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Friday, December 31, 2010
Monday, December 27, 2010
Jefferson Journal: NCBA 'disappointed' over food safety bill
Jefferson Journal: NCBA 'disappointed' over food safety bill: "From the National Cattlemen's Beef Association: WASHINGTON (Dec. 22, 2010) – The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Executive Dir..."
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Saving Baby Norman
Well yesterday started out as a Tuesday does for me in ky small town medical practice. See, with the three kids I take Tuesdays off now. So, my kids and I had planned to do their Christmas shopping yesterday. Their Daddy took the morning off from the farm and decided to go with us. So, as a farmers luck would have it we had three cows in standing heat that needed artificial breeding. Well, my kids made their list, and stuck to their budget getting presents for 15 family members.
After we were done, we went to the farm to take care of the cows. Once we got there, the kids practiced with the pony to the cart. And Brian and I had to go back to the barn and work with a calf I had noticed that was down. My father-in-law noticed the little fellow not acting right earlier that day and brought him into the barn, but by nightfall it was obvious he was in trouble. Now, please make sure you have the complete picture, I had dressed for a day Christmas shopping with the kids in dress blue jeans and a snow man sweater complete with Eisenberg pin, and here I am in borrowed bibbers and a borrowed Carhart coat packing a 35-45# calf out of the hay into the barn while Brian and my Father-in-law caught the cow in a squeeze shoot so we could milk her and get some nutritious milk into the calf. We ended up getting him to nurse and take a little bottle too. But it was not how I would have planned to spend an evening with our cows,but emergencies happen. I just need to figure out how to put a NG down a calf. See, cows seem to have different anatomy then people.
I'm the middle of all this, I started talking to the little calf, calling him Norman. For those of you that have seen City Slickers with Billy Crystal you will understand, and believe me even thought I grew up a vets kid in rural Tennessee there are days like last night that I wonder exactly how did I end up on my knees in cow s#@$ trying to save a cow named Norman,.when I would normally be home wrapping Christmas.
Being a farmers wife is great, you just need to remember to always pack your muck boots and warm clothes, you never know what you will end up doing.
Norman was better today. Able to nurse on his own, maybe he will make it. For now he is warm and safe in our barn with his Momma.
After we were done, we went to the farm to take care of the cows. Once we got there, the kids practiced with the pony to the cart. And Brian and I had to go back to the barn and work with a calf I had noticed that was down. My father-in-law noticed the little fellow not acting right earlier that day and brought him into the barn, but by nightfall it was obvious he was in trouble. Now, please make sure you have the complete picture, I had dressed for a day Christmas shopping with the kids in dress blue jeans and a snow man sweater complete with Eisenberg pin, and here I am in borrowed bibbers and a borrowed Carhart coat packing a 35-45# calf out of the hay into the barn while Brian and my Father-in-law caught the cow in a squeeze shoot so we could milk her and get some nutritious milk into the calf. We ended up getting him to nurse and take a little bottle too. But it was not how I would have planned to spend an evening with our cows,but emergencies happen. I just need to figure out how to put a NG down a calf. See, cows seem to have different anatomy then people.
I'm the middle of all this, I started talking to the little calf, calling him Norman. For those of you that have seen City Slickers with Billy Crystal you will understand, and believe me even thought I grew up a vets kid in rural Tennessee there are days like last night that I wonder exactly how did I end up on my knees in cow s#@$ trying to save a cow named Norman,.when I would normally be home wrapping Christmas.
Being a farmers wife is great, you just need to remember to always pack your muck boots and warm clothes, you never know what you will end up doing.
Norman was better today. Able to nurse on his own, maybe he will make it. For now he is warm and safe in our barn with his Momma.
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Friday, December 17, 2010
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Better than I was and More than I am...
I have had a few days to think about what I wanted to write in this blog next, but I was listening to a Tim Mcgraw song that played at my wedding and I just knew what I had to write about. See, I am more than I was before I met Brian and I want to try to explain that.
I was blessed to be able to represent my county at this years Young Farmers and Ranchers State Convention in Franklin, TN, at the Outstanding Young Women's Competition. And I was even more blessed to do pretty well. I won for District 4 in our state and was up against some really outstanding awesome young women, but I would have never been there if not for my husband. The ladies that interviewed me really got me thinking about writing this on my blog too... it was on of my questions - what do I think that I have gotten the most out of YF&R? (or something close to that - I was a little nervous...) My answer is easy - my relationships with the great people that I have met and my love of all forms of American Agriculture.
When I met Brian, I was a senior in college bound for medical school. Yes, I had grown up on a farm and a daughter and granddaughter of vets, but agriculture never got a passing though in my head. And even worse, I tended to be a "organic food snob". Then came Physics class and a tall drink of water that was nicknamed "Fred" and I just knew I could not date a Fred but I found out from the professor that his name was Brian and I could date a Brian. Time passes, and we dated. He suffered through speeches about how I did not need a man, about how I was to be independent, and other such dribble drabble... And still he kept hanging on. One year and three months latter, we got married. And have been married going on 14 years and three kids worth.
