Something to believe in
We don’t give much love to farmers anymore.
But I’m giving a big Thumbs up to South New Berlin dairy farmer Ken Dibbell.
When it comes to taking action and thinking outside the box, Ken’s an inspiration – at least he is to me.
He’s got a lot of ideas about how to save small dairy farms from extinction. Some are more popular than others. He’s not afraid to tell you about them, either.
And for an old guy, between farming and fighting, Ken’s got a lot of energy, too (it seems like he’s marching on Washington every other day).
But lately, Ken doesn’t seem to think his efforts will wind up doing any good.
“So why keep doing it,” I asked.
He replied with a smile, “You’ve got to let them know you’re still alive.”
And does he ever (He’s still water-cooler talk in at least one federal building in D.C., because he showed there up with a pitch fork and a list of demands. Although, he says the pitchfork was just for show).
Well, Ken is still alive – more alive than most people half or three-fourths his age, it seems.
He fights for what he believes in. Most people say he’s on the right side, too.
And win or lose, Ken seems happy.
He’s living proof that it pays to believe in something.
October 2nd, 2007 at 7:55 am
You have to stand for something or you will fall for anything ! Way to go Ken !
October 10th, 2007 at 3:38 pm
I have met Mr. Dibble in South New Berlin for the Co-op meeting I attended with my Grandfather, who is also a small dairy farmer in Greene. An old time farmer is one of a kind anymore and watching my grandfather bounce across the field on the old broken down tractor mowing hay on a hot summer day still brings tears to my eyes. Dairy farmers are rare breed being able to do a variety of things. They may not make lots of money and may get dirty looks because of their smell or the hay seed that falls out of thier wallet at the Wal-Mart check out line but they are the greatest men who walk this earth. I see the signs of Norwich Support Staff not having a good contract and listen to people talk in the stores about not making enough money and want more days off. I really wish these people would just shut-up. Farmers do not get a contract of a steady wage. Most of them have no health insurance, however, most are able to get medicare because the younger generation just doesn’t have what it takes to farm it or can’t stay in business because of the low prices of milk, 90% of the time. Farmers don’t have an 8 hour workday and a 5 day work week with paid time off vacation days or even holidays. Whether it is Christmas, Thanksgiving, Sunday or even a State of an Emergency 3″ ice storm with power outages these farmers are out there doing it all and mind you in all weather conditions everyday of the year and almost around the clock. Farmers are vets, electricians, mechanics, plumbers, and occasionally they are the quickest tow for that unlucky driver that found the ditch. Ken Dibble is a strong man who stands up fpr what he believes and even though is may seem hopeless at times he still doesn’t give up and that I believe is just the love of a farmer. My grangfather has always been my hero and even though I watch many take advantage of him, including family, he will always be my hero.