Thanksgiving Safety 101

The holidays are upon us! The next six weeks are full of food, celebrations, family and fun. However, speaking from experience, food poisoning and several hours spent in misery are NOT the way you want to spend family time. Here is a great infographic from www.fightbac.org that preaches food safety as you shop, prepare and serve your Thanksgiving and holiday meals!



Food safety during the holidays for shopping, preparing, storing and serving your goodies. Click to enlarge - source

Wherever you are and however you choose to celebrate, be mindful of those who raised, harvested and prepared the food you are sharing with your family and friends.

And, while you're thanking people keep in mind those members of society who will be working on the Thanksgiving holiday:

• law enforcement
• firemen and women
• shop clerks
• restaurant servers
• turnpike operators
• 911 operators
• medical professionals

I'm sure there are many more but it's pertinent to remember that farmers aren't the only ones working hard to make the world go round and it sure would be bleak without them.

This year, and every day, I'm thankful for a supportive husband and family, a heaping passel of friends, my health, my amazing job [and fantastic colleagues] and a burning passion for agriculture.

Blessings to you and yours.

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 ~

The Facts on Food Day 2011

Friend or foe?

First off, let me say that I applaud an initiative that seeks to narrow the gap between rural producers and urban consumers. That is the whole point of advocacy and a national day that recognizes global hunger, environmental sustainability and the continued humane production of livestock is a giant step in the right direction. Food Day, which is today, is striving to do that through the following six principles:


1. Reduce diet-related disease by promoting safe, healthy foods
2. Support sustainable farms and limit subsidies to big-agribusiness
3. Expand access to food and alleviate hunger
4. Protect the environment and animals by reforming factory farms
5. Promote health by curbing junk-food marketing to kids
6. Support fair conditions for food and farm workers

All of these principles are written with good intentions and I agree with most of them. However, does anyone else have a problem with the wording used?

Alarms are sounding with #4 at the mention of "reforming factory farms." I wholeheartedly agree with protecting the environment and animals, however, the negative connotations that accompany 'factory farming' are counterproductive to this initiative. I won't list here what the Food Day website is touting because it was just another form of propaganda that will serve as a poor influence to consumers who want the truth. However, if you wish to read it for yourself here is the direct link to the six initiatives.

The truth is that farmers and ranchers practice humane methods in raising livestock 24/7/365. Food Day is everyday to the rural American producer and they don't need a declaration from Washington to tell them so.

I'm not the only person who thinks #2 and #4 are whack - check out this piece from Drover's CattleNetwork. Additionally, the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance doesn't fully condone the #4 "as all farms, large and small, should keep animals healthy... Large does not mean bad."

My final issue lies with the partners in Food Day - there are about 60+ and they range from state organizations like The California Endowment, to health organizations such as National Association for Health and Fitness. But the partners who really caught my eye were:
- Farm Animal Rights Movement - www.farmusa.org - they self proclaim, "national nonprofit organization working to end the use of animals for food through public education and grassroots activism." They are also behind meatout.org.
- Humane Society of the United States - www.hsus.org - I don't think I have to inform you of their goals.

Additionally - Michael Pollan, author and self-proclaimed food expert and Wayne Pacelle, President of HSUS, are on the Food Day Advisory Board.

Now, obviously Food Day isn't out to abolish animal agriculture and I'm not saying that's their goal. This is just my gentle reminder that you can't always judge a book by its cover. Unless it's The Hobbit and then you can go ahead and judge away because that book is fabulous!

If you want to learn true facts about food production and connect with the people who produce it, head on over to www.realfarmersrealfood.com or ask a producer.

I hope that you will treat every day as a real Food Day, by thanking farmers and ranchers when you have the chance. Don't fall for misinformation just because it is nationally recognized. Take the time to suss out the info on your own and ask questions - don't fall for a wolf in sheep's clothing.

Until next time - thank a farmer!
~ Buzzard~

People Other People Don't Think About

Farmers and Ranchers

Megan H., a Michigan middle school student, was faced with the task of writing a letter to a group of people that don’t receive much attention from the rest of society.  Megan, bless her little heart, chose the Michigan Farm Bureau.

Have a look at Megan’s simple but extremely heartfelt words. Not driven by corporate schemes, profit margins or an animal rights agenda, her thoughts were that of a thankful consumer who truly appreciates the daily triumphs and tribulations of American farmers.

(I have copied Megan’s letter exactly as she wrote it).

Dear farmers,

               Thank you for everything, that you do. It must be hard to wake up each morning and work in fields, or taking care of animals. You must be tired after a whole day of working and you work mostly for food for US! Thank you again for all of your hard work. Without your hard work the world would not be the same. Our class is writing to people who we think that other people don’t think about. I choose to write to the Michigan Farm Bureau.

 Sinserly,

Megan H.

To hear the narrated version of Megan’s letter to Michigan Farm Bureau, click here.

