We have written several blog entries and Newsletter articles about food borne illness in the last year, not because we are enamored of the subject, but because we are seeing more and more articles in the food press and the popular press, and more importantly, because there are many ways to trace an illness back to the primary source, the farmer or rancher. We are acutely aware of producers who have gone out of business as a result, and we do NOT want that to happen to any of our clients. Remember the sprout producers in Germany and the cantaloupe producer in Colorado?
As our clients know, one of our core competencies is due diligence. We will not buy, sell or rent a farm without some amount of “DD.” We cover soil quality, water amount and quality, water delivery systems, crop histories, regional strengths and weaknesses, etc. In short, we have a lengthy checklist to follow.
Because food borne illness has become such an issue in our nation where no one wants to face any risk, and where the legal system is alerted to any such event, we are asking all our team members to upgrade their knowledge, and be watchful for any issues that might give rise to illness.
One example will paint a picture. We recently looked at a very nice row crop farm for a long-time client. However, we became aware of a nearby underground hot spring, and between the hot spring and the farm is a livestock feedlot. That will take deep due diligence, an increasing focus for Scythe & Spade.
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