What follows are random thoughts from someone known to be distracted by squirrels and laser pointers… hang on for the ride!

Social media memes being what they are, this one piqued my interest because it was verifiable. In it Domino’s Executive Vice President Tim McIntyre says that Domino’s will never tell a farmer how to farm or raise livestock. Implied in this statement is the fact food chains, grocers and entire food companies do just that by bending to the hue and cry of activists when there is no need or reason to do so.

Yet we let them get away with it.

When I patronize a restaurant I don’t demand to speak to the head chef and tell him or her how to do their job. I’ll judge their performance by the presentation and flavor of the food on my plate. Ditto my mechanic and doctor.

Why do we allow activists to dictate normal farming practices and effectively micromanage the American farmer?

Recently a prominent attorney who represents agricultural organizations reported that a similar activist mindset seems to be causing California legislators to regularly take to the microphones and accuse farmers of being “racist.” Those are his words, not mine.

After tweeting out his remarks I received some inquiries from folks who seemed puzzled at the accusations – as if his words were “hyperbole,” or worse, manufactured statements.

Judging from the other times I’ve heard him speak at various events, and from comments from other trusted sources, I wondered how folks could doubt him given the political winds blowing in Sacramento.

Changing gears, the evening entertainment at the recent California Cotton Ginners and Growers Association annual meeting featured William Lee Martin, otherwise known as “Cowboy Bill.” Association President Roger Isom said he was so well-received at last year’s Western Ag Processors Association meeting (Isom oversees this organization too) that he had to bring him back for the cotton growers and ginners.

Martin chatted with folks after his performance and shared a bit about Cowboys Who Care project, a non-profit that donates cowboy hats to children with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

Anyone who’s ever walked the halls of a children’s hospital in this country, especially those who’ve had a child treated at one, as I have, knows how much things like this matter.