Good Neighbor Sugar Mill


Published/Last Modified on Monday, November 16, 2009 12:50 PM CST

Across Town

I was so happy to read in Sunday's Iberian (11/15) that the sugar mill on Northside Drive is such a good neighbor.  Wow!  They actually pick up the loose pieces of cane that litter the road in front of the mill.  I'm impressed. 

It's too bad that the cane conglomerates (farmers) throughout the rest of the area cannot be so neighborly.  The roads are being totally wrecked by these people.  This year is particularly bad--much worse that I've seen it in years past.  Oh, but don't dare complain about it.  These "poor" farmers do so much for our community.  They bring money to our parish (which is NOT being used to repair the road they destroyed).  They provide jobs (many of which are to illegal aliens).  The jobs they provide to locals are low-paying jobs, and they provide no benefits.  And how about the air quality in this area during cane season?  That's a pleasant situation! 

Advertisement
I hear these same complaints from hundreds of people in the area year after year.  Why is nothing done about it?  Now, of course, I'm going to hear the same old tired arguments about how I'm anti-farmer, or how I should just leave if I don't like it.  Well, I am becoming more anti-farmer as the years go by, but I'm not leaving because this is my hometown.  Instead of leaving, I think I'll stay and work for better quality of life.

Copyright © 2010 The Daily Iberian

Comments

    Across Town wrote on Dec 11, 2009 7:32 AM:

    " Has anyone driven on Jefferson Terrace from Hwy 90 to Adm. Doyle? You had better slow way, way down when you approach Adm. Doyle. If you don't you are liable to lose an axle or lose control and have a wreck. The bad neighbor farmers whose vehicles destroyed this road should be required to pay for its repair.
    I'm a political conservative, which means I want accountability and responsibility. "

    Jimmy wrote on Dec 9, 2009 6:24 PM:

    " My home is in the country. I know exactly what goes on in the fields. A loading site to load 18 wheelers is not a head land. Pour a slab to drive the trucks on and transfer the cane to the trucks. If the farmers would stop burning when the wind is blowing toward the highways or homes people might stop complaing about it. I bet all the cane farmers in Bunkie put their cane in a truck. Law suites and fines are why they are finaly cleaning up their act. It may cost money to do things safe. "

    G MAN wrote on Dec 9, 2009 4:42 PM:

    " Cajunater,Ihave traveled all over this great country,unlike you probably never left this parish.Ihave even went to Hawaii.Never have I ever seen tractors hauling thier goods to market like these flintstone farmers. And thats a Fact Jack. "

    Cajunator wrote on Dec 8, 2009 7:25 PM:

    " G MAN: Can you explain to me the reasons why soy beans, cotton, sweet potatoes, corn, or strawberries, etc., are not hauled by tractors? If you can, you will realize the error of your comparison. "

    G MAN wrote on Dec 8, 2009 1:46 PM:

    " Fact,soybean are not hauled to mill by tractors.Fact, cotten is not hauled to mill by tractor.Fact ,sweet potatos are not hauled to the plant by tractors.Fact,corn is not hauled to be milled by tractors. Fact strawberrys are not hauled by tractors.Fact,I could go on and on,but I think you got the message.Keep these monsters in the cane feild where they belong.They were designed to be in the feild ,not for highway use,fact. "

    Area Resident wrote on Dec 7, 2009 1:01 PM:

    " Jimmy you are lumping all farmers into one category! As I stated, I have watched the farmer near my house actually clean the roads. And do you really think they all have running water in the fields to "wash" their tires? And just where do you think they load the cane right now? On the street? They load in the front of the fields, still in their fields on the headland!
    And personally I think the farmer near my house IS thinking about safety or else he would leave the mud on the road. "

    G MAN wrote on Dec 7, 2009 11:59 AM:

    " Lets get rid of all these Fred Flintstone farmers. "

    JImmy wrote on Dec 4, 2009 9:01 PM:

    " Area resident , take the cane from the tractor and load it in trucks.make loading sites in the field. I dont care if they have to wash the tires off with a water hose. It doesnt take a lot to keep the mud off the road. It just takes people who want to make the roads safe. I agree with Tom, We look like a third world country during grinding. Dont worry things will change, The arrogant farmers that don't care are going to ruin our roads and farming for the few who do. "

    JD wrote on Dec 4, 2009 1:10 PM:

    " The sugar industy is vital to our local economy. That bein said, farmers should make road safety a priority. How many of us have or know of a loved one who's lost their lives due to running into a tractor. I'm not totally blamig farmers, but my opinion is that "some" farmers have their tractors on the roads when visibilty is very poor. At minimum, tractors should have working lights which are not covered in mud. If not, they should not be on our roadways, especially when it's foggy or at dawn. "

    Area Resident wrote on Dec 4, 2009 10:47 AM:

    " You have converted agriculture fields to something else. They will not be planting or farming the acreage. Lease it out to a farmer to plant. They will change it back to agriculture acreage. I know you didn't buy it with the intentions of NOT putting something else on it. Especially if the acreage was sold in multiple lots. You have lost the agriculture status whether or not you put a building or other improvements on it. "

    stinkin taxes wrote on Dec 4, 2009 10:25 AM:

