by Dennis Dalman
editor@thenewsleaders.com
Jerry and Diane Blonigen of St. Stephen, retired dairy farmers, will present a program entitled “The Demise of the American Family Farm” at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 14, at the Stearns History Museum’s Breakfast Club.
The Blonigens have been involved in agriculture and its issues for decades, and bring a personal perspective to the challenges facing today’s family farms.
Jerry’s great-grandfather established a farm near St. Martin in the 1860s, a place where he learned the skills necessary to begin operating on his own. He became an advocate in the farming business with groups like the National Farmers’ Organization and as a frequent guest on regional radio stations.
During their presentation, the Blonigens will talk about the reasons why American farm prices have been stagnant since the 1950s. They will also discuss the factors on why those depressed prices have been so detrimental to the family farm, which was always a foundation of the American economy and a worldwide food supply. The Blonigens maintain the family farm has been a critical factor in bringing stability and growth to rural America.
The Breakfast Club is free for Stearns History Museum members. It costs $7 for non-members. Refreshments will be served. The museum is located at 235 33rd Ave. S. in St. Cloud.
