Chris - Nice reference to the New York Times. I hear you. You make a great case for the reason that we need to be ready to share our story and respond when called upon. Locally, vegetable growers face ENORMOUS pressure from the public to assure that our product is clean and free of microbial threats like E Coli. The Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement is driving this. Recent reports target the presence of wildlife such as wild pigs and deer. In response, local growers in our community have moved to raise 8 foot fences around fields. Papers have responded negatively, as has the public. Folks see farm land as scenic and fences don't lend well to a nice view. So, do we fence or don't we fence? You can find more at: http://www.montereyherald.com/editorials/ci_6380676. At recent hearings, local farmers have had to once again tell their story. No fence, means issues with the Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement and no customers for product. All the more reason to be articulate about this stuff. Let's keep after it!

“ATTACKING AGRICULTURE” has hit your neighborhood. The New York Times has published another article attacking agriculture. This time, they give a false view of what the livestock industry is doing to provide a safe food supply for you, our consumers. Click here to read more.

In this op-ed piece, they try to "scare" their readers into believing all livestock farms pollute the environment. They forget to mention that livestock operations are regulated not only by state governments, but by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as well.

The goal of the article was to drive readers into checking out a website they claim "allows users to track the proliferation of factory farms by state and county." I checked out their website, and it was full of misleading information. When I checked out my county on their site, it claimed we had 18 factory farms that were polluting the environment. Our county does not have factory farms that are polluting the environment. We have modern livestock facilities in our county, but they are permitted by the State and regulated by the state, they are all ZERO DISCHARGE FACILITIES, which means they DO NOT POLLUTE the environment.

What upset me the most was the way the article leads viewers to believe all farms included on the list pollute the environment. Their numbers give a false image of modern agriculture. The sad fact is, activists can “pretty up” the numbers for their benefit and they are never held accountable.

On July 25th, The New York Times ran an article "Bringing Moos and Oinks Into the Food Debate". The article advertised the growing influence of groups like Farm Sanctuary, The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), and PETA. The NY Times showed pictures of "animals originally destined for dinner who instead live out their lives at Farm Sanctuary," which has a $5.7 million budget.

The article explained that "among animal rights groups, the 1980s were considered the decade of grass-roots activism. The 1990s saw the rise of court actions and ballot initiatives. This decade is about building budgets, influencing policy and cultivating elected officials, all with a deliberate focus on livestock." And, they aren't just stopping there, with the help of technology, these activists deliver their message via mass e-mails and the internet.

In a 2006 survey of 5,000 people, ages 13 - 24, PETA was the non-profit organization most would like to volunteer for. This has come about thanks to PETA's $30 million budget. The HSUS has a budget of $132 million, targeted at farm animals.

PETA and HSUS have purchased enough stock in corporations like Wal-Mart, Tyson, McDonald's and Smithfield to have legal clout to introduce resolutions that have a huge impact on our farms and how we operate. As Farmers & Ranchers, it is up to us to educate our consumers about our farms. The groups I mentioned earlier are trying to tell our story for us, but it isn't accurate. If we don't start speaking up, these groups will conquer livestock farming, pushing animal agriculture out of this country. And once it leaves, what will happen to the rest of our farm commodities?

The environmental movement may have began with high minded individuals seeking to improve the natural state of the world, it has since mutated into the issue generating funding seeker that we have today. It has spread its tentacles under the “green” umbrella to include everything from anti-logging to anti-meat and production agriculture to anti-corporate anything. The organizations born out of this movement have developed into corporations themselves with budgets in the tens and hundreds of millions of dollars used to impose their eco-naziism on society. Prime targets for their propaganda are the lemmings of society and the younger generation. PETA seems to be the non-profit organization most 13 to 24 year olds would volunteer for, as Chris pointed out in her last blog. It is apparent, however, that youth is not a prerequisite to be easily influenced. Take a look at this video clip in which an accomplice of Penn & Teller get people at an environmental rally to sign a petition banning water: http://www.grasstopsusa.com/videoh2o.html.
While humorous, it’s a sobering thought to see so many who are merely followers and how these organizations work to put another nail in the coffin of common sense.

Few people have heard of Dr. Norman Borlaug, but he has arguably saved more lives than any other one man. A recent Wall Street Journal article covered the Nobel laureate’s contributions to society on the day he was again honored with the Congressional Gold Medal. He was the father of the “Green Revolution” whose work in famine struck countries of Mexico, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, China, and the Philippines in the 1940's, ‘50's, and ‘60's saved hundreds of millions from starvation. He continued his innovations in agriculture despite critics “who held humanity to be profligate and the Earth’s resources finite”. The article pointed out that these environmental doomsayers are almost always wrong because they overlook human ingenuity. It is far easier to sit on the sidelines of life and point out the faults, shortcomings, and failures than to get dirty and be a part of the solutions. As we are now told of the impending energy apocalypse, it is exciting to be a part of agriculture, full of innovators, on the cusp of not only feeding the world, but providing it with renewable energy sources as well. While there will always be critics, complainers and pessimists, its comforting to know there will also be men like Dr. Borlaug who continue to seek solutions despite them.

