costly BMP's.  A compensation from

       government tax revenues is needed to help spur interest.  You know,the grumpy old

       people who like cheese started an alliance, maybe we could start one too.

Farmers

James Wood Food Suppliers                                                                          James Wood HS

                                                                                                                                3/23/2011

Our groups of farmers of the Chesapeake Bay are very important in many ways. They growPOV:

 crops, harvest hay, raise livestock, and poultry. All of which provides food for our

community. The Bay's pollution could affect us if the water were to be diseased, and it

would poison the livestock that drank from it as well. It may also reach the crops if it

floods, which could give them a disease that could harm humans or animals if they ate it.

Some positive outcomes of cleaning up the Chesapeake Bay would be that crops could grow

bigger and stronger. Also the livestock and poultry would stay healthy. The economy will

get better, because we will have more healthy crops in a larger quantity. The livestock

would live a longer life, and there will be a lot less disease outbreaks amongst the cattle.

We will be saving and making a lot more money than before.

From a farmers perspective we would think that planting buffers would have the greatest

effect on cleaning the Chesapeake Bay naturally, and it helps keep cattle out of the river,

acting as a fence. Also we could use a sediment pond to help with the run-off dirt so it

doesn't go into the river and cause too much sediment pollution, which can kill a lot of the

BMI's.  We could also add some trees to make the land much more stable, which would

prevent a lot of run-off dirt as well. Silt fences would help control erosion along the river

bank, and it is inexpensive.

f the Government gave the farmers a grant which paid for the buffers, then most farmers

 will try and find the time to plant them if they see the consequences that will happen if

they don't. The downside is, if the Government gave the grant, taxes will probably rise.

Other than that farmers will only have to use a fraction of their time to plant the buffers.

The solution will benefit farmers most, because they own a big majority of the land and

they are the ones that use the land the most. If the government could offer a tax break to

 everyone that donates their time to clean out the Chesapeake Bay, then most people would

donate their time to clean to get a better tax return next year. By doing this, the

community people would be saving money, and the Chesapeake Bay would be getting cleaner

 every day. That would benefit everybody in the community.

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    From:   Pattywagons - farmer - EHHS                                                                 Ask

                                                                                                                        3/28/2011

       I really like the way you explain things if there is anyway you can help our group can

       you respond back to us? we will do our best to help you all.

    From:   The Great Apple Plantation - farmer - MslmnHS                                   Ask

                                                                                                                        4/7/2011

       In your second paragraph you list several positive effects that would benefit farmers.

       However, cleaning up the Bay would improve the habitat in that specific region. It

       would have no other effect on distant areas that don't come in direct contact with the

        Chesapeake Bay.

    From:   Chicken Litter Chicks - farmer - MslmnHS                                             Ask

                                                                                                                        4/8/2011

       If there was a way you could revise the POV and explain what rules or programs could

        possibly made over a larger area, perhaps nationally, this would be a very strong POV.

    From:   MODERATOR - other - PHWS                                                                 Ask

                                                                                                                        4/18/2011

       How do we "Modify our sediment amounts?"  Who should modify them?

       Where should we put riparian buffers?

Farmers

G&M Farmers                                                                                                 James Wood HS

                                                                                                                                3/23/2011

Being farmers, we support the Chesapeake Bay Watershed in many ways. The positive POV:

affects the Watershed gives us is the continuous amount of water we are able to use to

enhance the growth of crops. We are then able to supply food, healthy crops and other

efficient resources. Although we help maintain the Watershed, there are also some issues

that affect us farmers. For example, if the bay water is polluted and unhealthy, and we

are forced to use it for nourishing our harvest, it could ruin the crops and livestock. The

Watershed could use improvement to allow the water to be healthier and sanitary.

Solutions such as grass buffers and forested buffers will help decrease the sediment in

the water. Also, planting cover crops along the sides of a body of water will help keep rain

from washing soil, nutrients, and other pollution into streams.

 It may cost a little to pay for the hopeful solutions, but in the long run, it'll help us and the

 rest of the community. Also, these solutions with involve civic responsibility, allowing the

society to help as much as possible. The clean Watershed will benefit us directly because

we constantly need clean water to run our farms. Once people realize that the polluted

water will cause issues throughout the community, we think they will feel obligated to help

out. If the Watershed remains unhealthy, we farmers will suffer dramatically. Without

sanitary water, we will be unable to grow healthy crops and our livestock will not survive.

This will eliminate the amount of food for humans drastically. In conclusion, it's important

that we, and citizens in the community, do what we can to improve the Watersheds health,

so we are able to have full access to non-polluted water at all times.

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    From:   making a live on the water - Waterman - PPS                                        Ask

                                                                                                                        3/31/2011

       I agree to the point your making.

    From:   Pattywagons - farmer - EHHS                                                                 Ask

                                                                                                                        4/1/2011

       Your point of view is good. An we also agree with you all.

