Quit sucking at blogging

Naturally, I'm talking about myself.

I don't have any excuses why I haven't blogged in almost 5 weeks. I've been busy but there are people out there who are far busier than I who blog regularly so I'll just shut up and get on with this post.

Today, I'm writing in the 5 Fact Friday model. This may or may not become a Friday custom but it seems appropriate today since I have a lot to include and don't want to write a novel since I literally just finished writing a freaking thesis. For real, y'all.

1. I passed my Master's defense two days ago.
 Actually, that's one of the primary reasons for me sucking at blogging because I was so busy losing my mind while preparing for this defense business. Ipso facto, when your mind is absent, it's hard to be creative and write.

But seriously, I am so overwhelmingly blessed and grateful for all of the love, support and encouragement I have received over the past week. My phone was blowing up Wednesday with people wanting to know how I did and the subsequently congratulating me. My office at work smells like a flower store because I was inundated with gorgeous arrangements. Here are a couple from some of my BA friends. The Ninja and my mom got me flowers, too. They're purple (Go Cats)!

My camera phone doesn't do a great job of capturing the vibrancy (word?) of those beautiful blooms but wow - I feel loved. So thanks again to everyone who Facebooked, called, texted, tweeted, email, g-chatted and came out to celebrate afterwards. I cannot tell you how thankful I am. Also, my mom and stepdad surprised me by coming to my defense so that was cool. Pretty sure they didn't have a clue what I was talking about but they were supportive nonetheless. Props.

2. The Farm Bill has been passed by the Senate and amendment #2252 did not make the cut.
In case you're wondering what that amendment is about, #2252 would have codified an agreement between HSUS and The United Egg Producers (UEP) that would have provided our federal government with the authority to mandate animal care - something which should rightfully be in the hands of farmers and ranchers. On his blog, Wayne Pacelle, CEO of HSUS, cites the failure to adopt this amendment to the persistence of pork and beef producers to contact their Senators and express distaste for #2252.  Pacelle cries "Waaah" and I cry, "Wahoo!" Bravo to all those who stepped up and made your Senators aware of the danger animal agriculture would have been in had the amendment been passed. The failure of this amendment, in addition to the Department of Labor dropping it's rules about on-farm child labor, are huge victories for grass-roots agriculture. It's fantastic to see our industry come together and stand up for itself!

3. Now that I have my life back there is a long list of things I've been wanting to do/work on.
 - Start running again. Yes, I said I actually want  to start running. Not because I love the high but because I want to ensure that I never have to buy larger jeans. And I watched Love & Basketball last night (I was/am a baller - especially in high school) and I miss having a six-pack. So running and crunches is how I will get my six-pack back.
- Golf. A lot.
- READ. I have so many books on my book list that I want to read and I have a ton more to add!
- Put all of the recipes on my Pinterest food board in my recipe book. Then use them.
- Do some of the DIY projects on my Pinterest board- headboard, refurbished dresser
- Watch The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
- Get back into the groove of riding and roping. I already bought my membership card for the year so it's time to get my Gadget up to Manhattan and enter some rodeos. For those of you who read this post, Doc is still lame. Not sure how this is going to turn out for us.
- Hang out by a pool/lake.
- Figure out how to put music on my new phone. I broke my Droid Bionic, which I really liked, and now have an LG Spectrum.
- We moved about 1.5 weeks ago but between FFA Convention (I coordinated Kansas' convention), Hyatt's defense, my defense and the KSU Livestock Judging camps we haven't had a chance to unpack and organize everything.

4. I have a new job!
With K-State Research Extension. Combining my love for Kansas, K-State, agriculture and Manhattan all into one. Whammy!

5. Did I mention I passed my Master's defense? Because I did. 
Still on that high :)

Blogging to commence more often starting next week!

Until next time,
~ Buzzard ~

Blessings in disguise - Thanksgiving 2011

It's officially Thanksgiving Thursday in Australia - I spent my turkey day blood sampling hogs and sheep and for Thanksgiving dinner Ninja, the rest of the research team and I are having chicken and chips from a local shop. Not the classiest but it's as close as I'm going to get to turkey and stuffing this year.

I have a lot to be thankful for this year - I have an amazing husband who gave me the opportunity to broaden my horizons when he brought me to Australia. It's been a blessing in disguise because even though I miss Kansas, my friends and family like The Office misses Steve Carell, I know that this experience has brought us closer than we've ever been and I know it's strengthened our marriage.  My family and friends have been super supportive of this adventure and have never stopped sending encouraging thoughts via email, facebook, twitter and the occasional Skype call. Additionally, the friends I've made in Australia are top notch. I don't want to think about leaving in 3 weeks because I just can't fathom not seeing them on a daily basis and it pains me. It will be a bittersweet departure from this continent. But we're going to have a blast these last few weeks and cram in many adventures.

