The best way to be prepared is to start a farm

The US and Canada are not leaders in PRODUCTION of many crops, but they sure as heck are HUGE EXPORTERS of many different crops. We are an agricultural exporting powerhouse. Many countries produce more wheat, more corn, more soy. But these countries do not export, hence they do not feed the world. Our two countries certainly DO feed a lot of the world, don't let production numbers only trick you.

Here in Canada, we export FAR more than we use domestically, except in a few specific crops. Same for the US.

It is about export numbers, not total production...

I agree with you. The UN would, and does bash the west every opportunity it gets. I dare them to share the EXPORT numbers. We most certainly do more than our share in feeding the world.

If the US and Canada were removed as exporters of agriculture products, many parts of the world would immediately see the effects, and yes, starvation would ensue.

A visual representation that almost everything really is "Made in China".

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You are confined only by the walls you build yourself.

The best way to be prepared is to get out of NY!

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www.jlmissouri.com Lewis Family Farm

AINT THAT the truth! lol!

I have my own reasons for wanting to leave NY, but they don't have anything to do with preparedness. Most areas don't have properties as affordable as the ones in Central NY. We have lots of good farming land and low property purchase prices. Though the winters can be cold (and I do whine about them), we rarely have to worry about access to water, wildfires or anything like that. Lakes, rivers, streams and ponds? We've got 'em! There are plenty of hunting grounds and tags available. Trees are plentiful so firewood is pretty easy to get if you are willing to harvest it yourself.

Many of the older homes were designed for the homesteading lifestyle and have big old fashioned barns, so it is easy to turn back the clock and delve into those endeavors again.

If not for the winters and their effect on my body, I'd stay here forever! Housing-wise, our money just doesn't seem to go as far in other places. Downstate NY, it is a different story...

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~TheMartianChick~

My latest novels:
Bystander: A Tale of the End of the World as SHE Knew It!

Christmas in Bystander & Other Village Tales

Coming Soon: A Slice of Heaven

I always hear how the US is irresponsible for using a disproportionate amount of the world's oil. Is Africa and Asia irresponsible for using a disproportionate amount of the world's food exports? US oil consumption would go down if we stopped growing and exporting so much food.

In Missouri and many other states you can still have that 100 year old barn and house built before electricity was available and it will also cost much less. I have never been threatened by a wildfire, and water features are very plentiful in Missouri with the two largest rivers in the country. Hunting tags are free to land owners, with plenty of deer. Firewood is also free to those willing to get it. It is warmer than NY with a longer growing season.

And #1 A much less oppressive state government that is moving towards more freedom not less.

I understand wanting to stay with family, and I am not trying to be mean, but NY is moving towards a very oppressive style of government I as an American cannot stand.

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www.jlmissouri.com Lewis Family Farm

I lived in the Beekman/Hopewell Jct area of NY, and it is one of the most farm unfriendly areas you could imagine! All kinds of city people (citiots!) moved there to live in the country, and even though they knew they were moving in next to a farm, they still called and complained. The folks who worked in town hall told us we could have animals when we first moved in (we never would have bought the property without being able to have animals!), and we never went over the amount of animals per acre (1 large animal per acre). They then told us we couldn't have animals there when some very nasty people moved in next door to us, and complained about every little thing they could think of just to be as vicious as possible. As a result, there are just housing developments there now. I am SO glad I got out of NY! After paying excessively high property taxes, sales tax, very high income taxes, and very high home heating costs, I would NEVER consider NY to be a business/farm friendly place!

I hear so much ranting about there are no young farmers, but I am 28 and if I had the means to generate income farming I would quit my day job today. Ironic how the same people who complain about the average age of farmers are the same people who will tell you that you are doomed for failure getting into farming. Its hard enough trying to get young people into farming, and all of the negativity surrounding the profession, not to mention the financial hurdles, we are going to face a crisis if things don't change. Pinterest inspired back yard chicken coops are not going to feed many people.

I am against the government playing any role in my day to day life what so ever (especially NY), and I am not saying I would take the money either, but I think it is good that they are actually encouraging people to get into farming. I'm sure being the govt there is fine print that will screw you over though.

just remember,farming started out as a way to support your family.u only sold/bartered the extra.