To the editor:

I am writing in response to the front page article in Sunday’s paper regarding “10 ways to save the earth.” Nine of the suggestions make sense. However, I take issue with No. 8, suggesting to eat less meat.

It cites a United Nations report stating that the meat industry is responsible for 18 percent of greenhouse emissions. It basically points the finger at manure and methane gases. It then goes on to point out the fact that meat requires fertilizers and pesticides to grow “animal food.”

As far as I can tell, it looks like they are trying to say that production agriculture in general is bad for the environment. By including things like this on your front page, you simply add to the growing ignorance that the general public seems to have about agriculture these days.

American farmers produce a safe and abundant food supply for this country as well as others. As far as saving the earth goes, we are the original environmentalists. We are good stewards of the land, because it isn’t much good once it gets covered up with houses and parking lots.

With that said, please take a closer look at the impact of what you print on the front page. I would suggest for tip No. 11, never cuss a farmer with your mouth full.

Luke Ulrich,

Baldwin City