Farmers

Evil Green Monsters                                                                                       James Wood HS

                                                                                                                                3/23/2011

Our group is important to the Chesapeake Bay because we supply food and other POV:

economical resources. The bay can also affect how the farm will operate due to the fact

dirty water may contaminate out animals causing food production to decline, or people in

the area to become sick for those with well water feeding from the streams or bay. If we

as farmers could get our community together and find solutions too keep our bay from

getting out of control, then the future of our production and life will be healthier in the

long run. There are many things that we could start doing now to take effect on this bay

situation. We could use cover crops along side of the bays stream, riparian buffers When

this happens the bmi's (insects are use to control water environment.)

Taking these actions will cost as far as paying for the crops we may plant along the

streams and the bugs we may place in the water. Taking civil responsibility will not only

benefit the community, but also the farms will live on.

However not only the farms need to participate in this, we also need other people in the

community to help clean up the bay streams. The only way we may get to the community to

help is to have a consensus written up stating that's what will be done. This project is nut

just for fun and games though because you must keep the concentration level at certain

among or else people could get seriously hurt by this, especially if you have well water

which feeds from the bay or streams as started above.

Now as a project slowly goes on everything will be tracked as far as funding and time to

run both the farms and bay at the same time, because you cannon slack on either one or

else the project could become compromised. The opportunity that we have to make this

right is something that should be taken seriously, so as of this day the farmers are going to

 hold meetings for the communities about the pollutions of our bays and streams around

the world. The world around us is something that we must take care of not only for

ourselves but everyone, especially our children in the near future. So stop and think about

what you can do for your community.

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    From:   A Van & 6 Kids - Other - LHS                                                               Ask

                                                                                                                        4/1/2011

       We read your point of view and are really confused.  Are you trying to get all the

       farmers together in a union-like fashion? We just don't get it...

    From:   Chicken Litter Chicks - farmer - MslmnHS                                             Ask

                                                                                                                        4/8/2011

       We read your POV and it seems that your idea is a bit generalized.  It's hard to

       understand the exact point that you are trying to get to. 

Farmers

One Shot One Kill                                                                                                    Luray HS

                                                                                                                                3/24/2011

   We believe that the main problem is located in the urban and suburban areas. They put POV:

too much fertilizer on their little patch of grass. When it rains, the fertilizer drains into the

 water system. From there it eventually gets into the Chesapeake. A majority of the city

slickers think that the problem comes from the farmers. We farmers are doing our best to

 make the Bay a better place by planting trees near streams and installing grass buffer

strips.  We even go to the extra expense by getting our soil analyzed at least once per year

 so we will know exactly how much fertilizer to apply.  Do you suburbanites do the same

thing?  The chicken litter spread on fields isn't the main problem. Sewer plants and urban

runoff are other sources of this horrible catastrophe.  We don't understand why people

are blaming the pollution on the farmers because we are applying fertilizers and pesticides

correctly. If everyone would apply these chemicals as directed instead of thinking the more

 fertilizer the prettier the grass, then the pollution wouldn't be as bad. Nitrogen is one

nutrient in particular that does not stay in the soil.

     The bay is a really, really pretty place to hangout and go fishing. They are ruining

everything by killing the Bay life. If everyone would do their part in helping prevent

pollution in the Bay it would make it a better place.

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    From:   John Deere Green Farmers - farmer - EHHS                                         Ask

                                                                                                                        4/1/2011

       Why put all the blame on one particular group of people. We are also farmers, and

       relize what we have done to the Chesapeake Bay Ecosystem. Everyone as a whole has

       someway contributed to the pollution of the bay. Whether it was someone with a

       vechile leaking oil, a urban family using lawn fertilizer, or us, farmers using crop

       pesticides and fertilizers. You may want to restate your opening sentence because

       everyone is to blame.

    From:   Chicken Litter Chicks - farmer - MslmnHS                                             Ask

                                                                                                                        4/8/2011

       I agree with what you are saying whole heartedly, some farmers are to blame, but

       generally not all of them.  While living on a farm myself, I know that we take numerous

        soil tests not only by the USDA but by our own accord.   From my own inquiring I’ve

       also recognized the fact that many small businesses and homes do not do regular soil

       testing, and the soil testing they do have is not very elaborate, it’s too generalized and

       simple.

    From:   MODERATOR - other - PHWS                                                                 Ask

                                                                                                                        4/18/2011

       Good job in speaking from the point of view of a farmer.  You have made a very

       convincing argument that farmers are not the main culprit to blame in the bay

       watershed.

       However, how would you respond to the fact that according to the Chesapeake Bay

       program, a significant amount (%18) of nitrogen pollution from the bay comes from

       animal manure on agricultural land?  

       (http://www.chesapeakebay.net/nitrogen.aspx?menuitem=19412)

       You say you know you are not putting on too much fertilizer because you test the soil

       annually.  Some experts claim that soil testing for nitrogen will not give you an

       accurate reading for nitrogen in soil because it is so changeable, and leaches out into

       waterways so readily.  Tests will often show that the soil needs more nitrogen when

       actually too much is being applied.

       What other precautions are you taking to make sure you are not also contributing to

       the pollution of the bay just like some suburbanites are?