    " That must be some prime real estate. I have almost 5 acres of bayou side property with a brick house and a metal building, and pay under $400. You need to exchange some choice words with the tax assessor. I think if you fence it in and get some horses, you'll be able to keep it classified as agricultural (pretty sure). Otherwise, I'd hate to see what the taxes will be once you build your house. "

    bogus wrote on Dec 3, 2009 8:26 PM:

    " 132,000 pounds on a 80ft. trailer is bogus. that weight, over that span, would break any trailer in half. Not to mention the scales at St.Mary aren't 80 ft. long. If it was dual trailers with a trolley it would be under the legal limit of 20,000 per axle. either way, I say thats bogus. I have seen triple axle trucks with triple axle trailers haul that much weight. Under the legal limit of course. As for your property, get a generator. You could use tax free diesel like a farmer. "

    CAM wrote on Dec 3, 2009 5:04 PM:

    " azucar: It was Friday after Thanksgiving in 2005. White Semi with blue lettering on the door and an 80 foot converted trailer. I forgot the name of the farm but sure remember 132,000 and all the way from Bunkie.

    Area Resident: I have only leveled the land. No house or buildings. The land does not have access to sewer, water, gas, phone or cable. To get electricity it will cost me over $10,000 just to get the telephone poles installed. For my 3 acres I pay what a cane farmer pays for almost 250 acres. "

    azucar wrote on Dec 3, 2009 2:45 PM:

    " "To CAM" St. Mary CO OP does not receive trucks hauling cane from Bunkie. I suggest you check your facts. Have a great day. "

    Area Resident wrote on Dec 3, 2009 8:40 AM:

    " Jimmy, How do you expect farmers to get their crops out of the field when it rains? Or do you expect them to leave it in the field til the rain stops? If they have to remove the crops while raining, then we will have mud on the roads. The farmer near my home scraps the road and then uses a brush on the back of a tractor after scrapping. Thus no accidents. Also, when they are working that field, we slow down! Prevention on both sides! "

    Area Resident wrote on Dec 3, 2009 8:38 AM:

    " to Cam: Of course your property taxes are going to be different. If you would have left it as agriculture and leased it out to a farmer to continue farming, then your property taxes would have stayed the same as the farmers. But you improved it and made it residental! You changed it from agricultural to residential thus the change in property taxes. "

    JIMMY wrote on Dec 2, 2009 9:03 PM:

    " Cajunator all it will take are larger fines for dragging mud on the road, and large fines for burning. Then it will happen. The oil industry use to dump waste almost any where they liked fifty years ago, doesn't happen any more. "

    To Cajunator by CAM wrote on Dec 2, 2009 11:41 AM:

    " No overloaded big trucks? I call BS a huge BS. Semi trucks have a max weight of 80,000 Lbs. EXCEPT when hauling agricultural crops it dont count . I have seen with my own eyes a truck from BUNKIE weigh 132,000 Lbs. on the scale at St. Mary CO-OP. I read the scale myself. Wonder why US90 is destroyed between I10 and Sorrel?

    Let us also compare property taxes. I just bought 3 acres in St Mary that were cane field. The farm paid only $12.46 for the field. Now that it is zoned residential my tax is $993.72. "

    sugar daddy wrote on Dec 1, 2009 8:28 PM:

    " Been slapped with those $125 dollar fines before. Much cheaper than paying a man, fuel, equipment to clean the road. Next few days are going to be messy, especially once that mud starts drying. You guys will run up those cell phone bills complaining about us, and get tired of stopping and interrupting us. Hope to see yall out there, better wear your boots if you stop at my site. "

    Farmer from he11 wrote on Dec 1, 2009 1:48 PM:

    " Yall are funny ....im laughing at yall like hahahaaaaa "

    Cajunator wrote on Dec 1, 2009 8:59 AM:

    " Mud Dobber: The immigrant labor farmers use are contracted through a Mexican contractor. Insurance does not require them to be drug tested by the farmer.

    Also, from the farmer's perspective, they are no "cheaper" than local labor in regard to wages, since the contractor's fees, cost of getting them here, and housing them, make up the difference. Also, since they get paid to plant cane by the acre, and outwork local labor 2:1, they actually make more per hour than local labor. "

    Mud Dobber wrote on Dec 1, 2009 12:22 AM:

    " No one is moving anywhere but to their cell phones when we see you farmers doing something wrong. Now Quaid you say you drug test all your American employees and none pass the drug screen? Tell me a lie and tell me you drug test your immigrant workers. You've got to be kidding me. You might pull that fast one on someone else. You farmers have made up your mind to bring in migrant workers because they work for less than minimum wage and that's all there is to it. You skirt the wage law. "

    D. Hertz wrote on Nov 30, 2009 9:09 PM:

    " Yeah, cane farming is a necessary evil in these parts. The problem is that they tear up the roads. Chuck holes, broken concrete, etc. I don't hear of the cane industry chipping in to fix the roads they destroy.

    And how about all of the car accidents when the cane trucks start rolling? "

    Peeps wrote on Nov 30, 2009 12:52 PM:

    " The burning of shuck siting in the field is no longer necesary(Illegal in Florida). Perhaps, now is the time to move on this with all of the environmentalist in the white house? "

    Would you like some cheese with that whine wrote on Nov 30, 2009 7:36 AM:

    " If you don't like it then MOVE. No one is forcing you to live in a farm community.

