Groups which lament the dwindling of species seem to miss the point that if
half or more of all acreage is devoted to corn 'n beans, that means that at
least half their habitat has disappeared.

We differ a bit there,  I have absolutely no problem with the acres being
tilled for any crops.   What bugs me is the areas set aside for wildlife are
then destroyed.  And mostly by one big company pushing it (okay two Bush
Hog, And John Deere).   We have plenty of field margins.  Basin and
drainages and CRP grounds abound.  But all are mowed of.  Roadsides here in
the Midwest account for almost 3% of the land,  and all get mowed because we
need to keep union guys busy...... add that top the trend to get every
farmer to mow everything else and you have a huge loss of habitat.


I was alarmed when I was out in the Almond country,  absolutely no margins
or understory.  But in thought, it seems there wasn't much else there before
the irrigation so I am not sure its actually a loss.

I get to travel the country a lot.  Driving,  been to eastern OH southern KY
western KS and OK just this month.  3 weeks in rural GA, FL and TX, and MN
here in OCT.   Field margins and habitat is NOT in short supply.  The
management of a lot of it is questionably hard on wildlife though.
We have to put a stop to the shift that Deere is pushing and soon.


Charles

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