       The debate on whether farmers are really to blame is raging across the watershed

       and all over the internet.  If you are interested, feel free to look more into it:

       http://cbf.typepad.com/bay_daily/2011/03/during-a-hearing-before-a-subcommittee-

       of-the-us-house-committee-on-agriculture-today-farm-industry-advocates-hammered-

       epa.html

Farmers

Luray Farmers                                                                                                           Luray HS

                                                                                                                                3/25/2011

     We, the Luray Farmers, believe that farmers should not be blamed for all of the

pollution in the Bay.  Government blames farmers for high levels of chemicals, but

homeowners spread chemicals to keep the grass green. They also cause car emissions, pet

waste, sewage, and other daily pollution activities. Also, the development of homes, and cars

 and trucks on the highway cause high pollution.  Power plants and many factories cause

high pollution, but nothing is ever said to them, it is always the farmer's fault.  The

government wants to put more regulations on farmers when they should put regulations on

other things such as homeowners.  The government is trying to plant vegetation along the

Bay to prevent erosion and pollution.  The government also wants to increase the number of

 homes by taking farmland and building many, many houses, kind of like subdivisions.  The

government wants to take farmland to use as buffers to protect the Bay.  If the

government is going to take our land then we should get paid for the loss of the use of the

land.  And it seems to us this is a constitutional question. 

  As farmers, we would like to see lower regulations held against us.  Also we would like for

the government to step up to the plate and take some responsibility and help the

enviornment instead of blaming us for every little thing that pollutes the bay.  If the

government passes more regulations, then they should have the appropriate funding to help

us out.  As farmers, we do not support unfunded mandates.

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    From:   Shaky Shrimp - Waterman - EHHS                                                         Ask

                                                                                                                        3/31/2011

       You stated that the government should regulate homeowners.  If the government

       would regulate homeowners, what do you feel should be regulated?Also, what

       evidence supports your statement about various power plants and factories not being

       confronted about their wastes polluting the Bay?

    From:   Gonzaga Farmers - farmer - GCHS                                                          Ask

                                                                                                                        4/14/2011

       I agree with you that farmers should not be entirely blamed for pollution of the Bay,

       but there is no doubt that some of us are significant contributors to this pollution.

       There are other options for us to help the bay besides buffer zones. We could more

       appropriately use fertilizer to reduce runoff into the water.

Farmers

Bubbas                                                                                                          Rappahannock HS

                                                                                                                                3/25/2011

Nutrient Pollution (Farmers)

  When many of us think about pollution, we think about large factories and businesses

dumping toxic waste into our water, right? Well, most of this pollution actually comes from

our neighbors. We farmers are a major source of nutrient pollution in the Chesapeake Bay

watershed which supplies us with almost all of our food including grains, meat (fish),

vegetables and all of our seafood. These nutrients that run off into the water cause high

amounts of algae to grow which causes Hypoxia (the absence of oxygen). This kills

underwater vegetation along with other aquatic life. There are a lot of problems facing the

bay but there also many solutions to help prevent this. In this report, we will be discussing

the importance of the bay, the problems we are going through and how we plan to prevent

them.

  We farmers depend on the watershed for just about everything we do. We use up close

to about one quarter of the watershed's land area. This gives us our main foods including

grains, meat (fish), milk products, and vegetables. If the excessive nutrients we use run

off into the water, none of this is possible. If we are not able to produce these products

then there will almost be nothing to eat. You may not realize this but the bay is able to

provide many jobs for people. If we have cows, someone needs to process it. If we have

vegetables and grains, somebody needs to package and ship it. So if farmers help to keep

the bay clean then more jobs would be available for the public.

  Some of the problems that cause pollution in the bay are the sediments that go into the

bay area from the fertilizer and the manure that gets washed into the bay thus grows

algae that block the sunlight from getting to plants which kills them. When this happens with

 the decaying algae it takes away all of the oxygen, which is called hypoxia, thus kills the

fish in the water. If the fish die then there wouldn't be food supply for people at the

seafood restaurants, and it also eliminates jobs for catching the fish and also processing

the fish to get to the restaurants. This proves that even a little pollution does a lot of

damage to our society.

  Reducing the use of fertilizer, having grass and forest buffers will slow and reduce the

pollution. This way there will not be as much pollution that goes into the water. Also, keeping

 animals away from clean streams and property to prevent the water from being

contaminated will be a big help. Think about it, would you drink or even water knowing the

waster was floating in before it went into your water bottle or came out of your shower

head? It doesn't sound too good. Also change animal diet. For everything they do put it the

water, at least try to lower the amounts of nutrients in it. You should also try planting

cover crops (they absorb excess nutrients and prevent erosion. They act just like a sponge

or a filter. Every year a nutrient management plan is written. This plan usually contains soil

information for a particular field or operation; the field's crops yield potential and the

amount of nutrients needed to achieve this yield and recommended application rates for

manure or commercial fertilizers based on nutrient carryover from previous applications

and crop rotation. As you can see, we are now doing everything we can to get rid of this

problem.

