While PETA is believed to be the leading group which pushes vegetarian lifestyles, many may be shocked to learn HSUS (Humane Society of the United States) also advocates this lifestyle on their website. While they claim to be a group which protects animals, they also have another mission, they are also advocating vegetarianism.

"Each one of us can help prevent animals from suffering...simply by choosing vegetarian options." This quote comes directly from HSUS' "Humane Eating" page on their website. As I continued to search the HSUS website, I found a page titled "The HSUS Guide to Vegetarian Eating."

What disturbs me the most is how HSUS continues to push misleading information about the livestock industry to our consumers, indicating that all farms using modern technology are mistreating their livestock. Nothing could be further from the truth. Modern technology, which includes modern livestock facilities, enables farmers to provide the best care possible for their livestock, which is the goal of any farmer and rancher. Modern facilities are found on many family farms today, and these facilities provide safe and secure housing for our livestock, protecting them from predators and the elements of the weather.

It's time we started telling our story and put a stop to the lies being told by groups like HSUS.

I was delighted by Meghan's Christmas Tree facts. Christmas tree farms across the United States play a key role in a diversified agricultural economy.

While I reflect on 2007, it is this same diversity in United State Agriculture that makes me think about my own operation. I am proud to say that this is the second season that I have been selling Christmas trees at my nursery. By bringing in trees direct from the grower, I have turned a traditionally slow period of the year for nursery stock into a busy one.

Sure, while poinsettias and cyclamen are popular, Christmas trees have added diversity and growth in our annual gross income. Farmers and ranchers need to entertain the idea of diversifying their operations. Whether it be "grower direct" gift baskets or a new crop for the coming year, ingenuity will keep United States farmers ahead of what continues to be a global marketplace for our products.

I hope this holiday season finds you and your family doing well. This year has been quite a blessing – and full of adventure and fun as well! In the spirit of the holiday season, I found a few Christmas tree facts to ponder while enjoying the company of your family and friends.

• Christmas trees have been sold commercially in the United States since about 1850.
• The best selling trees are Scotch pine, Douglas fir, Noble fir, Fraser fir, Virginia pine, Balsam fir and white pine.
• More than 2,000 trees are usually planted per acre. On an average 1,000-1,500 of these trees will survive. In the North, maybe, 750 trees will remain. Almost all trees require shearing to attain the Christmas tree shape. At six to seven feet, trees are ready for harvest. It takes six to 10 years of fighting heavy rain, wind, hail and drought to get a mature tree.
• In the United States, there are more than 21,000 Christmas tree growers.
• In 1979, the National Christmas Tree was not lighted except for the top ornament. This was done in honor of the American hostages in Iran.
• Since 1966, the National Christmas Tree Association has given a Christmas tree to the President and first family.
• The first decorated Christmas tree was in Riga, Latvia in 1510.
• Christmas trees take an average of 7-10 years to mature.
• Christmas trees are grown in all 50 states including Hawaii and Alaska.
• 100,000 people are employed in the Christmas tree industry.
• An acre of Christmas trees provides for the daily oxygen requirements of 18 people.

Source: Illinois Dept. of Agriculture.

Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Did anyone catch the World Climate Summit broadcast from Bali? WOW. The United States is at the table. This is good as we indeed need to play a role. In fact, I'd say we play a leading role.

Climate change is a real hot topic at this point and the issue presents some opportunities for a wide range of interest groups. For example, have you noticed the beating agriculture has taken? Particularly when it comes to livestock. Several interest groups are using the climate issue to attack meat as an important part of the human diet.

While these discussions are being held thousands of miles away, they will indeed impact American Agriculture Producers. Not only should we monitor developments, we should be in regular communication with representatives through Farm Bureau and the White House.

The voice of agriculture must be heard.

A friend of mine recently told me about a neat conference coming up in April for women in agriculture to develop their leadership skills. The National Women's Leadership Conference is taking place April 25 - 28, 2008 in Louisville, Kentucky.

This conference will teach not only leadership skills, but help you improve your communications skills through workshops, seminars and tours.

