Our Perspective: THIS Is Our Time!

In farm country, times are good.  In fact, times may never be better than now.  There is gold in those corn and soybean fields surrounding our community.  Dorchester would be wise to capitalize.

This week, soybean prices hit their highest level (well over $15/bu.) in four years after the country's extended spell of hot, dry weather.  Corn futures jumped more than 5% (over $7/bu.) and wheat finished up 4.8% (over $8.30/bu.).  Prices will remain high for the foreseeable future as grain and soybean supplies are low, due to the hot weather across the U.S.  Thankfully, most producers in Nebraska have access to irrigation water that will all but ensure a great harvest.

Farmers and livestock producers have always been the backbone of rural communities like ours.  They fuel the commerce that drives main street.  They create jobs. They pay the bulk of property taxes and keep the school doors open.  They take out the loans that allow the banks to pay the rest of us interest and make money available for homes and autos.

No doubt about it: This is a golden era for farming.  Dorchester leaders should be having a conversation with our area farmers and discussing ways that they can invest in our village.  Dorchester needs them to have a stake in our town's future.  And most of those ag producers who have ties to Dorchester want to play an active role in bettering our lives here.

We are likely at halftime of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.  In another three or four years, this boom could be over. 

Area ag producers who have made some handsome profits are going to spend and invest their money somewhere.  Why not in Dorchester?

That question needs to be answered by Dorchester's elected and community leaders.