  We have explained to you the problems our watershed is facing and the ways we can fix

this. If you use excessive nutrients, you will make too much algae form in the water. Too

much algae means you are going to kill high amounts of vegetation and other aquatic life. All

 of this comes right down to the workers on the water that will lose their jobs due to the

expiration of sea life in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Everything that is going on is just a

case of simple cause-and-effect. We just have to chance the problems into solutions. Plant

cover crops and forest buffers, so there will not be as much pollution that flows down

from the fields into the water. Keeping your animals away from the streams and changing

their diet will reduce the risk of pollution or simply get rid of it in that way. What does all

of this lead to? People whose work dealing with the Bay get to keep their jobs, which means

 restaurants stay in business, nobody is mad at the farmers anymore. This means everyone

can be happy and enjoy our beautiful watershed. This may sound too good to be true, but we can achieve this if we work together with our communities and local business to save it. We have given you everything you need; no it is your job to help fight the battle of nutrient pollution. GO GREEN!!! It’s the only solution to nutrient pollution.

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    From:   MODERATOR - other - PHWS                                                                 Ask

                                                                                                                        4/18/2011

       This is a very lengthy and in depth POV with many good ideas.  Do you think that these

       BMPs that you proposed should be voluntary or mandatory?  What incentives/

       punishments would you propose to ensure that you meet these goals?

Farmers

blooming algae                                                                                              Rappahannock HS

                                                                                                                                3/25/2011

Approximately 400 million pounds of Nitrogen are deposited into the Bay's watershed

yearly. This Nitrogen comes from nutrients. Nutrients are substances that all living

organisms need for growth and reproduction. Nutrients are present in animal and human

waste and chemical fertilizers. All organic material such as leaves and grass clippings

contain nutrients. Too many nutrients entering The Chesapeake Bay could be a bad thing; it

can create conditions that are harmful for the Bay and its life.

Excess nutrients cause algae, leafy slim, population to rapidly grow or "bloom". An

overabundance of algae contributes two problems to the bay. First, reduction in sunlight

and reduction in dissolved oxygen. The second problem is created by widespread algae

blooms occur when the algae die, sink to the bottom, and decay, during the decay process,

bacteria consumes large amounts of dissolved oxygen from water. This causes extremely

low levels of dissolved oxygen in large areas of the bay. Warm water holds less oxygen

than cold water. Without oxygen organisms perish. 

  Where are the nutrients coming from? There are several ways in which the nutrients can

enter the Bay, like wastewater treatments, run off, air pollution, and natural resources.

Wastewater enters the Bay through specific identifiable entry pipes. Waste water plants

release treated water containing large amounts of nutrients into local streams and rivers.

Nutrients run off the land from farmland and urban and suburban areas that come from

sources such as fertilizers, septic systems, boat discharges, and farm animal manure, and

air deposit from factories.

  Air pollution from vehicles, industries, gas powered lawn tools and other emitting sources

contribute to 1/3 of nitrogen load in the Bay's waterways. Factories, cities and suburbs

have replaced natural filters of the Bay.

Nutrients also come from a number of natural sources such as soil, plant material, wild

animal waste, human activity, and the atmosphere. Since wetlands were replaced with

farms and cities and suburbs to accommodate a growing population, nutrient pollution to

the Bay has vastly increased.

As a result of all of this, the Bay has become over fertilized. Actions are being taken to

reduce nutrient inputs into the bay. Sewage treatment plants and industries are installing

nutrient removal equipment. Streamside forest buffers, stream bank fencing, nutrient

management planning, soil conservation and water quality planning, vegetated buffer strips

at the strips at the edge of crop fields are some of the main actions that are being taken.

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    From:   MODERATOR - other - PHWS                                                                 Ask

                                                                                                                        4/18/2011

       Good job showcasing the problems in the bays and actions taken.  However, despite all

       these actions the Chesapeake bay still remains polluted.

       According to the Washington post, “Since the government-led effort began 26 years

       ago, the Chesapeake cleanup has produced a number of ceremonies. At one held in

       Baltimore in 1987, officials promised a clean Chesapeake by 2000. At another, held in

       Rose Haven, Md., they promised the same thing by 2010. None of it came true.”

       (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-

       dyn/content/article/2010/01/05/AR2010010502500.html)

       If the actions that are already being taken aren’t enough, how do you propose to clean

        up the bay once and for all?

Farmers

Pattywagons                                                                                                      East Hardy HS

                                                                                                                                3/25/2011

    We are farmers, we are important because we provide food for the world. We make

living a lot easier for people these days. We provide the majority of food today for the

world. We are very imporant because without us everyone would not survive without us

providing the food.  Farmers also clean up the earth, and all the surroundings. Farmers

need expanding markets for what we produce and sell. Worldwide markets tend to level

out the peaks and valleys of consumer demand, which is often caused by economic

conditions. Agriculture exports help out our nation to achieve a better balance of trade

with other countries.

    The bay problem will affect us in several ways. The main problem is pollution. The

pollution in the water hurts our environment in many ways. It can affect our drinking water

 that we consume everyday of our lives. It can affect the population of our fish that we

need to feed the world and ourselves. It can also hurt the parasites in the water that the

fish need to eat so they can survive. Airborne nitrogen is a major contributor to pollution in

the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers. It accounts for about one-third of the total load of

nitrogen pollution to the bay. Airborne chemical contaminants such as mercury can also

affect the bay.