But getting back to why I am passionate about agriculture and why I feel it is a blessing in my life... We had made it through medical school, with Brian working a full time job, and often driving home 2 hrs to bale hay or work cattle. Then through 3 years of residency, Brian still with a full time job and still with managing the farm - I did at least have the common decency to pick a medical school and residency close to the family farm, and then we moved home. Finally after much prodding, I went with Brian to a Young Farmers and Ranchers Fall Tour here in TN. It was the best decision that I have ever made about a trip. I met the nicest people, and made friends and even got elected to the state committee. Brian and I became active at the county, district and state level in farm bureau and YF&R. The more that I have learned about agriculture the more I have learned that this is a group of people and a cause and a way of life that I want to help fight to preserve. These people care not only about our farms, but our land, and our food.
I know it sounds trite but if you eat thank a farmer and I thank God every night that he gave me mine. Because without Brian I would never have become the person that I am. I have been blessed to be better than I was and more than I am every day that I get to spend in his world. And it is a nice break from mine. Don't get me wrong - I love medicine - always have and always will... but there is a certain grace and beauty in the American Farmer's Love of his land and his animals.
I was blessed to be able to represent my county at this years Young Farmers and Ranchers State Convention in Franklin, TN, at the Outstanding Young Women's Competition. And I was even more blessed to do pretty well. I won for District 4 in our state and was up against some really outstanding awesome young women, but I would have never been there if not for my husband. The ladies that interviewed me really got me thinking about writing this on my blog too... it was on of my questions - what do I think that I have gotten the most out of YF&R? (or something close to that - I was a little nervous...) My answer is easy - my relationships with the great people that I have met and my love of all forms of American Agriculture.
When I met Brian, I was a senior in college bound for medical school. Yes, I had grown up on a farm and a daughter and granddaughter of vets, but agriculture never got a passing though in my head. And even worse, I tended to be a "organic food snob". Then came Physics class and a tall drink of water that was nicknamed "Fred" and I just knew I could not date a Fred but I found out from the professor that his name was Brian and I could date a Brian. Time passes, and we dated. He suffered through speeches about how I did not need a man, about how I was to be independent, and other such dribble drabble... And still he kept hanging on. One year and three months latter, we got married. And have been married going on 14 years and three kids worth.
But getting back to why I am passionate about agriculture and why I feel it is a blessing in my life... We had made it through medical school, with Brian working a full time job, and often driving home 2 hrs to bale hay or work cattle. Then through 3 years of residency, Brian still with a full time job and still with managing the farm - I did at least have the common decency to pick a medical school and residency close to the family farm, and then we moved home. Finally after much prodding, I went with Brian to a Young Farmers and Ranchers Fall Tour here in TN. It was the best decision that I have ever made about a trip. I met the nicest people, and made friends and even got elected to the state committee. Brian and I became active at the county, district and state level in farm bureau and YF&R. The more that I have learned about agriculture the more I have learned that this is a group of people and a cause and a way of life that I want to help fight to preserve. These people care not only about our farms, but our land, and our food.
I know it sounds trite but if you eat thank a farmer and I thank God every night that he gave me mine. Because without Brian I would never have become the person that I am. I have been blessed to be better than I was and more than I am every day that I get to spend in his world. And it is a nice break from mine. Don't get me wrong - I love medicine - always have and always will... but there is a certain grace and beauty in the American Farmer's Love of his land and his animals.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Sunday, December 5, 2010
One Hungry Planet
Been at Tennessee Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers meeting and found this information for all my nonfarmer friends about how important farming is to our Country. This quick video is full of facts about agriculture.
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Saturday, December 4, 2010
A long day
Well, its been a day. I am lying here watching Sherlock Holmes with Brian and am happy with the day. I made it into the top ten in our state for outstanding young women's competition and now I am just going to have fun with the discussion meet.
I got to talk to a great panel of three judges from Farm bureau about why I have so fallen in love with agriculture and the people involved in it. It was fun to explain how I ended up in this role of Agvocate and rural family doctor.
Then Brian took me to Carabas for diner - braised beef short ribs and a nice Shiraz from Argentina make me happy that there are farmers in this world.
Night Night...
I got to talk to a great panel of three judges from Farm bureau about why I have so fallen in love with agriculture and the people involved in it. It was fun to explain how I ended up in this role of Agvocate and rural family doctor.
Then Brian took me to Carabas for diner - braised beef short ribs and a nice Shiraz from Argentina make me happy that there are farmers in this world.
Night Night...