Tours include horse farms, Churchill Downs, My Old Kentucky Home, Andersen Circle Farms and many more. To learn more or to register, click here.

Christmas must be coming early this year. The other day I received a call from Wendy’s corp. and was pleased to find out that our calls to there office had worked . Wendy’s has decided that eggs from caged chickens are ok and that the birds are treated humanely. For those of you that don’t know the history. HSUS ran an ad in the USA TODAY on Monday November 12, which stated Wendy’s attitude was frosty toward animal welfare. The reason for this malicious attack was Wendy’s continued use of egg’s from caged poultry. In the same ad, HSUS claimed that Burger King, Carl’s Jr., and Hardee’s had caved to HSUS heavy arm-twisting and agreed not to use caged eggs. This is one victory in a major war on the American Farmer -- if we stay vigilant we will win! The citizens of America trust us! They just need to hear our voice. Thank you very much to each and every one of you who called Wendy’s to let them know you support them. The next time you are looking for a quick meal, remember who supports the American Farmer. I hope every one of you has a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Our family has just returned from the 88th Annual Meeting of the Kentucky Farm Bureau. What a great time!! I know that Christmas is just around the corner when I attend this annual event. All of the ladies and gentlemen are dressed in their Christmas Best and all of the kids are hopping around excited by all of the beautiful decorations and lights!
It's also a special time, because it's a time in the year where farmers and families from across the state get to be together for 3 days and discuss issues, concerns and family values under one roof (okay, a really big roof due to the over 1,000 in attendance). We get to see life-long friends every year at this meeting. It's such a joy to watch each others kids grow up before our eyes and discuss their futures in agriculture.

Many things are accomplished at this meeting from Ag. related seminars, such as a Forestry Conference, an Ag Chemical Conference to a Farm Labor Conference. Our State Women's Committee has a wonderful luncheon and a very successful business meeting.

Our Young Farmers conduct their Excellence in Agriculture Award Contest along with the Discussion Meet and an always sold out Young Farmers Luncheon that recognizes the top finalist for the Achievement Award.

Basically, what I'm saying is, if you've never attended your states Annual Meeting, please contact your local Farm Bureau and find out more information about it. It's an amazing way to connect with your own family and others!

Missouri is being hit by a winter storm this weekend, delaying many events and making travel difficult. On our farm, we began implementation of our emergency action plan. We fueled up tractors, hooked up generators, and double checked our alarm system, among many other jobs, to prepare for the bad weather.

Since our animals are housed indoors, they do not have to endure the high wind chills, freezing rain and snow. But, it is our job to make sure if the power fails, we are ready with the generators to ensure our animals never endure the cold temperatures. Our goal is to protect our animals from the cold temperatures so they are safe and comfortable. This is not only a humane way to care for our animals, but it also protects our animals from injuring themselves on the ice and snow.

Although the winter storm creates more work for us on the farm, our animals are safe, and so is our country's food supply.

Farmers and ranchers who raise animals on modern farms are not the only ones feeling the impact of animal “rights” groups. In the November issue of America’s 1st Freedom, a National Rifle Association (NRA) magazine, Chris W. Cox wrote an article that explained the two faces of animal rights groups, the one they present to the public and to potential donors. As Cox notes, “The two largest and best-funded animal “rights” groups, Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), both rely on financial support that often comes from people who have not idea what their real agendas are. The NRA is opposed to groups like HSUS as they oppose all forms of hunting, yet hide this agenda by claiming to oppose some hunting. This sounds familiar to what the HSUS did in Arizona by supporting an initiative to ban veal production, knowing that there was no veal produced in the state. Their hidden goal in Arizona was to promote the vegan and vegetarian lifestyles. Consequently, I am grateful to Chris Cox and the NRA for sharing, with millions of its members, the truth about HSUS and other groups like them.

It is Christmas time again and many of us are rushing around buying gifts and hoping we do not forget anyone on our list. However, there are many American who are not as fortunate and struggle to survive. I hope that during this season of giving we each make an effort to help these individuals in our community. Our time, our energy, and our funds can make a difference in their lives.