    Solutions that will affect farmers in a bad way. Wet ponds and wetlands will affect

farmers because wetlands will destroy the cropping fields for farmers and will contain too

much water to bare any crops. Tree planting also many affect the farming business

because it will take up cropping area and will not be room for vegetation. Septic Tank

Pumping can affect the farm industry very much because if the septic get backed up or is

blocked cause it to explode and flow into farming fields. Solutions that will affect farmers

 in a good way. Animal waste management system can help because it is fertilization the

crop so they grow better. Conservation plans can also help make the soil healthier for

crops. Land retirement can be another helpful source because if you stop using the

cropping field then you could plant other vegetation.

    The solutions that I would prefer, tree planting near water sites, forest buffering,

natural area conservation, and erosion and sediment control. To decrease sediment in rivers

 and/or ponds maybe farmers should consider putting sediment ponds on their feed lots.

Planting trees along the rivers help with pollution. Not only in the summer can all this help,

but also in the winter when the crops die out, maybe consider putting cover crops on their

crops.  This would help farmers by, helping conserve the soil, reduce wastage by going

down streams, planting trees would help the greenhouse affect which would change the

climate, the farmers would also have good rain fall.

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    From:   A Van & 6 Kids - Other - LHS                                                               Ask

                                                                                                                        3/30/2011

       Can you be more specific?  What about the urban areas that most of us live in?

        Response        Pattywagons - farmer - EHHS

                             To:  A Van & 6 Kids - Other - LHS

                                                                                                                        3/31/2011

              what are you talking about? We didn't say anything about an urban area that we

              live in. Can you please explain what part do you want us to be more specific about?

    From:   A Van & 6 Kids - Other - LHS                                                               Ask

                                                                                                                        4/1/2011

       Thats exactly it, you didn't say anything about the urban areas. Do you have any ideas

       regarding the pollution from urban areas?

        Response        Pattywagons - farmer - EHHS

                             To:  A Van & 6 Kids - Other - LHS

                                                                                                                        4/11/2011

              We live in a rural area, so we have no idea about the pollution reguarding the

              urban areas.

Farmers

Snakehead Madness                                                                                     Rappahannock HS

                                                                                                                                3/25/2011

  Did you know that millions of sea animals are at risk of losing their lives due to farming

pollutions? And there are many ways to prevent this from happening. Not only is the

Chesapeake Bay affected by farming pollution but the 100,000 streams are rivers

connected to it are too.

  The Chesapeake Bay has both fresh and salt water. The bay produces the 500 million

pounds of seafood each year. Some sea animals such as oyster help improve the water

quality. But if too much sediment is brought into the water some of the life in the bay could

 suffocate. The Chesapeake Bay is home to thousands of species of plants and animals.

These things are important to Virginia in many ways including economically, and we will

suffer tremendously without the Bay.

  The problem with stopping farming pollution is the expense. Nutrient and sediment

contributions will cost $200,907,403 by the end of the 2010. Some farmers feel like that

it isn't their responsibility to help the Chesapeake Bay. How are they going to benefit from

helping? The satisfaction of doing a good deed. Famers have already spent 15 million to

make their farms safer for the Bay. On the other hand artificial fertilizer, residues,

insecticides, herbicides, pesticides, and farmyard waste are very harmful to the Bay. So,

the real question is what can we do to help?

  A easy solution is to the problem is that we can ask them to reduce the amount of

fertilizer they use. Also farmer should be encouraged to change their feed practices. This

helps reduce the amount of extra nutrients that get into the Chesapeake Bay. The

American Farmland Trust has launched a nationwide agriculture and environment initiative

to help farmer and ranchers play a major role in improving our environment while also

expanding their sources of income and keeping them on their land. Also we pay billions to

clean and prevent environmental damage through technology. If we keep doing what we are

 doing we can help not only the Bay but also the farmers.

  We need to think about the millions of animals being killed and the problems the farmers

are going through in this tough economy and try to help by doing something or anything they

 can do to help. Remember that every second counts! 

References:

**http://www.cacaponintstitue,org/PHSWR%20Chats/native_guide_matt_monroe.htm

**http://www.naturegrid.org.uk/rivers/gt%20stour%20case%20study-pages/plln-frm.html

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    From:   MODERATOR - other - PHWS                                                                 Ask

                                                                                                                        4/18/2011

       Thank you for including your references in this well researched POV, and some very

       insightful ideas on how farmers can reduce their pollution. 

       Do you think that all action from farmers to clean up the bay should be voluntary? Or

       do you think mandatory laws are needed to enforce action to clean up the bay?  (in

       other words, is the carrot or the stick more effective?) 

       Also, how do you think other stake holder groups should help in reducing pollution?  If

       so, which would be most important?

Farmers

John Deere Green Farmers                                                                              East Hardy HS

                                                                                                                                3/28/2011

     As farmers our job requires us to feed the world. It is said that by the year 2050,

farmers will have to double their food output. When looking at more statistics the average

age of a farmer is 58 years old, which is barely out of retirements reach, and every year

the number of farmers decreases. As farmers we are often asked to take more

precautions with our livelihoods.  We have to watch the amount of fertilizers we put on our

crops and how we dispose of manure. We are willing to step up and take the challenge of

cleaning our bay, but 'every farmer' needs to abide.

