By now you have heard about the derailment of a train in eastern Ohio last month. The twisted metal and fire not only sent shockwaves through the area it happened in, but those shockwaves created ripples throughout the world. All eyes have been on our government and the Norfolk Southern Railroad, watching to see how the clean-up progressed and the ramifications this would have on policy, laws, and the good of our environment.
People from all walks of life have been affected. But the lives of farmers have had to go on as normal, during a time that is anything but. Not only were the lives of the people affected but the lives of livestock as well. Now farmers in the area are doing what they do best; putting their noses to the grindstone and getting back to the business of feeding the world. However, this incident has left them a little less than whole.
Doug Mollenkopf is a beef and seed stock cattle producer outside of the town of East Palestine, the epicenter of the train derailment. He talks about the event and the fire that ensued, and the fact that they were not among those who had their water supplies adversely affected.
When the derailment happened, people were evacuated to safety. However, for cattle producers, picking up and leaving isn?t an easy thing to do.
While the clouds of smoke have disappeared, the long-term effects are still in question. What will happen to people and animals alike?
Mollenkopf did lose one calf to smoke inhalation, and he?s waiting to hear more word from the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
Norfolk Southern has been put in charge of cleaning up their mess with supervision by the EPA. There has been much controversy over the disposal of contaminated materials and soil. While this is going on Mollenkopf says that farmers are just getting back to business as best they can.
Thanks to our friends at Ohio Ag net for sharing the contents of their interview with us.