    Frankly, I prefer the farmers over these hoity-toity folks who move out to the country and try to force their fascist housing association standards on the people who have owned land there for generations. "

    Cajunator wrote on Nov 30, 2009 5:56 AM:

    " Jimmy: Show me a farmer with a "King Ranch", and I'll show you an idiot. But show me someone who thinks that transporting shucks for off-site disposal is a viable option, and I'll show you twice the idiot. "

    Mud Dobber wrote on Nov 29, 2009 11:06 PM:

    " Sugar Daddy that is exactly what I do every time I have a problem with your industry. I absolutely have no problem doing that. What you don't have the right to do is endanger our pathetic little lives as you put it. You are exactly the kind of arrogant farmer who cares nothing about his neighbors. All you're about is that green back. Got news for ya buddy things are changing in favor of the pathetic public. Leave your mud on the road and see if you don't get slapped with a fine. Pathetic-Farmer. "

    Quaid Broussard wrote on Nov 29, 2009 9:03 PM:

    " Ok I am a 3rd gen farmer. The sugarcane industry has been here for over 200 years. For the people that say that the sugarcane farmer don't give back to the people that live here almost 80% of the land is leased land. For the people that say we should use people that live around here for work. Well the people that live around here that try to get a job with use can never pass a drug test, can't show up on time, want everything for free, and steal. So that why we hire immigrants workers. "

    JIMMY wrote on Nov 29, 2009 5:36 PM:

    " TOM , I never agree with any of your posts, but this time I agree with everything you say. My family has been in south La before we had sugarcane farmers. They need to clean up their act. Keep slow moving tractors in the fields with the mud, load the cane in one cart and the trash in another and haul it both off in a truck. Burn it in a controled environment to try and control the pollution. Cajunator you dont need a king ranch 4x4 or a Lincoln navigator to farm. Poor poor farmer. "

    sugar daddy wrote on Nov 28, 2009 10:42 PM:

    " I am terribly sorry that our industry interrupts your pathetic daily routines. Maybe we should shut the entire industry down so granny can make it to the beauty salon without obstacles. How horrible it must be to drive on a dirty road. Next time you have to drive on these dirty roads, why don't you stop and tell us about it. Just walk up to our loading site equipment, shut down our operation, and tell us how we are ruining your "quality" of life. "

    Mud Dobber wrote on Nov 28, 2009 10:50 AM:

    " I have lived in this area for a long time. I have seen some changes in the last five years. We rarely see a long stalk of cane on the roadway. But of course this now leads to more highway damage due to the excess truck weight with the short stalks. Burning is quite as bad anymore. The one thing that has always bothered me is the mud these farmers leave on the road. They've paid me once before because of damage to my vehicle. If it happens again they'll pay again. They're not Gods. "

    Proud American wrote on Nov 28, 2009 9:20 AM:

    " To thoses that say move I didnt move here I am a 5th generation Iberian and love my town.It doesnt mean I love not being able to breathe and my Grandaughter with ashma cant heardly breathe with the smoke in the air.Also where I live my route to my home takes me by some of the heavist traffic and on a daily basis I have to stop when a vehicle hauling cane decides to pull right in front of me, when there is no other vehicles back of me. "

    maryjane wrote on Nov 28, 2009 9:13 AM:

    " Cajunator, what does my name have to with anything? I really do not care about your health, but I will speak for my own family, thank you very much! I have not been "spoonfed" anything.......I would just like for my sinuses to stop burning and my stomach to stop churning whenever they light up those magical smoky pipes in the sky! Thanks for your concern, however.... "

    Just Visiting wrote on Nov 28, 2009 8:25 AM:

    " WOW! Too funny. I just stopped by for my weekly laugh and you guys made my day. The ignorance on these forms never ceases to amaze me (on both sides, of course). By the way, "Foundout", I am fairly certain that "Cajunator" is not a farmer. He spends way too much time on the forms.

    You can't buy entertainment like this...I'll be back next week. "

    Tom wrote on Nov 28, 2009 7:08 AM:

    " Lee, do you really think we should help the farmer clean up the road?

    If I could, I would help them become better citizens. I would do this by fining them for allowing cane stalks to blow out of their trucks and trailers, and possibly hitting other vehicles. I would fine them for leaving mud on the roads. I would eliminate import quotas that increase the price of everything we buy that contains sugar. I would prevent them from burning fields.