This Australia experience also given me the chance to do a lot of research work outside of animal well-being. I've collected blood, urine and fecal samples from more sheep than I can count. I've been able to examine a lot of relationships between swine physiology and nutrition and have learned far more about rumen fermentation than I ever dreamed.  So even though it's been over 2 years since I started my master's and I still haven't finished, I know that my Australian experience has made me a better scientist and stockwoman.

As I write this, my family is partaking in our annual pre-Thanksgiving tradition. Tomorrow, they'll sit down and bow their heads thanking our Lord for a bountiful spread (made possible by America's farmers and ranchers #thankafarmer) and make many irreplaceable memories. But I'll be ok because I know that I've had the experience of a lifetime and no one can take that away from the Ninja and I.

Lastly, I give #foodthanks this year because the Ninja says I'm a picky eater of the utmost sort. I hate to say that but he never lets me forget it. I prefer to think I'm an easy pleaser because I like plain and simple foods (no veggies - meatatarian) but apparently that's not the general consensus.

Anyway, farmers and ranchers work their butts off so that I and millions of other consumers can have a huge variety of food choices. Organic, natural, conventional - it doesn't matter what you like because they've made it all possible for the lowest cost in the world; #fact. So today while you're talking about football (gah! I just realized I'm missing the Detroit and Dallas games) and snarfing down turkey and pumpkin pie (two more things they don't have over here) don't forget to be mindful of the farmers and ranchers who made it possible.  Those top notch folks will most definitely be working on Thanksgiving to ensure that there isn't a food shortage and that you will continue to have the abundant and safe food supply of which we've become accustomed.

Happy Thanksgiving,
~ Buzzard ~

Practical People = Practical Solutions

While waiting to pick up cow manure at the Royal Melbourne Show yesterday, I was reading the newspaper. I ran across an article about farmers being upset with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for taking a more extreme stand on recent animal welfare issues in Australia. In the past, RSCPA has claimed to be the 'middle ground' but farmers have recently had their doubts. In an attempt to bring them back to that middle ground, farmers have started vying for positions within the organization.

There was a really great quote in the article that applies to animal welfare issues in the United States just as much, if not more, as it does in Australia.

"We need practical people who understand animal welfare and production agriculture. The fear is that if we're dictated to by people who don't understand producing food, we're living in the ideal world instead of the real world." -- Victorian Farmers Federation President Andrew Broad

As agriculture advocates, we need to be sure to voice our opinions and positive ideas to avoid allowing organizations such as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) from spearheading legislation that is harmful to America's hardworking farmers and ranchers.

Until next time,
~ Buzzard ~

Scientists Care Too

I recently read an article titled, "In Animal Testing Debate, Fur Still Flies." It addresses the treatment and welfare of laboratory animals like rats, monkeys, guinea pigs, dogs and many more species. Many people are opposed to animal testing because not all animals fall under animal testing policies and being a 'guinea pig' (pardon the pun) for pharmaceuticals and other products is not the most glamorous of lifestyles. The fact of the matter is that animal testing enables us to have, among other things, vaccines, antibiotics, chemotherapy, joint replacement and bypass surgeries.

I would also like to bring to light that scientists who utilize animals for laboratory research give those animals the utmost care, just like a farmer does his livestock. While here in Australia, I've had the chance to do a lot research with sheep and most recently, I helped perform fat biopsies on some crossbred ewes. The surgery was not unlike one that would occur in a regular hospital.

Each surgery used a new set of sterilized surgical equipment and lots of sterile surgical guaze.

 The area where incision will be made is shaved, then cleaned with iodine and alcohol and finally, treated with an analgesic so that the sheep won't feel any pain.

During the surgery, covers are placed around the area and the scientists and researchers wear surgical gloves so the entire process stays clean. In this picture, Hyatt is suturing the tiny incision that was made to collect the sample. After he has finished the sheep will be treated with antiseptic to ensure that no infection ensues.

Regardless of your position on animal testing, you should know that research animals receive special care and are not treated badly. Scientists and researchers care about the animals that have been entrusted to us; just like farmers and ranchers.

Until next time,

~ Buzzard ~

Science + Emotion = Effective

Many scientists, including myself, often struggle with the fact that research and sound scientific method are not sufficient evidence that agriculture and producers are doing the right thing.  In fact, some may claim that emotions and moral drives play a larger part in consumer education than science and research.  Be that as it may, producers, scientists, agvocates and the media must work together to tell ag's story.  Troy Marshall explains that idea much more convincingly, not to mention eloquently, in this recent BEEF Daily article. A bit of reading for you to ruminate.

Until next time,
~ Buzzard ~

A little funny while I'm working

Since I'm swamped this week with my thesis project, I don't have many spare brain cells to devote to original and creative posts.  I came across this joke tonight and couldn't help but share.  Gets me in the mood to keep planning for my 10 month vacay to Australia!