Until next time,

~ Buzzard ~

Shouldn't Need Another Reason to Thank a Farmer but I'll Give Ya One

Today is Give Thanks to Agriculture day so I thought it would be appropriate to shine light on one of MANY reasons why I'm thankful for American farmers and ranchers. Never before in my life have I been more thankful for American farmers and ranchers and all they do as I am now. American's have the luxury of extremely low food prices - in fact, we spend less than 10% of our disposable income on food. Indian families (in Asia) spend roughly 50% of their income on food and Japanese families spend about 20% of their income on food annually. We have it pretty easy in the good ole U.S. of A. Over here in Australia foods like pork, beef, apples and butter are twice the price as the states'.

An affordable, safe and wholesome food supply is continually made possible because of the willingness of our farmers and ranchers to adopt new production methods, their devotion to working long, tiresome hours and their never quit attitudes. So if you haven't already done it today - please, go Thank a farmer or rancher and be grateful for the industry that feeds the world. I guarantee they'll appreciate your kind words.

Until next time
~ Buzzard ~

Superbowl Snackdown

(No, this wasn't served at any party I attended. Dang it)

FroBuzz attended a nearby Superbowl party and didn't want to show up empty handed so 'we' (meaning 'I') had to drum something up.  Hyatt suggested these but I thought they sounded kind of plain so I gave them my own twist. Below is the recipe I concocted (warning: Buzzard's don't measure anything so don't be upset at some of my measurments).

What you'll need:
1 lb. hamburger
1 lb. pork sausage
Salt & pepper
Italian seasoning
Garlic salt
Hot, pepper cheese - enough to melt and hold meat together
Colby - Jack cheese - enough to melt and hold meat together
Cracked Pepper and Olive Oil Triscuits
Original Triscuits

Directions:
1. In one skillet brown hamburger; in another skillet brown sausage. Season each with salt, pepper and italian seasoning to taste. Drain.
2. Combine 1/2 of each meat with 1/2 of the other so that you have two pans with 1 lb of meat in each.
3. While on medium heat, in one pan add enough Colby-Jack cheese to bind all the meat together.  I used ~ 3/4 of a regular sized block of cheese. Allow cheese to melt and keep stirring meat until it creates a hot, melty mess.  Sprinkle with garlic salt to taste.  Spoon  ~ 1" meat clump on to Original Triscuits while warm.
4. Repeat step 3 for the other meat mixture, except using hot pepper cheese and the Cracked Pepper and Olive Oil Triscuits.  Do not use garlic salt in this mixture, the pepper cheese and fancy triscuits are plenty of flavor.
Refrigerate until time to eat. To rewarm (because you can't eat them cold, duh) place in 350 degree oven for about 10 minutes OR microwave a plate of 10 for about 30 seconds. Your choice.

Makes about 80 snacks.

They aren't fancy to look at, so I don't have a picture but they sure disappeared quick! Not only were they delicious but they were made with wholesome beef, pork and cheese produced right here in the good ole U.S. of A.  Thanks to America's farmers and ranchers for providing such tasty ingredients!

I also made a football cake but due to the fact that I didn't have enough red food coloring, the cake looked pea green. I do NOT have a picture of that, sorry.

Until next time,
~ Buzzard ~

#Foodthanks this year

This year, I'm spending Thanksgiving in Ohio with the Ninja and his family.  It's been great to get back on the farm and do chores, feed animals and go four-wheeling in the woods.  I've missed that experience during my tenure at K-State.  Anyway, for those of you on Twitter, the theme of the past few weeks among many food and ag people is #foodthanks -- thanking those people who are key in producing our nation's food from farm to fork.

Everyday, I'm thankful for the farmer's who feed these guys:

and those who grow and harvest these:

So I can enjoy a spread like this!

If you are a food producer - thank you for your neverending hard work.  You are appreciated!

Have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving!

Until next time,

~Buzzard~

Doing Chores..... in a wedding dress!?!?

This post is prompted the fact that the FroBuzz wedding is exactly two months away - cripes.  This morning I was sitting in my future in-laws kitchen thinking about wedding plans and remembering what other friends had done at their weddings.  All of a sudden I remember waiting for my good friend Bailey to arrive at her reception for what I thought was a lengthy amount of time.  Wanna know why the guests had to wait for the bride and groom to make their long awaited appearance?  They had left the wedding and gone straight home so they could feed their cattle and horses..... while still wearing their dress and tux!!

Unfortunately, I don't have a picture of this event however, just imagine a bride and groom walking around in the mud feeding cattle and horses while their wedding reception and guests anxiously await them.  That's dedication and a pretty damn good example of how farmers and ranchers NEVER take a day off - not even on their wedding day. This week, please take time to thank a farmer for providing us with a safe and abundant food supply.

Until next time,
~Buzzard~

I'm Ag Thankful

Hi readers - today I am featured on Ryan Goodman's (@AR_ranchhand on Twitter) blog Agriculture Proud.  Ryan is running a month long feature called 'Ag Thankful' focused on the many ways agriculturalists are blessed. 