    These things would take away their elite status. "

    Lee wrote on Nov 27, 2009 9:49 AM:

    " why don't you go and talk to the farmers and offer to help clean up the roads instead of complaining about it. I thank all the farmers for what they do. I travel throughout iberia parish and do notice that they clean the roads, and as far as illegal immigrants, do you have proof? Just because you see immigrant workers doesn't always mean there here illegally. You know why there are immigrants here? because we have too many lazy people who would rather get a check than find work. "

    proud resident of iberia parish wrote on Nov 26, 2009 8:58 PM:

    " For those complaning about import cars/trucks taking jobs from Americans, how many of you have bought your child any Miley Cirus clothes lately? next time you are in walmart check out where they are made, China,Vietnam, Banglaesh, not everything that we purchase is made in America. This is just ridiculas how people complain about spelling and how other people spend there own money, people get a life. "

    JAL wrote on Nov 26, 2009 8:45 PM:

    " I need to beathe clean air!
    Why can't I?
    DEQ states our legislature has exempt the sugar industry from following regulations imposed on other industries.
    Call your state legislators and get the LAWS CHANGED their reply.
    Hey DEQ- what about the fllying burnt leave pieces and throat burning stench ? "

    Cajunator wrote on Nov 26, 2009 9:28 AM:

    " Maryjane: The name explains everything. Have you ever researched any of these things you've been spoon fed?As far as "recycling" goes,what exactly is the main thing you hope to achieve by recycling? In most cases,recycling leaves a larger carbon footprint than manufacturing products from virgin materials.Especially in the case of plastics.The net effects of simply throwing away paper products actually saves more trees than recycling them.

    And by the way,what exactly do you think is puffing out of that smoke stack that's so dangerous. I appreciate your concern,but I'd rather you not decide what's best for me. "

    Maryjane wrote on Nov 25, 2009 9:23 PM:

    " Smoking ordinances in bars should not even come into effect until we know that the normal air that we breathe around our homes is safe! This is coming from someone who loves this community and wants the best for all of us! I will be getting in touch with EPA because I am sick of worrying about this issue! We are a recycling family and leave the least footprint that we are able........sugar stack smoke go away! "

    Maryjane wrote on Nov 25, 2009 9:16 PM:

    " Can we send someone to check the air quality in our area? This really concerns me.... I do not want to live in another Houston, where the kids get asthma left and right and they compete with L.A. every other year in the highest pollution rate! Yes, I "choose" to live here, moved from Lafayette because I wanted to have a better quality of life for my kids. Do I need to move back to lafayette? Are we pushing people out of our community because they can't breathe when they walk outside? Unbelievable! CLEAN IT UP! NOW! "

    Area Resident wrote on Nov 24, 2009 1:50 PM:

    " O.K. the problems with the roads....you say Troy Road is embarrassing. But yet the WORST side of the road is the side where the cane trucks/tractors come back EMPTY. What about the roads that do not have cane traffic? What issue causes those roads to be horrible? Lets say the corner of Iberia St and Dale St. They resurfaed these two streets but the intersectiion will break your shocks if you don't crawl over it! There's no cane traffic. "

    subsidy irony wrote on Nov 23, 2009 10:46 AM:

    " How about they give back a little bit of the government subsidies to fix the roads they ruin! (not to mention the rocks cane trucks throw at cars, wrecks the mud causes....) "

    Cajunator wrote on Nov 23, 2009 10:17 AM:

    " I'm willing to bet that many of the same folks complaining about "slow moving vehicles", are the same type of drivers you meet up with on the highway driving 50 mph in the left lane while talking on their cell phones. "

    Neighbor wrote on Nov 23, 2009 7:30 AM:

    " I grew up in Jeff Davis Parish. The main agricultural product there was rice. There were rice farmers everywhere. I don't recall the problems with road issues there that the farmers here cause. What's up with that? "

    Sugar Mill Road Resident wrote on Nov 22, 2009 10:34 PM:

    " I live on Sugar Mill and this is what I have observed: Sugar cane vehicles (tractors) do drive slower than the other vehicles on the road. I haven't seen any accidents this year due to sugar cane trucks driving too fast. (what a joke- they are at top speed at 30mph!)
    The general population is impatient and passes these trucks up on a very busy and very fast road.
    Say a silent prayer in the morning for the commuters. You never know what idiot will be waiting to greet you head on. "

    Maryjane wrote on Nov 22, 2009 1:04 PM:

    " Observer, good points! We do not want to work for lower than average pay rates... This is not my problem with the farmers, however. The roads are horrible, embarrasing to have out-of-towners over because they have to drive on Troy Rd. to get to my house. Last Thursday, the smoke was so bad from Sugarmill Hwy and seemed to last forever, I feel like I am being suffocated by this! What about my property taxes that I pay every year? Am I being protected from air pollution? Are my children? Yes, I "choose" to live in this wonderful community. "

    Farmers Freind wrote on Nov 20, 2009 9:31 PM:

    " Ihave a very good freind who is a cane farmer they have combines and haul with trucks and have been doing this for years and you will not find a better and cleaner bunch of farmers so don't acuse all farmersof being bad.They have nice vehicles because they do actually work very long hours in tractors that are nice but i would like to see all the complainers sit on their butt and drive for 14 to 16 hours a day then you would have a different story to complain about.My hats off to the FARMERS,THANK YOU happy grinding. "

    Cajunator wrote on Nov 20, 2009 12:13 PM:

    " Let me get this straight:
    1)I'm being accused of being illiterate.

    2)Now,I'm being accused of being a farmer.

    3)Farmers are killing people so they can get "rich".

    4)4x4 crew cabs aren't necessary for people who work in the mud and have a crew.