The American Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee in partnership with America's Second Harvest provides a way for farmers to donate food and funds through the Harvest for All program. However, helping America’s Second Harvest achieve its goal of ending hunger is not limited to Farm Bureau members anyone can help. Your local food bank would appreciate your time as a volunteer or your donation of food and/or money. America’s Second Harvest website makes it easy to locate a food bank in your area and provides a great resource for learning more about hunger in America. May we all make the effort to help those in need this Christmas season.

Farmers who live along the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers may begin to see improvements to locks and dams taking place in the near future. Thanks to the passing of WRDA (Water Resources Development Act), farmers will see transportation of their products become more efficient and competitive with foreign products once the improvements are made to the deteriorating locks and dams.

WRDA has not been updated since 2000. If Congress did not pass WRDA, foreign countries would likely begin looking for reliable suppliers to meet their food demands. This would spell trouble for American Farmers and Ranchers.

However, we can’t consider WRDA a done deal just yet. WRDA only authorizes the project and studies; it does not include funding for the projects. Funding for WRDA will require action by Congress, which likely won’t be looked at until sometime in 2008.

Take a moment to THANK your Senators and Congressman for passing WRDA and encourage them to support funding WRDA. One farmer and rancher at a time, we will make a difference!

Its official winter has started here in New Hampshire. This past weekend we saw our first snowflakes, the ground is getting hard forcing us to finish up those last minute jobs. Mother Nature is forcing us all to take that rest that we haven't taken all summer long.

With Thanksgivings soon approaching I realize as farmers we are all blessed with the greatest jobs in the world. We provide the safest, most inexpensive, and highest quality food. The sad reality is that not everyone realizes where their food comes from, other than a supermarket shelf.

In New Hampshire we have adopted a program where the state Young Farmer and Rancher committee is pen pals with local schools. Our goal with this program is to educate today's youth about our farms.

This week I am attending the Washington Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in Spokane, Washington. One of the keynote speakers for the meeting was Matt Roloff, star of TLC's "Little People, Big World." Matt and his family live on a farm near Portland, Oregan and raise pumpkins and soon they will also have Christmas trees.

Matt and his wife, Amy, have turned their farm into an Agro-tourism business which allows them to help educate their community about the business of farming.

Matt's message was a true inspiration to everyone in attendance. He spoke about the importance of helping out fellow farmers. He also emphasized how important it was to run your farm as a business.

What I found so unique about Matt was his willingness to share his success with his neighbors. As you leave the Roloff Farm not only will you find signs advertising his neighbors' pumpkin farms, but you will find flyers as well with directions. Matt doesn't see his neighbors as competition, instead, the Roloff Family views their neighbors as members of the same team!

The HSUS this morning had a full page ad in the USA Today regarding Wendy's and the animal welfare of Chickens. We need to put this misconception to rest. We need to be educating the public about what the goal of HSUS is - becoming a vegetarian. Cruelty to animals is not the issue here. We need to support not only the farmers, but Wendy's by calling 1-800-443-7266 x 2032. Let Wendy's know that we are behind them 100% and understand that the animals are in the cages for their safety and welfare. Lets start fighting this misconception one phone call at a time.

Kevin and I just recently had the honor of accepting an award on behalf of the American Farm Bureau Young Farmer and Rancher Program at the Hunger’s Hope Awards. The AFBF YF&R program was given the Trade Organization of the Year for our efforts to help feed the hungry. Every year America’s Second Harvest feeds millions of people and the YF&R is helping do their part. In 2004 with the contributions of time, money and pounds of food the YF&R provided 3,745,056 meals. In 2005 we helped provide 3,085,634 meals, and in 2006 we provided 2,479,817 meals. For all of you who have helped this award is for you, for those of you who would like to help but don’t know where to start check the America’s Second Harvest website at www.secondharvest.org where you can get a list of food banks near you who can always use your help.

There are moments in our lives that we do more than we thought we ever could. Let this be our moment, to celebrate all that we have accomplished to feed the hungry. Let this also be the moment we challenge ourselves to do more, to give more. Even if it is just one more can of food, one more dollar, or one more hour. Lets continue on our path to help feed the hungry. Congratulations to all of the Young Farmers and Ranchers who made it possible for us to receive this award.

