In the News -
December 2007
Homespun advice from a veteran county agent
A chicken in every pot
BENTONVILLE, Ark. - The political promise of "a chicken in every pot" is
associated with Herbert Hoover during a presidential race in the 1920s. However,
you should remember that politicians have been around much longer, and this
particular promise of prosperity owes its origin to Henry IV in 17th century
France.
It seems hard to imagine, but fried chicken was once a luxury made possible
by farm wives. Each spring, they managed to hoard a few eggs, get the chicks
hatched, then feed and guard them for 10-12 weeks until they became frying size.
Fortunately, folks have learned better than to wait on politicians to feed
the masses. That possibility was never a reality until a number of brilliant
entrepreneurs, such as the late Lloyd Peterson of Decatur, who - independently
of each other merged - their ideas with northwest Arkansas farms and resources.
This began the process which resulted in the production of enough chickens to
feed the world on a daily basis.
The price of chicken, compared to other meats, continues to be a major
economic factor for family budgets world-wide. But, a very important component
of this process, which began in the mid-20th century, was the relationship of
poultry production to other agriculture economic conditions.
By comparing the Agriculture Census data for 1950 and 2002, we can develop a
real and lasting impression of what transpired. Poultry, which comprised only
7.7 percent of the state’s total farm production value in 1949, held 53 percent
of the total value in 2002.
In 1949, poultry production in the four-county area comprised of Benton,
Carroll, Madison and Washington, considered as home-front for the poultry
industry, was holding down 58 percent of the total value of all farm commodities
grown in this corner of the state. By 2002, the value share had grown to 86
percent, which even surprises poultry producers.
The whole story is not just about putting a ‘chicken in every pot.’ A number
of related farm enterprises owe their continued success to poultry. From 1950 to
2002, the number of cattle being managed in the four-county area, a reflection
of forage production and cheap poultry fertilizer, had grown from a share of 12
percent to 20 percent of all cattle grown in the state.
Trickle-down economics, without question, applies to this scenario. Over the
last 50 years, there have sure been lots of Ozark farm kids sent off for a
better education, new farm homes and buildings built, vehicles and farm
machinery purchased, cattle herds upgraded and untold numbers of urban service
and supply businesses who learned to profit with and appreciate the times.
No group of the best political or social minds has ever, or could ever
develop such a successful venture as witnessed over the last half-century. The
details are there, but somehow always seem to get overlooked. Til’ next week!
For more information about farming, contact your county extension agent or
visit www.uaex.edu and select Agriculture. The Cooperative
Extension Service is part of the U of A Division of Agriculture.
December 14, 2007
By: Robert Seay
Benton County Extension Agent
Media Contact: Lamar James
Extension Communications Specialist
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2187 or (501) 753-0207
ljames@uaex.edu
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