    How some of you people have the audacity to tell others "grow up" or "get a life" is beyond me, although you do serve as shining examples of the mindset behind other issues you've commented on in other threads. "

    Cajunator wrote on Nov 20, 2009 12:08 PM:

    " Tom, that is exactly my point. People complain about taking jobs away from Americans, so what happens when U.S. companies are forced to move oversees or shut down altogether, and we are forced to rely on imports? How does that create American jobs? "

    Cajunator wrote on Nov 20, 2009 11:58 AM:

    " Have you ever priced a 3/4 ton 4x4 crew cab? They are actually more expensive to order them with rubber floors, vinyl seats, standard transmission, and without power windows and locks, which would be the ideal package for a farmer, but more expensive. "

    To Tom wrote on Nov 20, 2009 9:05 AM:

    " If you don't like it, MOVE....you forget that dirt haulers also throw rocks on your cars - any sort of heavy machinery on roads can throw dirt and rocks on your cars, but yes, let's solely blame the farmers. And I'm sure Farmer's daughter meant insurance for FARM vehicles and liability - not insurance for crops. A Farm is a dangerous place, therefore insurance and liability is extremely high. "

    Observer wrote on Nov 20, 2009 7:44 AM:

    " Slow-moving, over-loaded, bouncing cane trailers obviously do more road damage than do large vehicles with proper suspension systems.
    No, we will not do the work that illegals do for less than poverty-level wages, which is what they pay.
    The agriculture lobby has, through expensive lobbying efforts, created a situation in which the DEQ is forbidden to even comment, much less act, on complaints regarding agriculture pollutants.
    Alcoholism is a part of our culture, too. Let's promote that! "

    Cajunator wrote on Nov 20, 2009 6:18 AM:

    " Let me get this straight:
    1)I'm being accused of being illiterate.

    2)I'm being accused of being a farmer.

    3)Farmers are being labeled murderers as though they take pleasure in killing people so they can get "rich".

    4)4x4 crew cabs aren't necessary for people who work in the mud and have a crew.

    How some of you people have the audacity to utter the words "grow up" or "get a life" is beyond me, although you do serve as shining examples of the mindset behind other issues you've commented on in other threads. "

    17th cousin wrote on Nov 19, 2009 11:47 PM:

    " And farm equipment needs leather seats and stereo equipment? "

    Tired of whining farmers wrote on Nov 19, 2009 8:33 PM:

    " If you can afford a $40,000 "piece of equipment" every year, then why take money from the government? Don't get me wrong, its not just sugarcane farmers. Shrimpers, rice farmers, and soybean farmers also cry. Enough is enough. If my business is not doing well, I suck it up and cut back a little. There is no Washington Money Tree for me if I have a bad season of business. Who do we give money to next? Stand in line for yours! "

    Tom wrote on Nov 19, 2009 6:25 PM:

    " Cajunator, First, there are very few cane farmers in the US. One family in S. Florida is responsible for the (almost) destruction of the Everglades because of runoff from their farms.

    Second, we produce extremely little steel in this country. Most of it comes from India, Pakistan, or China so I’m not sure of your point.

    Third, the American automobile manufacturing facilities are a dying breed. It’s sad, but how can you argue against it when the only reason it’s in existence is because subsidies provided by the government? "

    Tom wrote on Nov 19, 2009 5:57 PM:

    " To: To Observer. Why should anyone be inconvenienced by an inconsiderate farmer? The cane farmers “lessons my quality of life” when mud and gravel is thrown on my car from the vehicle I’m following because they left mud and gravel on the road. I’m inconvenienced because of the smoke during the burning season. I’m inconvenienced while following a tractor through town that drops cane stalks on the highway

    To paraphrase Outraged, you people who support cane farmers are stupid. "

    Tom wrote on Nov 19, 2009 5:30 PM:

    " To: Also a Farmers (sic) Daughter.

    You contradict yourself and void your argument. The “insurance and loss of crops” comment makes no sense. Isn’t purpose of insurance to cover the “loss of crops”? "

    OH MY. wrote on Nov 19, 2009 2:59 PM:

    " Not finished yet. So now about the MONEY situation, Farmers make loans every year to pay for the things they buy EVERY YEAR for thousands of dollars. They don't just have that money lying around to buy the things they need. Another thing, sugarcane is a part of our culture obviously you must not give a care about it. SO GET A LIFE. "

    OH MY. wrote on Nov 19, 2009 2:53 PM:

    " You people are really rediculous. How about you stop and think for a minute before mouthing off about something you clearly know nothing about. Yes this time of year is a bit frustrating to some. First of all, about the illegal aliens, the reason they get these jobs is because in our society "our home town" people do not want this job, a job that actually requires you to work hard. So because of this they are allowed to get other people to work and appreciate a job no matter what it is. "

    Cajunator wrote on Nov 19, 2009 12:57 PM:

    " To Found Out: Please be a little more specific?
    1)How exactly are some farmers "managing to remove the shucks"?

    2)Name the chemicals and explain to us how hazardous they are to the environment when burned.Most substances either dissociate, or bond to form new molecules when heat is introduced.I'm curious as to what hazardous substances are formed when these chemicals are burned,and how you concluded they're more hazardous than the original substances themselves.