The International Food Information Council (IFIC) launched a new video titled "What's For Lunch?" The intent of the video is to tell a balanced message on food production methods and biotechnology. With more people turning to the internet for information, IFIC saw the importance of making the video available on the internet. You can find this new video on YouTube, and it will soon have a MySpace and FaceBook page.

The "What's For Lunch?" video features consumer interviews, as well as interviews with an academic, dietitian, a farmer and a school principal.

The video focuses on facts, rather than myths. It also points out the important role marketing plays in swaying consumer minds. Take a few minutes and check out this video and see for yourself how just a few words can have a major impact on a farming operation.

The other day I was contacted by a young lady who attends the University of Missouri in Columbia. She excitedly told me about an upcoming event at the college campus which will feature Trent Loos. Loos is a long time farmer and advocate for agriculture. He encourages audiences to speak out for agriculture and stop being on the defensive when it comes to talking about modern agriculture methods. This young student went on to tell me advocacy groups, mainly PETA, had plans to 'crash' the rally. This was troubling to her because she knows where her food comes from and how safely it is produced by U.S. farmers and ranchers. This is exactly why we need more farmers and ranchers speaking out about our industry. If you live near Columbia, Missouri make plans to attend this great event on November 1 at 8:00 p.m.

This week members of our committee attended the FFA National Convention. I was impressed with the enthusiasm the FFA members had for the future of agriculture. They are prepared for the challenges they may face and determined to succeed. They are prepared to be a strong voice for our industry and they are not intimidated by groups like PETA OR HSUS. I am proud of these kids and their optimistic approach to having a bright future in agriculture. There is no doubt in my mind these kids will make a difference in informing our consumers about the great things U.S. agriculture is doing to safely feed the world, protect the environment and care for our animals.

As a third grade teacher, I had the pleasure of taking my class to our Scholastic Book Fair. During the half hour that we had to browse the books, I came across a book that I connected to agriculture. The book, GROWING Farm, School and Me!, was written by sixth grade students. Scholastic selects books that are created by young authors and publishes one to two books in this manner per year. Although the topics vary, I was thrilled to find that today’s youth chose to write about the ever-changing face of agriculture. The book targets hard topics; such as urban sprawl and gaining awareness for agriculture. In a society that is quickly becoming removed from our nation’s rich agricultural heritage it is essential that we embrace every opportunity we are given to promote agriculture by sharing our story with our future generations. I look forward to reading, GROWING Farm, School and Me!, with my class tomorrow during literature. For a list of agricultural books for you to share with others, you should visit the American Farm Bureau Foundation’s recommended book list.

Earlier this month, a tornado went through our county and destroyed several homes and farms. Trees that had been standing strong for decades were broken off like twigs. Fields of corn were destroyed on one side of a road, while cornfields on the opposite side of the road were untouched. One century old farm house had its front porch ripped off while the rest of the brick house had pieces of (cedar) wood driven into the brick like nails. Another home had its roof ripped off with extensive damage to one side of the house. One man was thrown from his home and found lying in a nearby field.

It’s during tragic times like this that rural communities show their true colors. Within minutes of the tornado touching down, neighbors were phoning neighbors to assess the damage and organize help teams. There were temporary roofs made within hours to protect the homes that were damaged, local building contractors left projects for days to come to the aid of those in need. Meals were made and delivered to families without kitchens, and beds were offered in neighboring homes to those in need. The support that our community showed to its neighbors was truly amazing; and it wasn’t organized by some agency but by farmers and caring neighbors in a rural community. The tornado may have damaged our community but it didn't damage our spirit and pride. This pride and spirit is unique to small communities and it is one of the reasons I love living in rural America!

Children that are raised around farming and ranching have a true appreciation of life. They know how to work and understand the value of a dollar. They aren’t discouraged and give up when obstacles are in front of them. They don’t wait on things to be handed to them; they take the initiative and get to work for what they want. This work ethic spreads over into other areas of their life, such as school, sports and other jobs. Think of all the negative we hear about the youth of today. More and more of them are becoming obese from the lack of activity and they are getting into trouble with drugs, alcohol and in other areas. If they would get a job on a farm for the summer they would realize how much better they feel when they get outside and move around, helping them to understand the importance of physical activity. And they wouldn’t have time to get into trouble. This is just a start of the many values they would learn. But one of the most important is gaining a true understanding of where their food comes from and of their agricultural heritage.

