EDITOR:

What I think I learned from a discussion done by dairy farmers:

The area that seemed to be really clear to me is that individualism and competition alone is a major disadvantage in a marketplace controlled by large monopolistic companies in processing and distribution. The second thing is that mechanization allows larger operations to gain a price advantage due to a lower cost per unit. For example, going to 10 farms to fill a trailer with milk costs more than going to two. The third thing is the lack of control of the small and medium dairy farmer in the options that they can have, largely due to the large processing companies. The last thing I heard was the exploitation of materials they need to maintain the farm.

It seems to me that the power differential in the business will prevent any change in the business. This reminds me of the reason the labor movement started in the first part of the 20th century. It seems to me you cannot fight a tank with a stick. You need to find a way to come together and become a tank, too. In short, organize in a way that makes many small producers a Walmart.

The last point is that competition and cooperation are not mutually exclusive. Both can make a group stronger and more competitive.

Gilbert Engel

Niagara, Wis.