Any opinions on what I should be thankful for?  Please visit Ryan's blog and read what I, and many other aggies, have to be thankful for.  Leave us some comment love!

Until next time

~Buzzard~

The Real Survivors: America's Farmers and Ranchers

I heard a great song last night on the radio when I was driving back to MHK from beautiful SEK - it's called "Real" and it's sung by newcomer James Wesley.  Check it out here - SUCH  a good song!



I'm getting married in 3 months so the first chorus about a couple being married for 57 years tugs at my heart but the second verse and chorus are purely written in tribute to America's farmers and ranchers - specifically it calls them 'survivors'.  Today's reality shows don't depict the real American way of life.  In fact, reality TV shows couldn't be more far off from the daily grind of being a farmer.  Wesley sounds like he may have logged a few hours in a tractor.....

And the survivors are farmers in John Deere hats

Our amazin' race is beatin' the check
Prayin' that the bank ain't ran it through yet


Real, like too much rain fallin' from the sky
Real, like the drought that came around here last July
It's the damn boll weevils and the market and the weeds, the prayer they're sayin' when they plant the seeds
And the chance they take to bring us our next meal

          I call that real

I love it when celebrities recognize how hard farmers and ranchers work to put safe, affordable food on our tables.  I can't wait to see what Mr. Wesley releases next.

Until next time,
~Buzzard~

‘Farm Grown’ Soup?!

Yesterday, while watching the Chiefs dominate the 49er’s, a Campbell’s soup commercial highlighted their ‘farm grown ingredients’. Wow – I can buy soup that contains farm grown ingredients?!?! Where do I shop to do that? Answer: at any grocery store in any state because ALL vegetables, fruits, grains and meat products are farm grown.

I’m sure Campbell’s thought that ‘farm grown’ indicated ‘family farm grown’ but even that definition can be severely misconstrued. Ninety-eight percent of American farms are family owned and operated. Period. From the 40 acre small family farm to the 6,000 head family owned feedlot – 98% are family farms.

I think it’s important to highlight farm facts when addressing the public and non-producers. Supporting local farmers by purchasing produce at farmer’s markets is a great way to support your community. Buying soup from a company that suggests that “not all vegetables are created equal” is misguided support. ALL FOOD IS GROWN ON A FARM. Don’t pay more for a gimmick – spend your money on wholesome and healthy food.
That being said, I really love Campbell’s Chicken Noodle soup and can’t wait until a good frost so I can pop open a can for lunch.

Until next time,
~Buzzard~

Proud to be a Redneck

I'm from the backhills of southeast Kansas - and damn proud of it. I grew up going mudding, wearing camo, attending bonfire parties in pastures, swimming in the horse tank and watching tractor pulls & demo derbys (and loving them). In addition to those 'ignorant' activities, I helped my family raise and train horses and care for the small 'herds' of show string livestock.  Calling me a redneck isn't an insult but saying that you're better than I am is.

Bryan Monell, animal activist who specializes in undercover efforts, proclaimed that "Those people are rednecks," in reference to all people work with animals AND "we are superior." Wow, if you want to fire up a bunch of agriculturalists who already despise you and your efforts, no better way to do it than saying that you're better than the people who raise and produce our nation's foodsupply.  Now, I already told you that I don't mind being called a redneck and that I'm proud of it.  But I looked up 'redneck', and Google's definition reads:

An uneducated, unsophisticated, or poor person, typically used to describe residents (of either gender) of the rural US.

Now, I'm definitely of 'either gender' and am from the rural U.S. and am sure as hell poor - but by God, I'm not unsophisticated or uneducated.  Good thing Mr. Monell wasn't in rural Kansas at a farmer-laden coffee shop when he said that, he might have wound up in the hospital instead of jail (where he currently resides until his court date in September regarding an 'incident' in California at a circus). 

Why is it that activists continually insult our nation's farmers and ranchers and then continually eat the food those same farmers and ranchers produce?  Major slap in the face to our producers.  We should all be thanking our farmers every day for providing us with a very safe and healthy (not to mention affordable) food supply that we can count on year round.  Mr. Monell may be winning the name-calling battle, but all he has really achieved is ticking off farmers, ranchers and agvocates around the nation. Especially since his slander was written in a recent http://www.cattlenetwork.com/ article.

In closing, I've included some words of wisdom for agvocates and producers: 

1. Be the bigger person -- don't resort to name calling.

2. Use insults to fuel your agvocacy passion - I'm so ticked off right now that I can't wait to get to the grocery store and spill my agriculture guts to some unsuspecting shopper.

3. Tell your story -- utilize twitter, facebook, blogs, snail mail, telephone, word of mouth, the coffee shop - let consumers in on how you care about the land and animals that contribute to our food supply.

4. THANK A FARMER! 

Until next time,

~Buzzard~

p.s. - that link to Bryan Monell's court case is not my opinion of how the incident occurred but it gives you a more detailed description of what happened than I can provide.  I'm sure he wasn't 'innocently and peacefully' protesting a circus.