Don’t think for a minute that we are hicks from the sticks. We have all the modern conveniences that most kids enjoy. Our kids have video games, Nickelodeon and a computer. They even have a 4-wheeler and a go-cart they can ride. But when they aren’t helping dad, they enjoy things like riding their bikes, building forts, going fishing on the creek and having mud fights. They enjoy the outdoors and nature. We have four children and sometimes farming gets tough, but they are the main reason we would never give this lifestyle up. They have the freedom to grow and play without fear. The experiences and values that they have gained from living and working on a farm will be some of the most important assets they will ever posses.

PETA is urging it's members to give vegetarian friendly treats this Halloween to trick-or-treaters. The PETA website suggests their members greet ghouls and goblins with "animal-friendly candies" or one of PETA's kid-oriented stickers to help spread the word about animal rights.

This is just another tactic PETA is using to taint the minds of today's youth. Another way they try to reach kids is through their website where they dedicate a page to kids. As a parent, I wouldn't dream of letting my children view their website for many reasons, especially because of the nudity. After your kids view the "naked" photos and videos on the website, they may actually find the kids page. I wonder how many parents think this is a safe website for their kids.

PETA is famous for only telling a fraction of the truth. But who is holding PETA accountable for the lies they are telling? Who is telling the public for every acre of land that produces a crop, there are 4 acres of land that raise livestock to help feed our country. If animals are taken out of the food system, there will be less food, not more. There will never be enough land in this country to feed an entire nation of vegetarians like PETA wants it's members to believe.

Many of you are probably aware of the recent incident between a football coach and a newspaper reporter. Oklahoma State University’s football coach, Mike Gundy, let the media have it at a press conference because he felt that a certain sports writer did not get her facts straight about one of his players. I admire his strong support of his player, and his willingness to take a stand and speak up. But, he has received some criticism over the way he handled it. I guess maybe the reason I understand his position is because it is very similar to what we go through as farmers and ranchers. The media and anti-agriculture organizations, such as PETA, speak publicly of things they know nothing about, and they don’t take the time to get their facts straight. Such as the way they have attacked the poultry farmers stating they are polluting the water, but they have no research or proof of this claim. Maybe we as farmers and ranchers need to have a press conference to get our chance to rant and to set the story straight. I don’t know if it would do any good because some people just like to stir up trouble. I don’t mean to group all reporters together. There have been a few that have come to the source to search for the truth. But as usual, the bad outweighs the good. And unfortunately, the majority of the population has no firsthand experience with agriculture, so they believe what they hear; therefore, tarnishing the heritage we hold so dear. Remember, the farmers and ranchers are the ones who work with the land and nature day in and day out. Most of them started doing this when they were young under their father and grandfathers and they want to pass it down to the next generation. Don’t you think they are the ones that care the most about trying to preserve our earth. So, the next time you hear a bad report about agriculture, you might take a moment to ask a farmer or rancher the truth, or at least remind yourself that may not be the whole story. And as Gundy says, get the facts straight.

The AFBF Young Farmers and Ranchers committee has partnered with the Foundation for Agriculture to help educate today’s youth about agriculture. Sadly, many American’s are at least three generations removed from farming, making it crucial to tell the accurate story of agriculture to today’s youth. For many kids, the only exposure they have to a farm or farm animals is through television or the internet, which normally isn't an accurate image of modern agriculture.

The YF&R Committee is working to help change the way today’s youth learns about agriculture through the Accurate Ag Books program. Through Accurate Ag Books, the committee encourages all state committees and young farmers and ranchers across the U.S. to take an accurate book about agriculture into pre-school and kindergarten classes, giving kids an opportunity to have real access to a farmer or rancher and agriculture.

