Dr. John Ikerd: Professor Emeritus of Agricultural Economics

Yesterday I was doing some research on small farms—on publications, etcetera. I came across a professor at the University of Missouri, Dr. John Ikerd. Besides having a very kind and intelligent face, he has written a number of really thoughtful and well-informed papers on every aspect of small farming. I have added him to my list of links. I'm writing about him specifically because I think he's worth a special mention.

Dr. John Ikerd's publications: if you scroll to the bottom, there is a link "Home," which you can click to see more about him.

Here's one in particular about food itself that is compelling: "The High Cost of Cheap Food." This is a topic that has been bandied about, and what Dr. Ikerd concludes is very simple: "When all of the costs are counted, we simply cannot afford the high costs of cheap food."

Don't get the idea that I'm putting myself up as some kind of saint: I've got a few things from Trader Joe's in my freezer, because some nights I just cannot begin to think of cooking, and we can't afford to go to restaurants that often. The idea here is one that Buckminster Fuller came up with: the trim tab factor.* A small change can effect a huge change. And I believe small changes made with good heart gather momentum, especially when practiced with the support of a community.

I wrote and asked Dr. Ikerd's permission to link to his work from mine, and he gave me the thumbs up this morning. He just answered: "Thank you for your kind words regarding my papers. I just took a quick look at your 'blog' site and was very impressed. There is no better way of telling people what sustainable agriculture is all about than telling the stories of farmers who are pursuing it.

"I would be pleased for you to provide a link directly from your site to mine."

Nice man, great writing. I hope to visit him some day. I've never been to Missouri except in the airport. I just hope he's not a Rams fan. (Winky thing.)

* From this page, which has a good definition of the trim tab factor: "To understand this phenomenon, imagine a large ocean-going ship. In order to turn this vessel in a new direction one must first adjust the trim tab, which is a miniscule rudder on the larger rudder. This smaller rudder, which runs the length of the main rudder, is turned first and the larger rudder then follows. In fact, there are no mechanics yet devised that could turn the larger rudder against the momentum of such a massive vessel without it breaking off. Only by first applying pressure to the smaller rudder will the larger one even begin to move, thereby changing the direction of the ship."

And apropos of nothing, every kid should be able to get as dirty as Logan did on Thursday with the strawberries from High Ground Organics, pictured to the left. He was taking a breather from digging and climbing and picking and stuffing them into his little face.

Note: the tote bag in the beginning is one of my designs from GastroGear.com ("Because cooking naked hurts"). I thought it belonged somewhere on this site.

Lastly, I have added some more photos to the April 2005 album.

© 2005 Tana Anderson Butler, all rights reserved, period.

Comments

[Alan C. Rollins]

Dr. Ikerd is very much the gentleman farmer. He was sustainability farming before sustainability was cool.
He gives warmly of his vast knowledge and keen insight.
If you get a chance, attend one of his speaking engagements and meet this truly fine professor.