As an accountant who works for many farmers in the northern tier, I have witnessed first-hand the financial stress this important industry has experienced for the past 30 years. In the past two years, I also see the hope that Marcellus Shale brings to these farm families. The relief from financial stress and their ability to make much-needed improvements to their farms is a new way of life and is in fact ensuring thousands of acres will continue in agriculture for future generations. Many farmers are making structural improvements and investing in new equipment.
This new equipment is often no-till and not only improves efficiency of planting but also improves water quality because of low disturbance to the soils.
Today, these farmers are making investments in their farms that were just dreams before the Marcellus Shale. Also because of these new investments by farmers, I see a rebuilding of the northern tier agriculture infrastructure that was at risk.
Just like agriculture, the companies drilling gas wells and installing pipelines need to be responsible and follow the rules or suffer the consequences. However, Marcellus Shale will be an important part of America's energy future as well as an important part of production agriculture's future in the northern tier.
Harold Moyer,
Wyalusing
Opinion
Hope for farmers
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