First sound bites from Congress Senate Ag Committee about 2012 Farm Bill
Farm Bill Statement from the Senate Agriculture Committee Chair
Opening Statement of the Honorable Blanche L. Lincoln, Chairman
Hearing on Expanding Our Food and Fiber Supply through
a Strong U.S. Farm Policy
June 30, 2010
"Good morning, the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry will now come to order.
"This is the first in a series of hearings to help this Committee prepare for the next farm bill. We will be taking an inventory of what we have and ensuring that it is working properly, but doing so with our eye on the future of farm policy.
"I want to thank my very good friend, Senator Chambliss, for helping me organize this hearing; for being a great partner on this Committee; and for being a steadfast advocate for our nation's farmers and ranchers. America's producers are blessed to have such a great friend in their corner.
"I also want to thank my other distinguished colleagues for their attendance today and for all the work that they do on behalf of rural America. This has always been a bipartisan Committee where we put problem-solving and people above partisan politics.
"We are privileged to have some excellent witnesses today. I very much appreciate Secretary Vilsack, Dow Brantley from my home State of Arkansas, and all of our witnesses for being here to offer their unique perspectives. I look forward to hearing from each of you.
"I am honored to be the first Arkansan to serve as Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee. Agriculture provides a job for 1 out of every 4 Arkansans… and contributes more than $15 billion each year to my state's economy.
"I expect that each and every one of my colleagues around this table has a similar story to tell about the importance of agriculture to their State's economy and jobs, both on and off of the farm.
"Of course, the farm bill is one of the most important pieces of legislation that Congress considers on behalf of rural America and our nation's farmers and ranchers.
"In the 2008 Farm Bill, we made some significant new investments in nutrition, energy, conservation, rural development and other priorities while maintaining the integrity of the farm safety net.
"In the next Congress, we will be writing the 2012 farm bill. In this process, we will have the opportunity to build on the good things that we have accomplished.
"This first hearing will focus on how well the current safety net is working for our nation's farmers and ranchers. As we begin our discussion, I want to share five points that will guide me when deliberating the next Farm Bill.
"First, I am proud of our farmers and ranchers. They work hard. They put food on our table, clothes on our back, and fuel in our cars and trucks. But, today, our farmers and ranchers not only have to cope with unpredictable weather and unfair global markets, but they must also suffer from abuse on TV and in the newspapers from folks who really ought to know better than to bite the hand that feeds them. Our nation's farmers and ranchers need to know that they will never have to apologize to this Chairman or this Committee. We appreciate the work you do every day and we are on your side.
"Second, these Farm Bill deliberations should not be a Washington command-and-control, top-to-bottom approach to policy. President Reagan used to say that ordinary people see things that work in principle and wonder if they work in practice, but economists see things that work in practice and wonder if they work in principle. In the same way, we in Washington may know what policies work in principle. But, it is our farmers and ranchers who know what works on the ground. The good Lord gave us two ears and one mouth. So, it is important that we use them in that proportion. And, it is also vitally important that the safety net features of the 2012 Farm Bill come from the kitchen tables of places like Stuttgart, Arkansas and Cando, North Dakota rather than tables like this one.
"Third, we need to look before we leap. More than anything else, I think most American farm and ranch families simply want steady, predictable, supportive policies coming out of Washington… and for us to otherwise get out of their way. Huge policy fluctuations, mixed signals coming out of Washington, and the uncertainty that these things create make it very difficult for our producers to compete, invest, and plan for the future. So, rather than start from scratch or from some new fangled idea cooked up in Washington or in some college professor's office, we need to reassure our farmers and ranchers that we will start where we left off: the 2008 Farm Bill. If we can do better by our producers in 2012, great. But, if not, current law serves as the benchmark from which we will work.
"Fourth, we need to get more creative. The safety net provided under the 2008 Farm Bill is not perfect. It can and should be strengthened. But Congress does not even have to wait for 2012 for that to happen. In fact, Congress does not even have to act. For instance, back in 2000, Congress provided USDA with very broad authority to develop and approve new tools to help producers of all crops and from all regions better manage price, production, and revenue risks. We need to use this and other authorities to their absolute fullest. For example, if we could get every farmer in this country to 85% revenue insurance that is affordable, we would go a long way in filling the holes of the current safety net. I know my rice farmers are working toward this goal and I suspect farmers from other States are doing the same thing. Let's make it happen.
"Finally, I was reading an article the other day about the OECD and rethinking its objective to move away from promoting policies that discourage food and fiber production toward policies that help us meet the needs of a planet that will one day in the not too distant future host 9 billion people. I believe that this consideration needs to be our overarching objective as well. Too often, it takes a crisis to remind us of the essentials in life, basic as they may be. But I do not believe it is wise for us to wait for a crisis to value our domestic food and fiber production.
