Oprah's Big Goodbye, Farewell, Adieu

Will agriculture benefit from her departure?

Oprah is by no doubt one of the most influential women, nay, people of the 20th and 21st centuries. Over the past 25 years, she has affected America's lives by suggesting books, lifestyle choices and health advice. Additionally, one cannot ignore the countless people she has helped through her Angel Network efforts -- the woman is truly amazing and daytime television is never going to be the same.

I'm not going to miss her.

For all the good Oprah has done for the mind, body and spirit of millions of Americans over the past 25 years, there is one group that was overlooked by her good deeds and words. America's farmers and ranchers. Now, in her defense, I cannot find an episode where Oprah said, "Farmers and ranchers are bad people" however, with episodes like this, this, this and this she's not exactly waving the 'I Love Ag' banner.


There is absolutely nothing wrong with society wanting to know where their food comes from; I highly encourage informed food choices (hence the purpose of Buzzard's Beat and this blog, too). However, the people telling that story need to be the farmers and ranchers themselves. Michael Pollan may be a food expert but he is most certainly not a health, agriculture or farming expert. Neither are Kathy Freston or Alicia Silverstone -- all celebrities who have been guests on Oprah during one of her 'go-green, eat veggies and save the earth' shows.

I have read many books from Oprah's book lists and have several times cried while watching her reveal a new home to an underprivileged family. I most recently let tears flow when she had five women on the show who shared how they helped deliver a lifelong jail sentence to the man that knowlingly infected them with HIV. Will I be crying when she says her final goodbye tomorrow?

Not a chance. Oprah's absence will no doubt leave viewers searching for a new source of health and food information, that I for one will be thrilled at the opportunity to fill. Are you going to step up and be that resource?

Where do you weigh in? Do you think agriculture will benefit from Oprah's departure? What are the chances that a pro-ag celebrity will take the spotlight on daytime television? Any ideas for who will be the next talk show queen (or king)?

Until next time,
~ Buzzard ~

Hollywood Scientist Set to Appear at Kansas State!

 

 Photo courtesy of http://www.huffingtonpost.com/

Sorry for my hiatus in blogging, dear friends.  Last week my project consumed my life and I just haven't gotten back into the swing of blogging regularly.  However, today I've got great news - which you may have already heard about but if not, check it out!

Temple Grandin, PhD, will be coming to K-State on November 9-10 to give two lectures.  The first will be on November 9th at 7pm in Forum Hall in the KSU Student Union.  The lecture is entitled, "The Emotional Lives of Animals: A Look at the Science".  On Wednesday, November 10, Temple will be speaking in the KSU College of Veterinary Medicine in Frick Auditorium and will be giving a lecture about dogs and cat health/welfare.  Both events will be very thought provoking and exciting!

Temple is probably the most functional autistic person in the world and has written several books about how her autism has helped give her insight to how animals behave and possibly, feel.  She has authored hundreds of journal articles and designed over half of the animal handling facilities at slaughter plants in the United States.  Recently, the movie about Temple's life, Temple Grandin, won 7 Emmy awards.  She is a truly amazing person and we're so excited to host her at KSU!

Temple's visit is co-sponsored by Food For Thought and KSU's University Programming Council.  Follow me on twitter for more Temple updates in the coming weeks!

Until next time,
~Buzzard~

Meat Hits the Fashion World

I am pretty thrilled with Hollywood celebrities right now - last week Angelina Jolie was quoted in an article saying “I joke that a big juicy steak is my beauty secret. But seriously, I love red meat. I was a vegan for a long time, and it nearly killed me. I found I was not getting enough nutrition.”

This week pop star Lady GaGa was featured on the cover of Vogue Hommes Japan magazine wearing a meat bikini --

Thanks for promoting meat ladies! I bet PETA is having a fit!

Until next time,
~Buzzard~