When looking at the role of taking care of animals, farmers have been considered caretakers, doctors, nutritionists, and most recently in our minds, firemen. This past Saturday we went to our state’s Young Farmer and Rancher Winter Conference. Prior to leaving we had checked our cattle and cows as we do everyday, making sure they had food, water and were all present. Then we headed off to the conference. After lunch, Chad received a call from a neighboring farmer panicked. He had been burning a grass pasture of his when the wind picked up and the fire was out of control. It was heading toward the grass pasture that we had 34 first calf heifers (female calf pregnant with her first calf) due in February. Since Chad was three hours away he was helpless and told the farmer to cut the fence and let them run, we would gather them later. Chad then called his dad who luckily hadn’t left for some ballgames yet and asked him to help. One of the heifers had calved early and had a two-day-old calf, which calves often hide in the grass at this age. Thankfully they found him and put him in the pick-up, because he would not have been able to keep up. Another friend driving by helped on a four-wheeler get the cattle to safety and into a corral.

In the process, we lost the tires on a portable corral, some of the posts on a brand new five-wire fence and the grass to run our heifers on. But we realize how necessary burning is to get rid of the old dead vegetation in a pasture so the new growth can come this spring. We use this method many times ourselves. Mishaps just happen sometimes. The farmer has a pasture he is going to let us use until the heifers have their calves.

After Chad knew the cattle were safe he said, “I can’t be gone for even a day.” This is how farmers all over feel. I can’t tell you how many times Chad has said, “my cattle don’t know it’s the weekend or a holiday.” I should be used to it. I grew up a farmer’s daughter and it always seemed like our vacations got cut short because dad would begin to worry about his cattle. I don’t understand how people can criticize the farmers when no one cares for animals as much as they do. Most people put their hours in at their job and they are finished until the next day. A farmer’s job is 24/7. But they love it and thankfully they do because where would we be without them. You can’t have a more important job than feeding people.

Today I spent my morning with an auditor from the packing facility which purchases our pork. The purpose of the audit is to ensure high quality and consistent pork products. We are part of a USDA Process Verified Program, which was initiated back in 1999. The program provides "Farm-to-Table" assurance for our pork.

The foundation of the Process Verififed Program is to ensure pigs are traceable to source farms in the Untied States. This means we have a trail of paperwork for every animal we sell. We trace each pig back to the sow that gives birth to it. Management on our farm is PQA (Pork Quality Assurance) certified to reduce risk of food borne residues. Our pigs are humanely handled, from farm to plant.

We do this because we know we provide great care for our animals and that we deliver a safe product to our consumer, and we want to have this information communicated to our consumers. By having good communication with the packing facility, and by being a part of this program, we can prove to our consumers that we know where and how their food was produced. This builds trust with our consumers.

"Why isn't there a Farmer's Day?" This question was asked of me last night by my six year old son and it caught me by surprise. I asked Conner what he meant by that question. He responded by explaining to me that since returning to school from Christmas break, his class has spent a lot of time learning about Martin Luther King, Jr. He wanted to know why our country celebrated this day, President's Day, and Veteran's Day but we didn't celebrate a day for the Farmer's who feed the country everyday.

I explained to Conner that farmers and ranchers don't need or want recognition, that we chose farming as a career because it is important to help feed this country; and because we want a safe food supply which comes from America.

My son pondered this response for quite a while. After much thought, he told me he thought we needed a day to honor the farmers because very few of his classmates know that a farmer makes food. BUT, he continued, it would have to fall on a Sunday because that is the only day farmers don't work all day.

Conner was right, we need to educate the public and remind them farmers provide food for this country. I think people forget the role farms play in society, and in some cases, people don't know what purpose a farm or ranch has. Education is necessary to ensure our children have a future in farming, we owe it to our kids!

