Farming in the 21st Century

Farmers are losing their properties due to drought. Coming together to increase direct relieve to farmers through e-commerce.

   As State water agencies try to plot a course for the upcoming summer many of Colorados farmers are unsure of their future. Its been a tough go for farmers, low commodity prices the past few years now compounded by the dry weather conditions. Agriculture represents a major portion of Colorados economy. It is stated that nearly 20% to 50% of all of Colorado farmers might be lost because of the inadequate water this upcoming year. According to the Colorado Cattlemans association many ranchers were left with no options in 2002 other than selling their cattle. Its been estimated that nearly 50% of all the cattle in the state were sold. That is a staggering financial lose of nearly $500 million dollars. The small family owned farm is quickly becoming a thing of the past. Many are looking to the State and Federal government for assistance. Yet in the midst of a poor economy and the high likelihood of a strike in Iraq help is slow coming. A failure to pass a $6 billion relief package for drought-stricken farmers and ranchers this fall and the unwillness to fund other options by the government have left many looking elsewhere. Many dont think low interest loans are the answer, Farmers are already carrying high levels of debt as it is. A new cash crop or new market placement might be the only hope for many farmers. American farmers are finding it increasingly hard to find shelf space for their goods. However as we move into the 21st century the question must be asked, do we need shelf space? As Americans embrace e-commerce they are quickly moving their purchasing online. North American online spending in 2000 was $509.3 billion and predicted to be $3,456.4 billion in 2004. It is becoming apparent to many that consumers would like to purchase directly from the producers online. Americans are becoming increasingly interested in how their food is produced. Connecting with the farmer, consumers have the ability to communicate and ask questions. Farmers are also seeing an increase in their bottom lines marketing this way. It is certainly one way to help farmers in this country. As a country small progress in our renewable energy programs has taken place from government guidance. European countries have embraced wind, solar and other clean energy production technologies. Clean energy represents a very small fraction of the overall energy production in America; coal 37%, natural gas 16%, nuclear 11%, hydro 9%, petroleum 4% and renewable 2%. Many consumers dont even realize the alarming statistic that pollution from energy production accounts for over 50% of all pollution. As consumers we have been left out in the dark about the energy industry and it is becoming increasingly apparent that government policies will not change this direction anytime soon. Yet many farmers and ranchers in the United States are discovering that they own not only land but also the wind rights that go with that land. A farmer who uses a quarter acre of cropland as a site for wind turbine can typically earn $2,000 a year in royalties from the electricity produced. In a good year, that same plot can produce $100 worth of corn. Wind turbines strung across the farm at appropriate intervals can provide a welcome boost to farm income, yielding a year-round cash flow. Once considered a leader and developer of beneficial programs the United States has fallen well behind our counterparts in Europe. Denmark is now leading the world in renewable energy production and manufacturing of renewable equipment. Nearly 25% of all Danish energy consumption is met with renewable energy with wind representing 21% of the overall total. Denmark controls 50% of the Worlds renewable manufacturing industry, of that total the United States and Germany import nearly 65% of that figure. More than 20,000 Danish are employed in the renewable sector; this is nearly 4 times as many people in the Denmark Utility industry.
   Bringing consumers and producers together is resulting in some positive changes in this country. Yet this trend needs to gain momentum quickly to be of help in the upcoming years for farmers. QI is an organization established to help implement these programs. The QI Internet is the first step, connecting individuals who want to be to be a part of change. Consumers can get all of their products and services through the QI network, such as telecommunications, insurance, clothing, prescription drugs, banking, renewable electricity and of course food. Producers can get help setting up their on-line store presence, small business help, debt relief and a market to reach consumers. QI is a customer owned company who purchases and implements goods and services for our customers. The farming industry of this country is a major part of our vision. Without the goods and services these individuals provide we would have little hope of an independent country. QI is about helping people; you can be a part of helping in this cause online at qipower.net for more information.