     There are new restrictions brought out yearly to "help" the Chesapeake watershed, but

often these laws are not followed or enforced. Farmers can have a negative or positive

effect, depending on how a particular farmer runs his operation. When driving on roads

along the Chesapeake Bay Watershed you generally see livestock roaming in the streams

and rivers. The cattle can cause erosion to the streams and river banks, which in turn

causes sediment to settle in the beds of the watershed. This not only cause sediment

issues, but it also causes excess nitrogen and phosphorus to be put into the water.

     Another issue that is commonly talked about is farmers and the amount of fertilizers

that we put on our crops. If you follow by Newton's third law which states, "For every

action there is an equal or opposite reaction," you will find that if farmers do not use

fertilizers then crop production will not be as great. This will lead to higher prices for

everything from a can of green beans to a T-Bone steak at the grocery store. This can

potentially lead to a decrease in the economy, which will add to our current economic

recession.

     Farmers are generally slammed for the way they operate. If farmers are expected to

make a change, others should have to do so also. With help and compensation from the

government, the problems can be solved and the bay can be pristine again.

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    From:   Pattywagons - farmer - EHHS                                                                 Ask

                                                                                                                        3/31/2011

       How exactly do you as farmers operate?

    From:   A Van & 6 Kids - Other - LHS                                                               Ask

                                                                                                                        4/1/2011

       One possible solution to the farmers problems is the planting of perennial grains.

       http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2011/04/big-idea/perennial-grains-text  The

       great article from NatGeo states the many benefits of farmers planting perennial

       plants rather than annual grains.  The longer roots hold on to more soil, soak up more

       nutrients, require no tilling and less fertilizer.  The possibilities are endless.  Also, these

        plants could have effects totally unrelated to the bay.  Farmers would save money on

       everything from gasoline to pesticedes and fertilizers.

        Response        John Deere Green Farmers - farmer - EHHS

                             To:  A Van & 6 Kids - Other - LHS

                                                                                                                        4/11/2011

              Well we would like to thank you for your input and show that you care about the

              bay. The advice, information, and the websire you have given will be very useful to

               us. Thank you!

    From:   Farm Insurers - farmer - MslmnHS                                                         Ask

                                                                                                                        4/6/2011

       I really agree with all of your thoughts. I agree that everyone should help out in

       cleaning the bay. But the truth is, not everyone is going to actually abide by helping out.

        Farmers do contribute to the pollution in the bay by the way they run their farms.

       That's why it would be such a big deal for all of the farmers to run their farms in a

       better way. Depending on the way they run their farms means whether the bay will be

       cleaner or day by day will be getting worse. I think that you have great article and if

       people actually read it they'll actualy realize what a great help farmers and people

       that live around the bay could be.

    From:   Green Acres - farmer - MslmnHS                                                           Ask

                                                                                                                        4/7/2011

       How will a farmer that is nearly 60 put out twice the ammount of food in 2050?

        Response        John Deere Green Farmers - farmer - EHHS

                             To:  Green Acres - farmer - MslmnHS

                                                                                                                        4/21/2011

              Okay...that isn't the point that we were trying to make. Farmers won't be making

              more food they will be losing food production in the next couple decades.When

              the farmers reach age 60 they will be retiring and no one is taking over their

              farms. The Land is being sold for housing and other developements. Which in turn

              leads to less food and a growing population.

Farmers

WE R FARMERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!                                                                                         Paw Paw S

                                                                                                                                3/29/2011

                            FARMERS

As farmers, we have a very close relationship Chesapeake Bay. While we appreciate the

Chesapeake Bay and all that it has to offer, it is very difficult for us to comply with the

new rules that aim to clean up the Bay and cause less erosion. In order to properly grow

crops, we use fertilizers and pesticides on our farms. It is true that some of this fertilizer

runs off into the Bay, but the fertilizer plays such a large part in our crop production that

many of us are not willing to give it up. The system we have for farming around the

Chesapeake Bay now is one of the most effective systems in the United States of America.

Fewer crops would go out, and less people in the Chesapeake Bay watershed would have

food. Our own way of living would be severely disturbed if we focused entirely on cleaning

up the Chesapeake Bay. First, it would cost us lots of money to simply follow these new

rules because we would have to develop new ways to reduce runoff. With fewer amounts

of pesticides being used, we would not be able to produce as many crops. Our own families

would lack the necessary amounts of food, seeing as many of our farms are family based.

We would also receive lower annual incomes, thus forcing us to spend less and live our lives

in an even simpler way. In conclusion, while we have nothing against the Chesapeake Bay and

 believe that it is a valuable part of our environment, we believe the changes involved for

the farmers would cause great harm to the immediate area.

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    From:   making a live on the water - Waterman - PPS                                        Ask

                                                                                                                        3/31/2011

       i total agree with this

    From:   Pattywagons - farmer - EHHS                                                                 Ask

                                                                                                                        3/31/2011

       So, what exactly does the Bay offer?

    From:   Pattywagons - farmer - EHHS                                                                 Ask

                                                                                                                        3/31/2011

       What exactly is your relationship to the Chesapeake Bay?

    From:   Farm Insurers - farmer - MslmnHS                                                         Ask

                                                                                                                        4/6/2011

       I personally think that you could use a less harmful pesticide and fertilizer to help the

       bay and at the same still grow your crops. Although you may not produce as many

       crops as you have years before you could greatly reduce the amount of pollution

       entering the Bay. You could talk to some insurance companies about the idea of using a

       less harmful fertilizer and get insurance on your crops incase you don't produce as

       many. That way you can still feel safe while helping out the Bay at the same time. What

        specific fertilizers are you using? I could possibly suggest some less harmful to the

       Bay.

Farmers

Chicken Litter Chicks                                                                                       Musselman HS

                                                                                                                                  4/4/2011

Based logically the best way to build consensus is the solution of checking poultry litter for

 toxic elements before shipping it to the common farmer.  A small based farmer of sixty

acres or so that is looking to fertilize their feeding pastures won't have the necessary

means of measuring toxic materials that may be found in commercial poultry litter. 

Generally local farmers and gardeners that decide to use chicken litter have general

information as to what is found in poultry litter.  Many times they don't know where

exactly their chicken litter comes from because they have it shipped to them sometimes out

 of state, and most definitely out of town. 

Educating our local farmers and having them realize exactly what is in their fertilizers is

extremely important.  Concentrations of certain chemicals decrease over time, which makes

 the field not become overly potent.  When a local farmer receives poultry litter it has

already been laid out for an extended amount of time and diluted with sawdust to keep the

 potent chemicals from increasing.  Locally farmers are not aware of what really is still

left within the litter.  They figure that the litter is perfectly safe, because it is 'organic.' 

But it really isn't.  Commercial poultry industries don't have chickens primarily for litter,

they have them for production whether it is egg production or meat production the

chicken's feed is laced with antibiotics, weight building chemicals, abnormal proteins, and

other un "organic" substances.

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    From:   The Great Apple Plantation - farmer - MslmnHS                                   Ask

                                                                                                                        4/7/2011

       I agree with what you are saying. Farmers truely aren't aware of what is in their

       fertilizers. I also think that as farmers we should research more about our fertilizer

       and where it comes from.

        Response        Chicken Litter Chicks - farmer - MslmnHS

                             To:  The Great Apple Plantation - farmer - MslmnH

                                                                                                                        4/13/2011

              Thanks for the positive input.  Definately more work needs to go into researching

               our fertilizers.

Farmers

Farm Insurers                                                                                                    Musselman HS

                                                                                                                                  4/4/2011

How can farmers help clean up the Bay?

   Some farmers are helping clean up the Chesepeake Bay and are doing their part by using

less fertilizer and less pollutive compost or manure pits for fertilizer. By doing this it

reduces the cause of pollution and runoff that often enters the Chesepeake Bay and

sometimes causes problems for the aquatic wildlife that lives there. More and more fish

and wildlife that live there are dieng every day from polluted water. A lot of different

rivers run into the Chesepeake increasing the chance of pollution. It makes farmers more

comfortable about using less polluted fertilizer and having the chance of less crop

production because they are providing insurance on the farmers' crops. This way it lessens

the chance of polluted water and run-off that could contaminate the water and kill the

wildlife while at the same time it provides some comfort for the farmers' crops and their

income. The insurance they get makes it okay if they don't have as much crop production

by using a less helpful fertilizer because the people don't want them to have bad run-off

into the river.

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Farmers

TEL Farms                                                                                                         Musselman HS

                                                                                                                                  4/4/2011

My stakeholder position is a crop farmer. The question I want to answer is "Do volunteer

programs work?"  There are many points of view on that subject but I believe in one. If a

program saves money and is just as effective farmers will jump all over it. They are always

 looking for ways to save money. The key is to create an environmentally friendly program

that doesn't hamper a farmer's efficiency and cash flow. A major deterrent of any action

for a farmer is a possible loss. As soon as they hear the word potential loss or risk it ends

a deal. If a program is to succeed it must provide adequate Bay protection but yet at

minimum keep us from losing money or putting in more work. As a farmer I know that we

certainly are not tree huggers but money is a major incentive. As in any part of life money

can change anything. Funding must be held to up keep the program. Also as a farmer the

EPA guidelines are a pain but do support the environment. The reason why the agency

works and continues to govern is simple. The program saves us money and lets us use fewer

 chemicals. Other things farmers can do are build better facilities for containment of

chemicals and fluids, such as a concrete storage pit. Also more efficient crop practices and

 machines have begun to come into play as the need to save money and time becomes

greater. These technologies cost tons of money but they are beginning to show that the

equipment really are what they claim to be.

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    From:   MODERATOR - other - PHWS                                                                 Ask

                                                                                                                        4/18/2011

       It is true money talks and is a great motivator.  However, many of the BMPs proposed

       in your POV such as concrete pits and new machines are very costly to the farmers to

       implement.  How would these costly technologies save the farmer money?  Are there

       less expensive best management practices that farmers could use to reduce pollution

       just as much?  What programs in particular could farmers implement to save them

       money and save the bay?

Farmers

The Great Apple Plantation                                                                              Musselman HS

                                                                                                                                  4/6/2011:

        While it's important that we do what we can to clean up the watershed, you also have

to consider all of the steps we would have to take. We would have to make several changes

in growing our crops to adjust to this change. The amount of crops we are able to produce

may take a heavy decline as we attempt to use fewer fertilizers. This will cause the price

of produce to increase and some people may not be willing to cooperate with that change.

In result we will lose customers and lose business. However, we will adjust to our best

efforts to help reduce the amount of runoff gets into the watershed.  We will attempt to

reduce our fertilizers and pesticides as much as we can to reduce pollution. Finding new

and different products to use for our crops will also be a consideration.

  Even though our changes will be minor we are happy to comply in using fewer pesticides to

 help the Chesapeake Bay watershed. If you happen to come across any new information in

regarding the protection of our crops we would be more than happy to give it a try. We will

 try whatever we can so that it will benefit in the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay. We

are appreciative that you brought this issue to our attention and have no issues cooperating.

 Thank you for taking the time out of your day to read this.

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    From:   MODERATOR - other - PHWS                                                                 Ask

                                                                                                                        4/18/2011

       How would you convince all the other farmers/ stake holders to follow suit and reduce

        polluted runoff?

Farmers

Green Acres                                                                                                      Musselman HS

                                                                                                                                  4/6/2011

How Do we Reduce agriculture pollution?

How does a dairy farm impact the Chesapeake Bay? It impacts in excessive nitrogen and

phosphorus entering the Chesapeake Bay. The United States have cows with growth

hormones know as recombinant BST. 

What can farms do?

We can reduce the use of fertilizer applicants to gasses lawns and other areas.  

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    From:   The Great Apple Plantation - farmer - MslmnHS                                   Ask

                                                                                                                        4/7/2011

       Farms can reduce fertilizer contamination by managing the type of fertilizer they use.

       They also are great at growing fruits and vegetables. They also can manage the way

       the discard their animals' natural waste.  

    From:   Chicken Litter Chicks - farmer - MslmnHS                                             Ask

                                                                                                                        4/7/2011

       I think you could revise this POV somewhat by stating that it isn’t necessarily the

       average dairy farmer’s fault, commercial industries are what make the problem of

       antibiotics, growth hormones, etc. in the run – off water.  There should be more

       discrepancies on commercial industries not that common dairy farmer with a few head

       of cattle running around.  Any manure from any cow will have decently high levels of

       somewhat poisonous gases, but the commercial industries are what make it so much

       worse for the environment.    Reduce the level of growth building hormones that are

       dangerous to humans any way in the industry and then you will also reduce the amount

            of pollution in the Chesapeake Bay as well as other watersheds. 

Farmers

willett petite farm                                                                                            Musselman HS

                                                                                                                                  4/6/2011

As a farmer of twenty- five years, I`ve seen many attempts to clean the bay come and go.

 Politicians, scientists and concerned citizens have jumped on the band wagon, when it

suited their purpose or to gain an advantage at election time.

When it came down to push or shove, however the tide flowed was the way they went.

When you set your course, you need to stick with it come what may. This has, in my opinion

,been to the detriment of the farmer  and has caused financial hardship and weariness of

the soul to those involved in the agricultural field.

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    From:   Chicken Litter Chicks - farmer - MslmnHS                                             Ask

                                                                                                                        4/7/2011

       I totally agree with you, some people use programs like this one as a political agenda,

       they're not really concerned. 

Farmers

Black Hawks                                                                                                      Musselman HS

                                                                                                                                  4/7/2011

Pollution in the Chesapeake Bay will have a negative effect on the agricultural life in the POV:

surrounding watershed area. The water used for irrigation will become contaminated and

harm the plants and possibly be completely unusable. The water is also used for our animals

 and it can have negative effects on the animals. Chemicals in the water could cause

sickness in the animals. Both of these can, in turn, affect the food prices for homeowners

and cause a shortage in food supply. I know everyone doesn't want increased prices.

However, the farmers themselves are also aiding the pollution. Some farms use harmful

insecticides and chemicals that can run off of the land due to rain and hurt the water

supply. People have had problems with the pollution that runs from farms into the water in

the past. An article on the Organic Consumers Association, which was posted on July 29th,

2010 by Nicholas Sohr, (http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_21326.cfm),

states that farmers have sent petitions to the governor of Maryland to hold poultry

farmers responsible for their pollution. The big companies apparently did not do anything to

 aid in cleanup aside from using money paid to them by taxpayers and farm workers, in

order to keep a high profit. Of course, the petition was argued against by these companies,

but we know unregulated run off from farms can still be harmful. A way to regulate where

 animal run-off goes would also help the Bay's health.

In order to improve the health of the Chesapeake Bay, measures need to be taken to

increase awareness of what's going into the water, and what can be done to decrease the

pollution of the water. Agricultural workers can also make efforts to use less harmful

products on their farms.

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    From:   MODERATOR - other - PHWS                                                                 Ask

                                                                                                                        4/18/2011

       Are you proposing that farmers irrigate their crops with water pumped out of the

       Chesapeake bay? 

       Please provide clarification explaining where the water that is used for irrigation is

       coming from.