Upon returning from the National FB conference in NOLA I realized how much not only we as farmers have to deal with adversity, but other people do too. Seeing how the city is slowly rebuilding helps me to forget about some of the small problems I face everyday. This summer was the worst drought for my state in over 100 years and two weeks ago it was 70 degrees. Two days ago I had received 4 inches and then there was 2 or more inches of snow on the ground. We as farmers have learned to adapt to change. The city of NOLA has done the same. No, NOLA will never be the same but nowhere is ever the same. It was truly great to see the city for myself. Not to hear what the political world or the media say of the city but to see if for myself. The rich culture and true spirit of the city will live on and I encourage everyone to go and support the area whenever given the chance.

Wow. I just returned from the American Farm Bureau Federation 89th Annual Conference. If there is ONE CONCLUSION I COULD MAKE - it is the fact that today's farmers and ranchers are truly leaders !!!!

When you talk about an industry that faces the kind of uncertainty of markets and environment, farmers MUST be on their A-GAME every day. The folks that I came in contact with were almost more impressive than the many seminars and speakers. I could not find ONE person that was not actively engaged in life.

One such example was C. Paul Johnson from Tulare, California. Here was a man that has farmed over 60 years !!! He got involved in Farm Bureau at the age of 18 and has been a part of our industry's #1 organization ever since (He's 80 now). The best part is that his involvement goes well beyond just his industry.

That's the idea behind EVERYONE that I come in contact with through Farm Bureau. Its the kind of amazing folks behind agriculture that hold Rural America together. I could not be more proud about my opportunity through Farm Bureau to connect myself to similar "community minded folks" like Paul.

I just read that the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization published a study last November that states that the livestock business generates more greenhouse gas emissions than all forms of transportation combined. (Just another reason why the U.S. should not be a member of the U.N.)

Animal rights groups like PETA have jumped all over this one stating that “you just can’t be a meat-eating environmentalist.” They are also following Al Gore around with a banner that has a slogan on it that says “Too Chicken to Go Vegetarian? Meat is the No. 1 Cause of Global Warming.” We knew these animal rights organizations were loony to begin with, but this just takes the cake.

I personally don’t agree with global warming, but I have one question for anyone who wants to correlate livestock production with global warming. Would you rather be locked in an enclosed garage with a running car or a cow. I know I would choose the latter.

I thought I would ask my 11 year old son Cody why he liked living on a farm. The following is the response I got.

Cody writes: "I have 2 favorite things to do on the farm besides riding four wheeler. The first is that I really like helping my dad in the hog barns because I get to work with pigs. The second is that I love to help in the fields because sometimes I get to drive, I get to be with my dad or my grandpa, and I also get to learn new things."

How gratifying is that! That is just one of the many reasons that I enjoy rural life. How many other careers allow the parent to take their children to work on a regular basis? During the busy times of the year, I am able to spend time with my children even when I can't be in the house very much. I also have the opportunity to teach my children about how to take care of the creation that God allows us to manage. This also allows me to instill a positive work ethic into the lives of my children.

Sarah and I had the unique opportunity to attend the first in the nation caucus in Iowa. You may have heard something about it on the news. I have attended the caucus before, but I was excited to see a record crowd at my precinct and I was also encouraged to see some first time caucus goers. I was also excited that my 11 year old son wanted to come along and watch.

Besides the obvious business of voting for your favorite presidential candidate, there are many other important items of business that take place at our caucus. The caucus is a lot like Farm Bureau's grassroots efforts to set policy. We elected delegates to represent our precinct at the county convention in March. We also got the chance to vote on platform planks that will have the opportunity to move to the county, district, state and national republican conventions.

I cannot stress enough how important it is for all young farmers and ranchers to be involved in the political process. This is our way to make our voices heard. Please take the time to vote in the primary or caucus in your respective states.

As Virginia General Assembly convenes for 2008 next week, it looks like a disgraced professional football player may have a large impact on Virginia’s production agriculture. There are countless bills rumored to being introduced to deal with the dog fighting issue that are worded broadly enough to carry over to production agriculture. As of today, January 3, 2008, there are six (6) bills currently introduced under the subject of animal, horticulture and food, all six bills are dealing with issues directly related to the actions of Mr. Vick.

