The two farmwomen lived, in the vernacular of the region, within spittin' distance of each other. The only thing that stood between their farmsteads was a couple hundred acres of crops and a fence.

 

These sisters of experience could have been a source of emotional support as they lived out their lives on the Illinois prairie. Yet for the decades that I knew, and loved them, they lived estranged due to a dispute over a section of fence that needed mended.

 

I'm reminded of this story each time I hear a tale of farm practices that pit neighbor against neighbor. In society's minds-eye, the farming culture is nearly communal in thought and purpose. However, the reality is, the profession draws independent people for a reason -- we like to do our own thing and dislike being told how or what to do. Throw money and stress into the disagreement and even the smallest of thorns can fester fast.

 

We are currently witnessing several disputes play out across the various cropping "belts." The issue of off-target movement of dicamba herbicide has been the most visible, and not just because of the distinctive leaf puckering that comes when the herbicide finds a sensitive target. Media coverage, lawsuits and mandatory classes on how to apply the herbicide have focused many eyes on this technology.

 

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