    3)Tell us how much money the average farmer contributes to these "huge funds", and how it compares to contributions made to lobbyists/politicians by other industries. "

    Kat wrote on Nov 19, 2009 12:16 PM:

    " To Memories: you missed my point completely. I wrote that farmers have changed for the better. The roads are much cleaner than they used to be and they are causing much less traffic problems than they did in the past. Please re-read my first post. "

    Cajunator wrote on Nov 19, 2009 12:05 PM:

    " To Found Out: Why don't you name these "10 wealthiest people" and elaborate on the other sources of income the "6 farmers" have that put them in the top 10 list? If some of the richest people in Iberia Parish also happened to own snowball stands, does that mean that the snowball business is one of the most profitable businesses around? "

    Cajunator wrote on Nov 19, 2009 9:32 AM:

    " Tom: Why not apply your "cheap food" theory across the board? Maybe we shouldn't manufacture steel or automobiles here either. How much cheaper would our automobiles be if they were made oversees? How much cleaner would our environment be without THOSE industries? Compare them to the price of sugar and the environmental consequences of the sugar industry, and I'm sure the all too familiar taste of shoe leather will begin to permeate your mouth. "

    Cajunator wrote on Nov 19, 2009 8:40 AM:

    " Some of these arguments simply don't make since. If the roads are so horrible,did you ever stop to think about how muddy the fields are? Yet you complain about farmers buying $40,000 4x4 trucks as though it's not necessary. What kind of vehicle do you consider acceptable,for someone who needs to tow farm equipment,transport 1,000 gallon fuel tanks,workers,tractor wheels,welding machines,air compressors,etc., in and out of the fields rain or shine? A $40,000 truck my be a toy for someone who never leaves the pavement,but for farmers it's another piece of equipment. "

    Memories wrote on Nov 19, 2009 8:21 AM:

    " To Kat, there was also a time when children as young as 7 worked in salt mines. And I remember when the oil refineries and chemical plants dumped their waste into local waters at will. I also remember when no one thought there was anything wrong with driving drunk. Times have, thankfully, changed. Why can't cane farmers change, too? "

    Cajunator wrote on Nov 19, 2009 8:09 AM:

    " To To Cajunator: I've addressed these issues several times in the past on this forum. There is a law that prevents sugar mills from paying farmers for any amount of cane that exceeds the weight limit. Let me say it so you can understand. If farmers overload their trucks, they are giving away cane. "

    Found Out wrote on Nov 19, 2009 7:26 AM:

    " 1)Of Iberia Parish's 10 wealthiest people, 6 are farmers. 2)Some farmers manage to remove the shuck without burning it, so why can't all? 3)There is more than just shuck being burned. The cane has been sprayed with chemicals, which are also being burned. 4)Other industries' trucks pay based upon their load weight. Farmers do not. 5)If farmers are so poor, how can they afford the huge funds used to pay lobbyists and, in turn, politicians? "

    To Observer wrote on Nov 19, 2009 6:32 AM:

    " I'm defending our farmer neighbors...what exactly am I "getting" that I "deserve" ??? I see nothing that indicates that a farmer's business lessens my quality of life whatsoever. In fact, I'm proud of the area farmers and the fact that I'm a part of this great agricultural area. I'm not sure if you all realize this, but South LA has sugarcane farmers, yes. But there are crops all OVER this great country with farmers. Is every farmer supposed to shut down because you hate to follow their tractors or the mud they leave in theirpaths? "

    Cajunator wrote on Nov 18, 2009 9:09 PM:

    " Your solution is a rake? Wow, why didn't I think of that? I hope for your sake that was a joke. The carbon footprint left by the collecting, handling, transporting, and disposal of the vast amount of shucks that blanket the nearly 500,000 acres harvested each year, would dwarf the emissions from burning. But if raking makes you feel warm and fuzzy, have at it. Like they say, ignorance is bliss. "

    Old Time Girl wrote on Nov 18, 2009 4:14 PM:

    " I grew up near a plantation. The sugar mill was the central point. Many families worked at the mill, in the fields, the local grocery store. We had a good life, though not rich, probably poor by some standards but we never complained about the smoke, the smell of bagasse, or having to drive behind a slow moving tractor. It was our way of life. I yearn to be able to go out into a cane field with a knife and cut a stalk of cane, cut the bark down and chew all the sweet sugar out. sigh "

    Kat wrote on Nov 18, 2009 1:06 PM:

    " People have very short memories.I have lived in New Iberia all my life. I remember having to drive 10 to 15 mph on Hwy. 182 behind a line of cars because a cane cart - pulled by a tractor - was hauling cane to the sugar mills. You drove slowly and waited your turn to pass up the cane carts. I haven't seen this in years. They have made many improvements in the way they do this. Quit complaining. (I am not a farmer's daughter nor do I know any sugarcane farmers personally) "

    To Cajunator wrote on Nov 18, 2009 12:42 PM:

    " It is not nonsense regarding overweight trucks. These trucks are not weighed & they do destroy roads. They are not regarded as other 18 wheelers but regarded as farm vehicles. Drivers need only a regular driver's license! The farmer isn't responsible if someone wrecks & either hurts/kills someone due to the mud that is on the road.
    The laws must be changed. Too many farmers can sometimes literally get away with murder and careless responsibility.
    BTW, I have a life. Too bad some others do not so that you can become rich. Yes, I said rich. "