The actions of Mr. Vick have brought national attention to one instance of very cruel individuals. Quite obviously anyone that relies on animals for their livelihood would never treat an animal in this manner. Mr. Vick is someone who does not rely on any animal for his sources of income. It appears that members of our General Assembly that are not as educated on production agriculture are ready to deal with the issue in one swipe, and paint a broad streak on the issue.

For example there is a proposed bill that would ban the tethering of animals less than six months of age. This would have a major impact on one of the most wholesome and respected rural traditions; the 4-H/FFA/Junior Livestock Shows traditions that allow today’s youth to be involved in production agriculture. Under this proposed legislation, it would ban the haltering of show steers, lambs, goats and horses under six months of age.

It is interesting to read other blogs on the issue of Michael Vick’s dog fighting and to see how very quickly the general public aligns this with livestock production. As producers of animal livestock, we realize that proper handlings, nutrition, housing, etc. for livestock are imperative for their well being. We as animal producers have not only economic ties but very emotional ties to our animals. We realize that every animal has a purpose and handled correctly these animals lead a very comfortable life until their purpose is met.

Quite simply any legislation proposed in the wake of the Michael Vick events should be based upon science, not fiction and/or a knee-jerk reaction to this. Maybe Mr. Vick would have never entered into these types of actions if he had participated in a 4-H or FFA livestock show as a youth.

I was dropping my youngest daughter, Victoria, off at preschool the other morning and quickly browsed the information center at the school. (The area where you can pick up free reading material.) I couldn’t believe what I found. A Guide to Veg Living put out by the Farm Sanctuary of Watkins Glen, New York: www.farmsanctuary.org.

My first concern was is teachers at the school teaching the children about vegetarians and vegans? Then I took some time today to explore their website. Now I am more concerned than ever about this organization! We as Young Farmers need to get out and “Put a Face to Agriculture.” If we don’t get out and tell our story, groups like this will be telling it for us. And we certainly don’t want that.

If you don’t know about the "Young Farmer Accurate Ag Book Program," please contact your County Farm Bureau. You can also go to the www.ageducate.org website for materials that will help you educate children about agriculture. Another great program New Hampshire Young Farmers started is the Pen Pal Program with local schools. If you would like information about that program you can contact New Hampshire Farm bureau at www.nhfarmbureau.org. We as Young Farmers have an incredibly huge job ahead of us; don’t be afraid to ask for help, we are all in this together.

I had an interesting conversation earlier this week with a local farmer, it was amazing that they could speak of birth weights, epds, feed prices, weaning weights, etc. but were not aware of any of the proposed legislation or new regulations that would affect our future in agriculture. It is extremely important that we continue to educate the general public about agriculture and its importance. They are the consumers of our products and if properly informed can be our best allies. However, it is also important that every farmer today be informed on what is happening outside the farm gates. Whether it is a new piece of legislation or the newest teen fad, it all has an impact on agriculture. A farmer should be able to talk about legislation affecting their part of the country, new trends and simple facts and figures on agriculture.

This can be accomplished through involvement in your local farm bureau, commodity groups or even through your states legislature. Wouldn’t it be great if every farmer educated just two people a week on our industry? Each farmer has a different circle of friends or contacts that can all benefit from simple knowledge of agriculture. So I urge each of you as farmers/ranchers to educate each other and the general public about agriculture and its importance!

Each New Year, resolutions are made to become healthier, become more involved in community activities, spend more time with families, the lists go on and on.

My resolution for the New Year is "Speaking Up for Agriculture." I began my year by talking to a local Rotary Club in a neighboring town about the importance of agriculture to all Americans.

I received numerous questions about the livestock industry. The audience was surprised to learn why family farmers use modern technology on their farms, including modern buildings to protect our animals from the weather and predators. This audience didn't know family farmers still own and raise livestock. They also didn't know how regulated agriculture is by the government, or that farmers have to absorb these costs which are not passed on to the consumer.

I had several people come up to me after the meeting and tell me I had changed their view of the livestock industry. They learned many important facts about the livestock industry and agriculture in general just by listening to my presentation, which took only 20 minutes from my day.

As a result of Speaking Up for Agriculture, I have been invited to speak to other groups and share our story with another new audience who otherwise would have no contact with a farmer or agriculture in general.