A Texan farmer goes to Australia for a vacation. There he meets an Aussie farmer and gets talking. The Aussie shows off his big wheat field and the Texan says, "Oh! We have wheat fields that are at least twice as large." Then they walk around the ranch a little, and the Aussie shows off his herd of cattle. The Texan immediately says, "We have longhorns that are at least twice as large as your cows." The conversation has, meanwhile, almost died when the Texan sees a herd of kangaroos hopping through the field. He asks, "And what are those?" The Aussie, fed up with the Texan's bragging replies with an incredulous look, "What, don't you have any grasshoppers in Texas?"

BAHAHAHAHAHAHA - funny wasn't it?

Until next time,
~Buzzard~

Temple Grandin on DVD

Claire Danes as Temple Grandin

For those of you who wanted to watch the HBO movie Temple Grandin on tv when it debuted in February but didn't have HBO - you problems are solved.  Temple Grandin is now available for purchase online from Amazon for $15.99. Get excited!

The movie received great reviews (see below) and has a current rating of 4.9 stars out of a possible 5. 

Hers (Temple) is a tale that could be easily be played up for drama, intrigue and weepy reconciliations, but this narrative is loyal to Ms. Grandin’s credo: emotions are secondary to tangible results. And the result is a movie that is funny, instructive and also intangibly charming.

Go out and get your copy today - I am ordering mine tomorrow (PAYDAY)!

Until next time,
~Buzzard~

5 Rules for Dealing with Activists

5 Rules for Dealing with Activists
By: Yvonne Vizzier Thaxton

Great tips for agricultural advocates!

- Don't argue; they don't want to hear what you have to say and you won't change their minds.

- Do answer questions. If there is any doubt about a practice, admit it. Remember we are constantly learning and updating our systems. This applies to both welfare and large farms.
- Make sure you are doing all that you can to care for your animals and the environment. You are not responsible for your neighbors.
- Treat vegans and vegetarians with respect there is room for them on the planet.
- Consider Kosher, Halal, Organic, free range, etc. competition just like Tyson or Pilgrim's. They are not our enemy; they are just another way of doing things.

If we all follow those simple rules, life would be much easier. We'll still have to deal with those who are determined to change us, but we won't have to be so stressed doing it.

Yvonne did a great job of summarizing what our goals should be as advocates! Let's put these tips to use.

Until next time,
~Buzzard~

"Nature is cruel but we don't have to be" - Temple Grandin

Well, I just finished watching 'Temple Grandin' and it was fabulous.  It solidified my desire to work with her on both my Master's projects and also attend CSU to pursue my PhD.  If you missed it, it will be on HBO again at 10:45.  You can look up a program schedule for the next two weeks by visiting HBO's site.

It not only tells the story of one of our industry's greatest pioneers, but it's a deeply moving and inspiring story of overcoming all odds and 'opening doors' to new challenges.  She encourages us not to be cruel like nature and since we raise cattle for our consumption we owe them some respect.  We owe it to be humane to them.  I strongly encourage all agriculturalists, producers and consumers to see it. I'm going to watch it again in an hour and a half! 

Until next time,
~Buzzard~

Rocky Mountain Experience - the first 3 days

I traveled to Fort Collins, Colorado this past week to meet with faculty at Colorado State University about a project I am doing for The Pork Board.  The two days of meetings were very informative and I learned a lot; I also learned there's a lot I don't know!

I got to the Hilton at 11 on Monday night; due to overbooking (or something like that) I was comped a king size room with two tvs couch, work desk - the works. Pardon my excitement but I felt like a celebrity.

Tuesday I met with Dr. Terry Engle, Dr. Dave Anderson, Dr. Lily Edwards - my major professor and also Dr. Bernie Rollin.  We discussed protocols, procedures and a timeline.  Looks like we won't be starting the actual trials until early May but that's ok -- I've got a lot of reading to do.

Wednesday I holed up in my exquisite room and worked on a summary of our meeting and also entered data from my first research trial.  A mere 4 hours later, I had accomplished my entire day's worth of objectives!

I didn't take many pictures while in Fort Collins but I did snap this one outside of the Dean of the College of Agriculture's office.  Makes me proud of my cowgirl/Western heritage!   More from my Colorado trip soon.

Until next time,
~Buzzard~

Importance of Science in Advocacy

Today everybody thinks they're an expert on greenhouse gas emissions, slaughtering practices and production processes.  There is a ton of information out there - some true, some not.  It's hard for consumers and producers alike to sift through the information and differentiate between fact and fiction.

That's why it's important for researchers to continue conducting scientific studies to determine what is fact and what is fiction./  If a consumer hears a piece of false information in an HSUS commercial and believes it, that consumer could tell 30 people a month about false information involving the agriculture industry.  However, if that same consumer reads an article about a recent study on safe practices, for example practices in the swine industry, their opinion can be reversed.  Sound science is and will continue to be the basis of production practices in the United States.

It is up to us to inform the media, consumers and world about our way of life.  You can help by reading a scientific magazine every month - there are several available in libraries or you can read selected articles online.  A few examples of some journals are Journal of Animal Science, The Economist, Journal of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences and the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry.  Read an article and share it with your peers; not only will you be advocating for our industry but you'll also look smart too!

Until next time,
~Buzzard~