The committee has been promoting two books this year, as well as a planned activity to go along with each book to help the kids remember what they learned in the book. The two books are “A Seed In Need” by Sam Godwin and “I Drive A Tractor” by Sarah Bridges and Amy Bailey Muehlenhardt. We leave the books with the teachers to add to their library of books. Each year the Committee will promote a new book to help expand class libraries and reach more children.

To find out how you can become involved with the Accurate Ag Books program, contact a State Farm Bureau or a member of the AFBF YF&R Committee.

With the Farm Bill up for discussion in the legislature, much attention has been focused on the intricacies of the program and the price tag associated with it. However, you do not see many headlines that read that less than one-half of 1 percent of our federal budget is spent on farm programs. Did you know that today’s federal budget equals nearly $3 trillion ($2,784 billion), but that the USDA budget is about $89 billion, or 3.2 percent of the entire federal budget? Of the USDA budget, only $12.4 billion goes to farm programs. The rest pays for things like nutrition, rural development and conservation and natural resource programs. The funding for farm programs is only 14 percent of the USDA budget and less than one-half of 1 percent (0.45 percent, to be exact) of the federal budget. U.S. taxpayers spend just pennies per meal for programs that help to ensure that farmers can produce Americans’ food in America.

Did you know U.S. consumers spend just 10% of their disposable income on food each year? Consumers in other countries spend much more on food. Indonesia spends 55% of their disposable income on food, and China spends 26% while Japan spends 14%.

Of the 10% of disposable income Americans spend on food, an average of 5.8% is spent on food eaten at home and 4.1% is spent on food eaten away from home.

Americans work 36 days to pay for the food they will consume for the year. We can thank American Farmers and Ranchers for our safe and abundant food supply.

With the recent toy recalls from China, consumers are becoming more aware of American made products. Now is the time for farmers and ranchers to promote and educate consumers about where their food comes from.

While animal rights and environmental activist groups continue to go around blaming agriculture for a variety of “presumed” problems in our world, farmers are continually coming up with positive solutions. I guess our solutions are not good enough to please these so called activist groups when their ultimate goal is to eliminate animal agriculture in the U.S. and make all of us vegetarians.

Chances are that these activists have never been to a modern hog, cattle, poultry, sheep or catfish facility to see the amount of time and resources we put into caring for our animals. My guess is these activists have probably never even seen an actual corn field and been told about the conservation practices we use to protect our precious soils for the next generation of farmers. In my opinion, farmers are the true animal protectors and environmentalists in our country.

I challenge all activist groups to find a real farmer to learn first hand about how we protect the livestock and resources on our operation before spouting off to the general public about something that they don’t have the authority to speak about.

Why on earth would we want to become as dependent on foreign food as we are on foreign oil!!

Who’s Your Partner?

One of the reasons most of us enjoy farming, is because we get to be our own boss. Well, that isn’t really true. You see, we all have a partner. God. He is the creator of the land and controller of the weather. We put the seed in the ground and maintain it to the best of our ability. He does the rest. We work together to provide food, clothing, and resources for all the rest of the world. WOW! Now that’s exciting!!

As I was thinking about this last week, I realized that if our “partner” can create land and control weather, then why couldn’t He help me through it all. Sometimes, during this time of year, I can get stressed with all the extra business of the season. Extra meals, less sleep, and more running around. I even feel as though I’ve suddenly become a single parent sometimes. But, I need to remember that we are working together with our “partner” who is helping us reap what we’ve sown and grown – TOGTHER.

So, if we are partners, then we are a team. And if we are a team, then we don’t let each other down. So don’t get weary with what we’re doing. We all have a partner who’s bigger that us. All we have to do is ask for help.

By: Sarah Ver Steeg

Did you know Congress could very easily contribute to rural economic development in the U.S. without spending our own tax dollars? The only thing our congressional members have to do is vote to support free trade agreements with Columbia, Panama, Peru and South Korea. Some or all of these trade agreements may be considered this fall. We all
need to take the time to contact our legislators and tell them the importance of approving these trade agreements.