    Observer wrote on Nov 18, 2009 12:32 PM:

    " Those of you who continue to defend the actions of those who worsen our quality of life deserve what you get. "

    Tired of whining farmers wrote on Nov 18, 2009 11:52 AM:

    " We say "poor" farmers because everytime we have more than 1 inch of rain, then "it rained too much" and the farmers cry to Uncle Sam for a handout. If we receive 3/4 of an inch, then it rained too little, and again here comes Uncle Sam running. The farmers are always complaining to the government, but at the end of the season, I see brand new 4x4 trucks. If they have $40,000 for a new truck, then why cry about your crops. Then the land owners who have to put up with the destruction of their land, get pennies. "

    Apple Pie wrote on Nov 18, 2009 11:41 AM:

    " In my area, it's the FARMERS who actually keep the roads looking nice - after irresponsible parents allow their children to ride their 4-wheelers on the headlands, it's the farmers who clean up the mud and ruts caused by them. Every farmer that I've seen grates the mud that their hauling causes. I'm not sure what some people expect of them? They are acting as responsible business owners - you go to work everyday, so let them do their job as well... "

    Area Resident wrote on Nov 18, 2009 10:03 AM:

    " The farmer that grows sugarcane near my home scrapes the mud off of the road when it is muddy. I have seen this with my own eyes. They also have a brush that they put on the back of a tractor that cleans up the road after scrapping. I've seen this too. If you look at the fields that they have already cut, they have smoothed out the ruts formed after rain and the field looks great! "

    Area Resident wrote on Nov 18, 2009 10:00 AM:

    " Cajunator, you took the words right out of my mouth! Take a poll of small business owners. I own a small business. I offer my employees a retirement plan, disability insurance, but not health insurance. I can't afford that. The business where I work does not offer health insurance. Most of this farm labor is seasonal. Also, whomever posted that these laborers make $5.00 an hour, I am laughing at you. They have to follow standard minimum wage laws. $7.25 min. wage if not more. Some work all year long. "

    Also a Farmers Daughter wrote on Nov 18, 2009 9:35 AM:

    " Why is "poor" in quotes - as if indicating that farmer's are actually "rich" ?? You all know nothing apparently. The insurance and loss of crops over the past years has done monumental damage to a farmer's income and debt. It's a hard way of life. I also know for a fact that my father only hires those with work VISAS - mainly because lazy Americans would rather collect from the government rather than hard work. PS - I forgot only South LA has sinus problems...wow. "

    wrote on Nov 18, 2009 9:17 AM:

    " New technology? To remove cane shucks? How about a rake? "

    Across Town wrote on Nov 18, 2009 7:47 AM:

    " I cannot help but notice that those posters in favor of the status quo are practically illiterate. If they did not care enough to learn how to write, why should we think they cared enough to learn how to think logically about the issues that affect us all? "

    Cajunator wrote on Nov 17, 2009 9:59 PM:

    " I challenge you to find an illegal immigrant working for a farmer. If you do, tell me who the farmer is and I will personally report them. Also, overweight trucks are complete nonsense. And if you have any "new technology" that will remove cane shucks from the fields, in a more environmentally friendly process than burning them,I suggest you get a patent and open an account in the Cayman Islands. Also, why don't you ask around and find out how many self employed small business owners also don't have health and retirement benefits? What about waitresses?Bartenders?And most common laborers? "

    Tom wrote on Nov 17, 2009 6:27 PM:

    " To Farmer’s Daughter:

    You said “if it wouldn't be for us and our "messy" ways you would have sugar to put in your food and your coffee”. (I assume you meant “wouldn’t” have sugar.)

    I’d like to say if wasn’t for government subsidies and import quotas we wouldn’t have sugar farmers. Our food would be cheaper, and the area we live in would be much cleaner.

    You have no defense for the damage you do to the economy and the environment.

    Be careful about admiting to your illegals. It could cause you problems. "

    JohnL wrote on Nov 17, 2009 2:24 PM:

    " Sure let's blame the farmers that't the easy way out. The truth of the matter is it's not only the cane trucks tha damage our roads. You might as well blame the oil field, grocery stores or any else who take delivery of goods by semi-trucks. As for the labor the farmers use, have any of you complaing ever looked at a construction site or a house that is being built? The reason you see the foreigners
    is that they "work". But don't worry once the learn how to work the system they'll be looking for a Goverment handout too! "

    Farmers Daughter too wrote on Nov 17, 2009 12:49 PM:

    " I have to agree with Farmer's Daughter. They blame all famers for this but the good has to suffer for the bad as well. People need to just accept the 3 - 4 months the sugar cane season and grip about something else. They all will never be happy with Any topic in this forum. Happy Cane Season!!! "

    Farmers Daughter wrote on Nov 17, 2009 10:26 AM:

    " I am very proud to be a farmers daughter and if it wouldn't be for us and our "messy" ways you would have sugar to put in your food and your coffee or whatever you use it for---hmmmmmm, everything! So stop complaining, have a little patience and stop your whining..Also, if you really want to know why they hire "illegal immigrants" is b/c lazy people like you are unreliable to make it to work to make an honest living, those immigrants are human beings just like you, so don't judge! Get a life "

    Tom wrote on Nov 17, 2009 9:42 AM:

    " Cane farmers will never be good citizens until required by law. They will never invest in a $200 tarp to cover their loads until required by law. They will never clean the mud from their trucks before entering highways until required by law. They will never cease driving their tractors (are they ran on lower taxed off-road diesel fuel?) through cities until prohibited by law.