This past weekend, Kevin and I attended the Tennessee YF&R Summer Conference. The Tennessee YF&R County Achievement Award winners participated in a video called "I Am a Fortunate Man." This video shows what it is to be a farmer, and the reasons we farm today. These young farmers and ranchers are the most optimistic farmers I have ever met. They are facing a terrible drought year, yet I did not hear a single complaint from any of them about the hard times they are facing. They are optimistic about their future, and the future of farming, they are a true inspiration. Click here to view the video.

I Am a Fortunate Man
Author unknown

I am a fortunate man.

Few others enjoy the freedom that I sometimes take for granted.
On this farm, I answer to only one man.
The same man I look at in the mirror at the beginning of everyday.
I spend my days doing what I love and my nights surrounded by family and friends.
I am truly blessed.

I do not own this land anymore than it owns me.
I am only its steward.
I will use the land wisely; and do my part to improve it.
Caring for it until the time has come to pass it on to the next generation.
And I will do my part to teach them the same respect I have learned.

I have learned the nature of business and strive to understand the business of nature.
Peaks and valleys compose the natural cycle of farming.
I won’t get carried away by a peak, or destroyed by a valley.
I will move steadily on.
Tomorrow I will return to finish what I didn’t accomplish today.
I will rest when the work is done.

I have never asked for recognition.
Not even a thank you.
I am proud of what I do, and that is all I need.
I don’t farm with the hope that I will get noticed.
I farm because it is what I was called to do, and I can’t imagine doing anything else.

I must plan and prepare for the future even though
I can only speculate at what it will bring.
I will keep an eye on the future and a foot in the past.
To continue to feed a growing world,
I must seek out and embrace new, more efficient technologies
And business practices that give me an edge.
I will not only survive, I will succeed.
I will hold my head high, because I am a farmer.

A very fortunate man.

As a hay farmer in western Colorado, I am concerned about the efforts of animal rights organizations to ban the sale of horses for slaughter for more than one reason. I believe a ban such as the one proposed in H.R. 503 and S.311 will put an increased time and financial burden on ranchers, lead to the cruel treatment of horses, and set a very dangerous precedent.

Living in a part of the country where the landscape is dominated by 10 acre parcels with 3-5 horses each, it is not hard to imagine the consequences of a ban on horse slaughter. With the closure of many of the horse slaughter facilities in the U.S., it has become increasingly difficult for horse owners to find willing buyers for unwanted horses. Last year we became the recipient of one such horse. The horse “showed up” in our hay field with a flock of our sheep early one morning. Apparently the owner didn’t know what to do with a horse which was lame in one hind leg so decided that it would be well fed on our ranch. While we were able to turn the horse over to the state brand inspector, it took a month and a half in which we were forced to expend time and feed in caring for the horse. If such an outright ban on the sale of horses for slaughter is enacted, it is only a matter of time before many more infirm and aged horses end up on our ranches. Who will pay for this? WE WILL!

It is also my belief that a ban on horse slaughter would lead to the cruel treatment of many horses. What will happen to horses when they reach the end of their lives if there is no avenue available for the sale of such horses? Some of these horses will be put down by veterinarians, but it is my belief that many more will be allowed to suffer. Many horse owners will not be able to afford the high costs of euthanasia and disposal or the high veterinary bills that come with old age. As a result many horse will be forced to live out their lives with infirmities and in ill health.

Perhaps the most alarming of all is the precedent that an outright ban on horse slaughter would set in regards to the livestock industry. What’s next pork, cattle, poultry, lamb, or as the Humane Society of the United States would like to see, a ban on livestock as a source of human food. Who are we to say what another individual can or can not eat? Do we not live in the most free society on the planet? Maybe not!

On many occasions I have been asked what is the most important thing Farm Bureau does for me, and each time I say policy. In a grassroots organization such as Farm Bureau there is no greater power than that of its members. I think we often forget that each individual has a voice and should use it. We as members have so many ways we can make a difference. We must tell the story, and who better to listen then our members of legislature. They can be powerful allies if we get the importance of our needs and concerns across to them. There are many ways this can be accomplished. The first and most important is to contact these elected officials and meet with them in person. If they can put a face to the issues it makes those issues harder to ignore. The more people that meet with them and voice their concerns, the more likely they will be to support you. The next step would be to contact these legislative officials by mail or email - although not quite as effective as an in person visit this still works to remind them of your cause. The next line of defense is the lobbyists that work for all of us at Farm Bureau. These people are so very important on the State and National level. They get their marching orders directly from the members of this organization, and they work hard for all of us.