These bilateral trade agreements could result in an increase of $3 billion in annual sales to U.S. agriculture. Continuing to pass FTAs will also let the world know that we are serious about trade. U.S. farmers can compete with any farmers in the world as long as tariffs, or taxes imposed by other countries on our exported goods, are removed. As long as WTO negotiations continue to lag, FTAs are the next best thing for U.S. agriculture.

As a pork producer, I already know the importance of FTAs to my farming operation. According to Iowa State University, pork exports already add $33.60 to the price I receive for each pig I sell. The Columbia, Panama, Peru and South Korea FTA’s would add another $12.66 to the price I receive for each pig I sell.

As you can see, FTAs are important to agriculture. I would much rather be dependent on a fair and free global marketplace to the bottom line on my farm than on our government’s ability to fund the next farm bill.

American farmers are currently at a disadvantage in Peru and Colombia because U.S. products entering these countries receive tariffs, while the products they ship to the U.S. are duty free.

A pending trade agreement with Peru would increase the value of U.S. farm exports by more than $705 million per year after full implementation if Congress approves the deal.

South Carolina Farm Bureau President David Winkles testified before the Senate Finance Committee about the trade agreement’s potential for improving U.S. farmers’ and ranchers’ bottom lines. “This agreement requires the elimination of all tariffs on all agricultural products exported by the United States to Peru,” Winkles said.

Winkles urged Senate Finance Committee members and the full Senate to take prompt action on agreements with Peru, Colombia and Panama. If passed, these three agreements would increase U.S. agricultural exports by almost $1.5 billion per year once the agreements are fully implemented.

Please urge members of Congress to commit to U.S. Agriculture Trade and pass the Peru Trade Deal promptly.

Today I had the opportunity to testify before the Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works. I testified on the health and environment effects confined animal feeding operations may or may not have to human health and the environment. I spoke on behalf of family farmers and ranchers all across the nation. My testimony emphasized to this committee that farmers and ranchers all across this country work diligently to protect our environment, our land and care for our animals. I told the committee how farmers and ranchers go above and beyond federal and state regulations to protect our environment. I also reinforced the many positive things U.S. agriculture does to safely provide an abundant food supply to our consumers. Farmers are a very important, yet often overlooked, part of our food chain. Finally, I asked the committee when considering implementing new rules and regulations to consider the impact these rules and regulations will have on family farmers, the communities we represent, and the other farmers we support.

The weather is beginning to cool down, kids are back in school, and Labor Day is over, that can mean only one thing: State Fair Season!! Wikipedia defines a state fair as a competitive and recreational gathering of a U.S. state’s population. It is a larger version of a county fair, often including only exhibits or competitors that have won in their categories at the more-local county fairs.

For me the State Fair is more than a large gathering it is about the memories I created as a child and continue to build upon today. This years Kansas State Fair is only days away and my mind has been drawn back to the memories of past state fairs…

-Camping in the stock trailer (falling to sleep with the low roar of the carnival rides)
-Munching down on a Pronto pup (a corn dog for those who have never been to the Kansas State Fair)
-Purple ribbons
-Early, Early morning chores
-Livestock shows
-Taking naps on show boxes or straw bales or water buckets
-Racing to the Pride of Kansas Building to see this years Butter Sculpture and Just how large was the ‘Largest Pumpkin?’
-Spending time with my family and friends
-“Grease alley”
-Iced cold Root beer
-The Old Mill ride
-Working as a tour guide through the livestock barns

The memories!! I guess I am somewhat of a State Fair junkie and can never pass up the opportunity to take part in the festivities. Over the years I have been able to attend some great State Fairs in Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Minnesota.

To borrow a line from the Kansas State Fair, take some time and come “Hang with the Hogs” at the Kansas State Fair or your own State Fair. Or share with our readers what your favorite State Fair memory might be?

I was asked recently by a friend what was the largest challenge that I faced as a young individual involved in agriculture. For me the answer was simple, the “Voice of Agriculture.”

Several years ago I was giving a group of 2nd grade students a tour of the livestock barns at the National Western Stock Show in Denver, CO and I remember this little bright-eyed girl asking me how a chicken had eggs.

“Does the hen go around and find the eggs in the yard?” she eagerly asked.