"Mike Rowe, the host of the popular TV program, "Dirty Jobs," had this to say about the importance of production agriculture: "All jobs rely on one of two industries—mining and agriculture. Every tangible thing our society needs is either pulled from the ground, or grown from the ground. Without these fundamental industries there would be no jobs of any kind. There would be no economy. Civilization begins with miners and farmers, and polite society is only possible when skilled workers transform those raw materials into something useful or edible."
"It is from this perspective that I will approach the 2012 farm bill.
"Again, I look forward to hearing from Secretary Vilsack and all of our distinguished witnesses, and I now yield to my good friend, Senator Chambliss, for any opening remarks he may have."
Opening Statement of the Honorable Blanche L. Lincoln, Chairman
Hearing on Expanding Our Food and Fiber Supply through
a Strong U.S. Farm Policy
June 30, 2010
"Good morning, the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry will now come to order.
"This is the first in a series of hearings to help this Committee prepare for the next farm bill. We will be taking an inventory of what we have and ensuring that it is working properly, but doing so with our eye on the future of farm policy.
"I want to thank my very good friend, Senator Chambliss, for helping me organize this hearing; for being a great partner on this Committee; and for being a steadfast advocate for our nation's farmers and ranchers. America's producers are blessed to have such a great friend in their corner.
"I also want to thank my other distinguished colleagues for their attendance today and for all the work that they do on behalf of rural America. This has always been a bipartisan Committee where we put problem-solving and people above partisan politics.
"We are privileged to have some excellent witnesses today. I very much appreciate Secretary Vilsack, Dow Brantley from my home State of Arkansas, and all of our witnesses for being here to offer their unique perspectives. I look forward to hearing from each of you.
"I am honored to be the first Arkansan to serve as Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee. Agriculture provides a job for 1 out of every 4 Arkansans… and contributes more than $15 billion each year to my state's economy.
"I expect that each and every one of my colleagues around this table has a similar story to tell about the importance of agriculture to their State's economy and jobs, both on and off of the farm.
"Of course, the farm bill is one of the most important pieces of legislation that Congress considers on behalf of rural America and our nation's farmers and ranchers.
"In the 2008 Farm Bill, we made some significant new investments in nutrition, energy, conservation, rural development and other priorities while maintaining the integrity of the farm safety net.
"In the next Congress, we will be writing the 2012 farm bill. In this process, we will have the opportunity to build on the good things that we have accomplished.
"This first hearing will focus on how well the current safety net is working for our nation's farmers and ranchers. As we begin our discussion, I want to share five points that will guide me when deliberating the next Farm Bill.
"First, I am proud of our farmers and ranchers. They work hard. They put food on our table, clothes on our back, and fuel in our cars and trucks. But, today, our farmers and ranchers not only have to cope with unpredictable weather and unfair global markets, but they must also suffer from abuse on TV and in the newspapers from folks who really ought to know better than to bite the hand that feeds them. Our nation's farmers and ranchers need to know that they will never have to apologize to this Chairman or this Committee. We appreciate the work you do every day and we are on your side.
"Second, these Farm Bill deliberations should not be a Washington command-and-control, top-to-bottom approach to policy. President Reagan used to say that ordinary people see things that work in principle and wonder if they work in practice, but economists see things that work in practice and wonder if they work in principle. In the same way, we in Washington may know what policies work in principle. But, it is our farmers and ranchers who know what works on the ground. The good Lord gave us two ears and one mouth. So, it is important that we use them in that proportion. And, it is also vitally important that the safety net features of the 2012 Farm Bill come from the kitchen tables of places like Stuttgart, Arkansas and Cando, North Dakota rather than tables like this one.
"Third, we need to look before we leap. More than anything else, I think most American farm and ranch families simply want steady, predictable, supportive policies coming out of Washington… and for us to otherwise get out of their way. Huge policy fluctuations, mixed signals coming out of Washington, and the uncertainty that these things create make it very difficult for our producers to compete, invest, and plan for the future. So, rather than start from scratch or from some new fangled idea cooked up in Washington or in some college professor's office, we need to reassure our farmers and ranchers that we will start where we left off: the 2008 Farm Bill. If we can do better by our producers in 2012, great. But, if not, current law serves as the benchmark from which we will work.
"Fourth, we need to get more creative. The safety net provided under the 2008 Farm Bill is not perfect. It can and should be strengthened. But Congress does not even have to wait for 2012 for that to happen. In fact, Congress does not even have to act. For instance, back in 2000, Congress provided USDA with very broad authority to develop and approve new tools to help producers of all crops and from all regions better manage price, production, and revenue risks. We need to use this and other authorities to their absolute fullest. For example, if we could get every farmer in this country to 85% revenue insurance that is affordable, we would go a long way in filling the holes of the current safety net. I know my rice farmers are working toward this goal and I suspect farmers from other States are doing the same thing. