Our greatest harvest may be our children

Fickle means to be inconsistent or changeable. It's a good description of the weather the past few weeks. As a weatherman said, we've had all four seasons recently - snow, flooding, below freezing temps, an 80-degree day and tornadoes.

I so enjoy the tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and forsythia and magnolias. Even the violets and dandelions are pretty and bright. I do worry about the fruit trees. We were so blessed last year with bumper crops of apples and peaches.

As you know, agriculture is the leading industry of our area as well as in our state. When I see milk for 69 cents per half gallon and eggs at 79 cents a dozen, I wonder how some of our farm families are making it today. When you consider the price of land, fuel, equipment, insurance, labor, taxes, seed, spray, and fertilizer, it certainly isn’t easy.

Our population is increasing and the demand for food increases as well. I’m sure our young people face the future with hesitation. Many of our parents did not have the benefit of earning their high school diplomas, yet they taught us the value of education, faith, and democracy, along with the pursuit of excellence. It’s called a work ethic. I see many today who have not acquired that talent and we all pay the price.

I also see many delightful young people who are enthusiastic about education and strive to make the best better through 4-H, FFA, and higher education. There are loads of scholarships available. We are blessed to have numerous vocational schools, colleges, universities, and regional campuses in our area.

It’s planting time folks. Please encourage your young people to get their seeds planted and strive for an excellent harvest.

Dorothy Montgomery is a former teacher, 4-H adviser and county commissioner.