How I became a “guayulero”
Dominic Michelin
A native of France, Dominic Michelin is earning his master’s degree in translation from the University of Paris. He chose to focus on guayule for his research paper. He shares his guayule story below in our first of several planned guest posts.
I could almost say my “affair” with guayule started unexpectedly on a sunny day in August in my centuries-old cool stony little house located in Northern Burgundy, France.
Television was on and I was, rather than watching, listening to it from afar. I suddenly caught a couple of distant words from the current report that happened to be shot in the southern French region of Montpellier. I understood something about a new experimental crop originating from somewhere in southwestern America. My attention grew and I could catch a glimpse of a small green field and a few last words about a promising new plant, the name of which I could never get as the report was drawing to an end.
As a matter of chance, my mind had been on the watch for a while, being at the turn of a new professional life, aiming at becoming a specialized translator from English and Spanish to French, and looking for an original and specific research subject for my paper in the field of environment. I grabbed my laptop right away, and started to follow backwards the narrow path starting from the television channel site, and discovered what the report was all about.
I didn’t know yet that guayule had already cast its spell on me. From that moment, everything went quickly. I got in touch with people around the world who all seemed to be ready to share their passion and hopes about this weird little shrub so full of secrets and assets.
As I moved on along the track, I had the strange and secure feeling that I had found my new research paper subject. I couldn’t believe how this plant was unknown and famous at the same time, as I discovered its history. The more I found, the more I liked it. Be it its etymology, its origins, its checkered history, exciting present and so hopeful future, I felt I had found a new invention or discovery, likely to be part of the current century environmental and economical peaks.
Here I am today, having collected lots of documentation on guayule, met guayule fans via internet and in France, checking libraries old shelves to know more about the magical shrub I have been advertising and promoting. Since then, I have learned a lot about botany, agronomy, latex properties and rubber industry and a whole world to discover is still ahead.
Last but not least, I feel happy and honored to have been able and allowed to translate – as the most interesting part of my research paper – a substantial extract of the most recent, extensive and qualitative work done on the subject. I do hope I’ll be part of the great – hopefully best ever – revival of guayule for the 21st century.
- Dominic Michelin
We a European consortium) are trying to develop guayule and Russian dandelion as a alternative sources of natural rubber for Europe. For more information, please check our website (http://www.eu-pearls.eu/UK/).
Jan van Beilen
Hi Dominic,
Guayule has “cast its spell” on all of us here at Yulex in Maricopa, Arizona. I read your comments with keen interest and sincere appreciation to a fellow guayulero!
You are most welcome to enjoy a personal tour of our facilities if your travels find you in Arizona.
Kind Regards,
Jeff Martin
President & CEO
Yulex Corporation
Dear Jeff,
Many thanks for your much appreciated reply following my published story on guayule. I feel honored with your comments and will be more than happy to come to Arizona and visit THE Yulex Corporation and see more of guayule to add up to my research project and personal experience of guayule. I have been invited to contact Dr K. Cornish in this respect and will do so to organise my trip ahead in the best conditions. I will let you know about my plans and look forward to enjoying another chapter of my guayule story.
Best regards
Dominic Michelin
It was an absolute pleasure to read through your creation with all the interesting themes you write about. My mind went wild with all the detailed words you used. Please remain to grace us with your work as it is sincerely enjoyed.