Who are family farmers?

I have read articles claiming strong opposition to the proposed Amendment 1, "Right to Farm." It troubled me to read these articles, which pull small pieces of the agriculture industry and twist them to show Amendment 1 as a negative for family farms. Let's look at this from a point of view based in economics and common sense, if that does still exist in today's world.

What does the opposition to "Right to Farm" mean by "corporate farming?" Opposing articles paint "corporate farming" as this evil-out-to-poison-our-water-and-food group. Corporations such as Cargill, ADM and Tyson are large, but they are not independent producers in the state of Missouri. Feeding operations associated with these companies are owned by family farms that contract with corporations to raise livestock. The investment made into these operations comes from farm families, who would be put out of business if they were denied the "Right to Farm."

Or, does the opposition to this amendment mean incorporated farms which are owned by farm families? In the 1970s, family farms incorporated for tax purposes. These agriculture producers were educated people who found ways to protect their businesses from inheritance and estate taxes when they faced losing the business they had built for generations. These corporations are managed by the family who owns them. This can't be what opposing groups refer to as corporate farms, because these are family farms.

This brings us to the question, "What is a family farm?" A family farm is an agriculture operation owned by family members, including those who have incorporated or contracted with larger companies. The opposition to the amendment would like to believe family farms are still made up of 80 acres, and a small mixture of livestock. There are many small farms that do this, and are a great part of agriculture, however most family farms do not make their living in this way.

This amendment will not protect wrongdoers and polluters under law. They will be prosecuted after the amendment just as they are now. Current laws against animal cruelty and environmental hazards still apply. Farm families simply seek protection from groups such as The Humane Society of the United States, PETA and The Sierra Club.

Vote "yes" on Amendment 1 to support family farms across Missouri.

Adam Thomas is a family farmer who resides in Jackson.