    Following a tractor pulling a trailer with cane stalks falling out reminds me of being in a third world country. "

    Across Town wrote on Nov 17, 2009 9:37 AM:

    " Not all aliens here have work visas, and you are naive to think so. Sugar industry trucks are not paying road taxes based upon their weight loads as are other industries. Ask the seasonal workers (mechanics, drivers, etc.) how much they are paid and whether or not they are receiving health and retirement benefits. Any more questions? What is with Iberians and their insistance on defending the indefensible? "

    TO IBERIA RESIDENT wrote on Nov 17, 2009 9:21 AM:

    " The wages paid to these mexicans are 5.00 per hour.All we can do is pray for good weather until the harvest is complete. .the crops will be out of the field soon. Than we can gripe about something else, right ? "

    Iberia Resident wrote on Nov 17, 2009 7:43 AM:

    " Why pick only on the farmers? The roads crumble throughout this area all year long. Roads can be designed properly to handle expected traffic, check the road in front of Cajun where all trucks and tractors for that mill converge. Where the tax monies collected get used by officials is not decided by the "poor" farmer. Please explain how a person on a work visa in this country is considered illegal? Which low paying jobs with no benefits are you referring to? "

    Across Town wrote on Nov 17, 2009 7:17 AM:

    " Who said anything about shutting down any industry? How about the industry investing some of their profits (yes, they do make a profit) into correcting some of these issues? Other industries have become more responsible, so why can't this one? As for "geez", you are so predictable in your post, just as I said your would be in my original post. By your thinking, we would be living in the Dark Ages. There are technologies available to improve the quality of life for everyone in the community. "

    Tom wrote on Nov 16, 2009 7:50 PM:

    " Cane farmers are protected by both the federal and state government. Apparently there’s nothing we can do about it. Our state government doesn’t seem to care if part of their load is dropped on highway. The parish and city doesn’t seem to care if mud and cane stalks are left on city and parish roads.

    Did anyone drive down Hwy 14 just east of Lowe’s on the 16th.? Did you see the pile of cane in the middle of the road that apparently fell from an uncovered trailer? "

    geez wrote on Nov 16, 2009 7:10 PM:

    " you want them to shut down the sugar cane industry because people have sinus probs..?? I think either you should grow up and get used to it or move to the fantasy land you dream about where there is no pollution from prossessing food or manufacturing car parts and they should build you a bicycle so you arent adding to the pollution problem...geez "

    BLA wrote on Nov 16, 2009 6:34 PM:

    " I agree with how it makes the roads horrible with the mud and muck. I also know that the season his horrible for health, because of my child having asthma. Though in another point this area is known for sugarcane farming, and how could we just shut that down? I don't think we should shut it down, I just think we should have more laws when it comes to burning the cane or the hauling. "

    kmd wrote on Nov 16, 2009 2:31 PM:

    " I am so happy we moved away from this mess. It is terrible how they drive these trucks on the highways speeding and almost running many off the road. They cause accidents and often times innocent people are killed. They burn the stuff that pollutes the air, and messes up vehicles. There is not a clear day in the skies during this time. Terrible........Besides it is something that is bad for your health period. Name the benefits that sugar has for the human body? "

    NEIGHBOR wrote on Nov 16, 2009 1:48 PM:

    " I agree with you 100 percent
    Sugar cane season is horrible for
    people's health. So many people have
    pnemonia sinus infection and bronchial
    problems. It should be shut down. "

WRITE A COMMENT

Use the form below to post a brief comment related to this story. Use the word count tool to assist you in keeping your remarks to 100 words or fewer.

•Comments must be approved by an editor or the publisher before appearing on the Web site but are not verified for accuracy nor have we verified the identity of any person supposedly posting an comment. Please consider this as you consider any statement made. A thoughtful contribution to the online discussion is appreciated.

• Please note your comments must attempt to follow basic rules of grammar and punctuation or they will not be posted. Do not use unfamiliar abbreviations or text-like short cuts, like ur for your. Please keep your tone civil. You can say someone's idea is stupid but you cannot say someone is stupid.

• Comments should deal with matters of public concern. Problems with private individuals or private companies are not likely to get posted.

• Questions or comments about items posted should be e-mailed to dailyiberian@bellsouth.net.

(optional)
Current Word Count:
   

Classifieds

Jobs

Jobs

View All Jobs

Homes

Homes

View All Homes

Autos

Autos

View All Autos


Contact Us

Subscribe
Vacation Hold
General Email

Mailing Address:
The Daily Iberian
P.O. Box 9290
New Iberia, LA
70562-9290

Street Address:
926 East Main St.
New Iberia, LA 70560

Phone:
(337) 365-6773

Fax:
(337)-367-9640

Inside Louisiana:
800-365-6773

Local Weather