Many of us as FB members have been approached by someone who is not happy about some part of the FB policy, either on the state level or nationally. Most of the time these people who are complaining are not even members. I have had more than one of these conversations end up with a new member, and a very active member at that. At this time every year, when we begin our policy development, I am once again reminded of how very important each individual member is. Being the largest general farm organization is tough work, and the members are doing the hard part. The members are the ones who generate the policies that the different States and the American Farm Bureau follow.

So if you are ever in doubt about the power of your voice, just keep talking - if enough people say the same thing then we can move mountains.

China recently announced it has suspended imports of chicken feet, pig ears and other animal products from seven U.S. companies in an apparent attempt to turn the tables on American complaints about tainted products from China (read more here).

This announcement came days after Zheng Xiaoyu, China's former chief food and drug regulator, was executed and 180 factories that put industrial chemicals into food were shut down.

Concerns have grown in the United States as an increasing number of Chinese products have been found tainted with dangerous levels of toxins and chemicals.

China is banning "American Made" products with the hope of building consumer confidence in their lable "Made in China." American farmers go to extreme measures to provide a safe and abundant food supply for our consumers. If the media would promote the efforts of our farmers and be less critical of our methods of farming, our consumers would have a better understanding of the safety measures American farmers take to provide healthy and safe food products. I don't want to rely on any country, China included, to supply my family with food. My trust lies with American Farmers and Ranchers.

Wendy's recently announced they will give preferential buying to its pork and chicken suppliers who improve systems for humane animal welfare. Currently, at least 10% of Wendy’s pork products are from hogs not raised in gestation stalls. The goal is to reach 20% by the end of 2008.

It's time farmers advertise the facts and let our consumers know the reasons behind our farming practices. Gestation stalls are provided for the safety and welfare of sows. The gestation stall protects a sow from being injured by "bully" sows. It also keeps sows from being stepped on while resting. Sows housed in stalls do not have to fight for their food or water. There is no concern of whether the bully is preventing other sows from gaining proper nourishment. Farmers are also able to monitor the sows health better in stalls.

Activist groups try to persuade our consumers that our farming techniques are wrong by saying our animals are not cared for properly. These groups are driving agriculture out of the United States, and other countries are opening their doors to our markets. We are playing into their hands by remaining silent. It’s time we start telling our story and educating our consumers. There is a reason behind every farming method, it’s time we let our consumers know WHY we use modern technology on our farms.

With the recent increase in food costs, many have been quick to blame high corn prices as the driving force behind the increase. However, a recent economic report released by the American Farm Bureau shows corn demand to make ethanol has little to do with the recent rise in food prices.

All the evidence points to factors other than ethanol demand, including an early freeze that zapped fruits and vegetables, low world supplies of wheat, milk producers’ cutting back on production in response to last year’s low prices and the rising cost of energy.

But is anyone listening to these facts or are they buying into the latest gossip that corn is the bad guy? While searching the internet, I ran upon a blog that is definitely listening to the facts, it's the Food and Fuel America.com blog. Good and Balanced Food and Fuel News is their motto, and the article I found did a great job of stating the facts!

We have the facts, let's make sure our neighbors know corn is not to blame for the increase in food costs. Instead, blame it on the weather!

One of the most incredible attributes to the "American Farm Bureau Family" is just how far, wide and "deep" our roots spread. As my interest in the Young Farmers and Ranchers Program has grown, I have learned a great deal about the INCREDIBLE PROGRAMS across this great country.

I became actively involved with Farm Bureau through the Young Farmers & Ranchers Program in college at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo (www.slofarmbureau.org/Programs/YFR/Young-Farmers-and-Ranchers.htm). Years later, I founded and grew a local county program for the Monterey County Farm Bureau. More than 300 local young professionals in farming and ranching have joined an organization that is nurturing a "bench" of ready and willing leaders for our industry. Check out more about our local activities at www.yfrcc.org - just click on "events."

Today, my pride has grown to a national scale as I discovered websites for both Oklahoma YF&R (www.okfarmbureau.org/programs/youngFarmersAndRanchers.asp) and Virginia YF&R (www.vafb.com/programs/yf/yf_main.asp). If there is anyone out there that thinks there just is not enough opportunity for young professionals in agriculture, I BEG TO DIFFER. I invite you to check out the MANY successful Young Farmer and Ranchers Programs offered by our states and counties! More important, I invite you to GET INVOLVED !!! Our industry needs you!!! YOU'LL HAVE A GREAT TIME IN THE PROCESS, AS WELL.

