GIPSA Time Running Out

Do you have concerns about the possible implementation of the GIPSA rules?  I hope so.  Next question: have you written them down and sent them to the proper representative?  You haven't!?!?! Shame on you.

The comment period for the GIPSA rules ends on November 22.  That's one month from tomorrow. Get on the ball.  Express your thoughts on how you think the GIPSA rules will affect the livestock industry.  Don't know how to get started or what to say?  The Kansas Livestock Association has a form letter that you can use.  Fill it in with your own information and send it to the address below or fax it.

Temple Grandin has expressed her concerns about the negative effects of the GIPSA rules on animal welfare.  Read her article to get some more ideas to fuel your fire.

The GIPSA rules issue is like most others -- policy gets put into action unless the public speaks up and is heard.  This is why we have reprentatives in our government - to express the needs and concerns of the citizens that elected them.  If you disagree (or agree) with GIPSA, take action and send in your comments before November 22.

Send your comments to:
Tess Butler, GIPSA, USDA,
1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Room 1643-S,
Washington, DC 20250-3604;
Fax to (202) 690-2173. 

Until next time,
~Buzzard~

Beef: It's All Goooooood

Is grass-fed beef better than grain-fed beef?  Is organic better than conventional?  These are common questions the beef industry faces on a daily basis.  A lot of people will tell you one way; the rest the other.  However, the point is not which is better but that all methods of  beef production yield the same product: safe, wholesome and nutritious beef.  That's the subject of this weeks KLA Become an Agvocate Tip of the Week:

Myth: Organic or natural beef is safer than conventionally produced beef.

Fact: All beef, regardless of production method, is safe, wholesome and nutritious. The beef industry provides consumers with healthy choices including conventional, natural, organic and grass-fed.

So, the next time somebody asks you, "Which beef is better?", you can tell them it's all fantastic and that there's a beef product that fits their needs, diets and lifestyles at their nearest supermarket meat counter.

Until next time,
~Buzzard~

No Comment? - Not from an agriculturalist

"Don't let another anti-ag article go by without trying to correct it" - these were words shared with the K-State Collegiate Cattlewomen chapter at a media training session put on by the Kansas Beef Council and Kansas Livestock Association.  Kevin Thielen and Scarlett Hagins conducted the session and made several key points about being an advocate for the agriculture industry through social media and media interviews.

1.   Don't let another article bashing your industry go un-noticed -- speak out and stand up
2.   Use personal stories and humor
3.   Never repeat any part of a reporter's question that is negative -- if you do, the consumer has just heard a negative comment about agriculture from the reporter AND heard you repeat it. That's twice
4.   Utilize facebook, blogs and twitter to reach your audience.  Direct people to agricultural articles, show people how to comment on anti-ag propaganda, blog about your personal agricultural experience
5. Stay on top of current events - read the paper, subscribe to a daily ag newsletter through email, watch the news at night. 
6. Have two or three strong talking points about your subject and repeat them - the more the consumer hears them, the better.
7. NEVER, EVER say 'no comment' or 'off the record'  -- the first admits guilt and the second is nonexistent.

By applying these rules in our everyday advocacy strategies, we prepare ourself for an unexpected interview or question.  Being prepared is the first step to being proactive.

Until next time,
~Buzzard~

Agvocate Tip from the KLA

Once again, your weekly 'agvocacy' tip from the Kansas Livestock Association. Enjoy!

MYTH: Feeding grain to livestock displaces commodities that could be directly used as human food.

FACT: Most cattle eat grass the majority of their lives. Cattle have the unique ability to convert grass people cannot eat into nutritious human food. Most grain fed to cattle is of the feed variety, not intended for human consumption. Only about 20% of total U.S. grain production is used as livestock feed.

This is a common misconception throughout the consumer base - by sharing these truths, we are each doing our own little bit to preserve our industry and way of life.

Until next time,
~Buzzard~

Tip from the KLA

I love my weekly newsletter from the Kansas Livestock Association.  They're great at keeping me up to date on all things livestock in the state; from policy to education to market reports.  I am especially a big fan of the "Become an Agvocate" section they have.  It's a weekly feature intended to give producer's a talking point to negate consumer misconceptions.  This weeks tip is below
        
         MYTH:  Cattle are crowded into feedlots, which is bad for the animals and the environment.

FACT: Feedlots provide an average of 125-250 square feet per animal, providing plenty of room for cattle to run, strethc and lay down.  In addition, feedlots manage environmental factors like water and air quality to meet strict government regulations.

If you want to get the weekly KLA News and Market Report, it's easy.  It's a service provided to KLA members.  Just join the KLA and soon you'll have your report and have the scoop on all the goings-on in the industry.

Until next time,
~Buzzard~

Become an Agcovate

This blurb was in my weekly KLA newsletter and I thought I would share it with all you cyber-readers

Become an "Agvocate"

MYTH: Antibiotics used in the lifestock industry cause resistance in humans and leave resistance in the food supply.

FACT: All antibiotics used in beef production go through a rigorous testing process by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that helps protect human health and gives veterinarians and beef producers the tools needed to keep animals healthy.  In addition, by law, no beef with antibiotic residues exceeding FDA standards is allowed in the food supply.

You can share this with your peers, coworkers, friends and family - impress them with your extensive science knowledge!

Until next time,

~Buzzard~