As the number of farmers and ranchers producing food to feed the population in the United States and the world declines, so does the number of consumers who have direct contact with a farmer or rancher. As a young farmer and rancher I ask myself on a regular basis, “How do I ensure the voice of rural America will be heard in future years?”

For me the first step in addressing this challenge is step outside of my comfort zone and work to educate the very people I sometimes fear the most, the ‘city person.’ Urban and suburban people have many stereotypes of who a farmer is and what a farmer does.

I believe if we communicate the everyday happenings of the agricultural world to the person living in the city each can begin to understand that at the end of the day both worlds really aren’t that different. Let’s humanize the farmer in that individual’s mind. I bet the image the city person has in his/her mind is vastly different from reality.

Living in an urban area, I think this education piece can take many shapes including involvement in an urban 4-H club, volunteering at a local soup kitchen or simply talking to church members about what is happening to help preserve a lifestyle that helps to feed them. Again, we have to step outside of the tractor and communicate our message in order for the voice of agriculture to remain strong.

So, the point on local leadership and involvement holds true to regulation as well. Out west we have experienced a new exotic pest by the name of the Light Brown Apple Moth (LBAM).

The Light Brown Apple moth is believe to threaten dozens of commercial crops and aggresive measures are being taken to control it.

The greatest challenge I see is the fact that control without sufficient study could negatively impact agriculture. Being in the nursery business, we have already gone through a volunteer quarantine and engage in sweeps for this new pest daily.

My saving grace has been the Farm Bureau. By tying myself into the electronic network of regulators at the State level, information and updates are delivered as they evolve. Agressive study and control may just save millions or even billons long term.

To find out more on this pesky moth - go to: http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/phpps/PDEP/lbam/lbam_main.html

Here's to succeeding yet another invasive species!

Ok. Soooooooo....as I look over the last number of months that this blog has come together, I cannot help but think that we REALLY need to step up as the next generation of farmers.

You see, much of this boils down to who is involved and who is at the table. My experience in Young Farmers and Ranchers motivated me to run for local school (college) board in 2003. It was my first try at local elected office and it taught me an awful lot.

Years later, my enthusiasm for motivating the next generation led me to encourage other Young Farmers and Ranchers to run for office. In fact, one of our own local leaders ran for school board and WON !!! Currently, there is another one running.

Heck. I am running for re-election myself. Not an easy process. See http://mcshane.yfrcc.org for more info.

All politics are local. The time to prepare the next generation of leaders is now and I am proud to say I am doing my part. If not us, who? You know? Land use, water, taxes. Each of these issues face producers EVERY DAY.

Now, more than ever we need to next generation of leaders to be prepared!!!!

The Des Moines Register ran an artilce over the weekend by President Bob Stallman regarding the House version of the Farm Bill. President Stallman's article did an excellent job of explaining the House version of the bill, pointing out direct changes and how they will impact the budget. Stallman explains to readers, "The House legislation is fiscally responsible and is projected to cost $20 billion less than the last farm bill."

President Stallman relates to readers that farmers work a full year not knowing what their salary is going to be. He explains how the farm program helps even out the uncertainty, allowing farmers and ranchers to continue to provide Americans with a safe, affordable food supply. "And for about 3 percent of the total national budget, that's a pretty good deal for ALL Americans."

PETA is advertising a new video game called Super Chick Sisters on their webpage. The object of the game is to save Pamela Anderson from Colonel Sanders because he has kidnapped her for telling the world how cruelly KFC treats chickens.

This game is meant to capture the minds of young children and adults and brainwash them into believing all animals are treated cruelly. This is only one of the methods PETA uses to attack agriculture with their $30 million budget.

On PETA's blog, the game's inventor invites people to play the game and rate it. Farmers and ranchers supply our country with an abundant supply of safe and healthy food. Please go to this blog and let them know agriculture will not tolerate these lies any longer! It is in our best interest to care for our animals, we need to let people know the measures we take to care for our animals.

Thousands of people are homeless in this country; PETA should use their $30 million budget to help those who really need it. If PETA members really wanted to help improve our country, they would put their money to a better use.