OK. WHILE ON THE TOPIC OF CANADA - I learned that Canada has been increasingly successful with the rollout of radio frequency identification (RFID) for its beef cattle. This has been possible throught the support of the Canadian Cattle Indentification Agency(http://www.canadaid.com). CCIA is a non-profit organization supported by government, producers and trade associations.

The program was established in 2001 and has 97% participation. The MILLION DOLLAR QUESTION is WHO PAYS? According to a recent visit with Fred Gorrell from the Canadian Embassy in Washington D.C., the project is self funded with producers paying 25 cents per ear tag. I later learned that not ALL tags are RFID enabled. Bar coded tags are allowed until December 31, 2007.

Where does that leave the U.S.? We have a whole heck of a lot more beef to track and trace. I know both Michigan and Wisconsin have ambitious programs for beef cattle. Some involving financial incentives. What do you think? What is the best way for the US to more quickly adopt such a technology?

If you ask me, RFID presents INCREDIBLE opportunity. However, early adoption is easier to justify if RFID is viewed as a way to being more effecient rather than just an additional cost of doing business.

The AFBF YF&R Committee met today with Fred Gorrell, Agricultural and Fisheries Counselor at the Canadian Embassy. We were given a quick overview of the relationship the United States and Canada have in regards to trade.

It was remarkable how much the United States and Canada rely upon each other for trade. Canada and the U.S. enjoy the largest bilateral trading relationship in the world. To learn more, click here to check out their website.

As a 23 year old member of the National YF&R Committee, I often am asked how I become active in Farm Bureau at such a young age. Although my parents, grandparents, and great grandparents all belonged to the organization, I did not fully understand the role and importance of the Farm Bureau until I was chosen as the 2002 Harford County and Maryland State Farm Queen. When I begin to explain this title to my colleagues they start to ask many questions about the program. Therefore, when thinking of topics for me to post, I thought I would enjoy sharing our state and county’s proud tradition of selecting exceptional young ladies to promote agriculture and the Farm Bureau organization.

Since I was a participant in the program in 2002, the title has been changed at the state level to Miss Maryland Agriculture. The Miss Maryland Agriculture Program is supported by our county and state Farm Bureau’s and by the Maryland State Fair. The contest begins each year with our 23 counties selecting a young lady between the ages of 16-19 with an agricultural background and with a desire to promote our organization and industry. At the end of August, each county will send its chosen Miss Farm Bureau to our state contest. After the Miss Maryland Agriculture for 2007 is selected, she will attend Farm Bureau functions throughout the state and speak with a variety of television and radio stations.

As coordinator for the Miss Harford County Farm Bureau Contest, I am currently meeting with our four contestants to complete their applications and prepare for their interviews. The four exceptional young ladies will compete on July 26, 2007 during our Harford County Fair. During that hot summer day amidst the Beef Steer and Breeding Show and the antique tractor pulls these four young ladies will spend their day answering questions during their interviews about their own operations, the future of agriculture in our county and their own future plans. Finally at 6pm, the Harford County Fair will turn its attention to the stage in the middle of the fairgrounds as the business-suit wearing contestants introduce their families, tell about their indoor and outdoor responsibilities, future goals, and answer a fishbowl question related to agriculture. By the end of the evening, we’ll have a new Miss Harford County Farm Bureau that will spend the rest of our county fair handing out ribbons and working at our Farm Bureau booth. Our county contest is only the beginning of a long and enjoyable year for the lucky young lady that is selected.

Our program serves our state well in promoting the Farm Bureau organization with a professional image that displays our commitment to the future of agriculture in our state. If you have any questions about our program please do not hesitate to post and I will contact you with more information! Have a great day!

I recently read an article by Aaron Putze of the Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers called "Modern, Innovative Farms are also Family Farms" I found this article on the Animal Agriculture Alliance website, at http://www.animalagalliance.com/.

The article talked about how society "thinks" all farmers and farms should remain as they were in the 1950's and 1960's. Aaron goes on to say this is an unfair and unrealistic expectation. For farms to remain viable, they must modernize and use the technology available to keep their family farms strong and capable of bringing the next generation back to the farm.

There are many commercials on TV today that portray farmers wearing overalls and straw hats while using farming practices of the 50's and 60's. Because of these false images portrayed by the media, our consumers believe this is the only way a farmer should farm. What they aren't showing on TV is how much it costs to produce our commodities and how few acres we have in production agriculture today.

It's time to change the face of agriculture and let our media outlets know family farmers and ranchers use modern technology to responsibly produce a safe product for our consumers.