I’ve heard a lot of discussion around Food Inc., and I’ve read a lot of the reviews. One thing I’ve not done is see the movie. Surprised? Anyone who knows me understands that I take my food seriously. So why have I not rushed out to my theater?

Part of the reason is that we are farming. It’s not convenient to take time off during the busiest season of the year to watch a movie. I work a full-time off-farm job, and Kelly runs Black Sheep Farms. I spend evenings and weekends helping with farm tasks. Add three kids, and time gets short.

Sure, I’ll watch it on DVD. But I don’t expect to learn a lot from it. Why?

I already know the issues. Heck, I’m a chemical-free farmer. I should know. I have studied Monsanto and their extensive programs. I know that they own or supply many organic seed companies. I have read most of Joel Salatin’s books. My next-door neighbor at the farmers market has even had Joel stay at his farm a couple of times.

I think that it’s fantastic that Food Inc. is making a splash in mainstream America. People should know why ground beef from a small farmer costs $6/lb instead of $1.77 at the grocery store. As a nation, we should be aware how Monsanto has infiltrated the federal government in order to promote their own agenda. Education is wonderful.

But education is wonderful only if it continues. Do this for me: go to a farmers market and ask some farmers how they farm. What are they doing in relation to the issues that are important to you? It’s just like studying a political candidate… just more important.

At Black Sheep Farms, we have made a commitment to make sure that we don’t buy any seed from Monsanto’s seed companies (Seminis, this means you). We go a step further and research the companies that we buy from to make sure they don’t buy from Monsanto/Seminis. We don’t want any of our money to go to companies that support genetic modification or agrichemicals. We are opposed to chemical sprays, artificial additives and tinkering with Mother Nature.

So, please don’t stop at watching Food Inc. Start a discussion with your farmers. Start a discussion with your friends. Buy some food when it’s ripe and delicious. Swear off corn syrup. Do anything that makes you feel like you’re making progress. But, just take the next step.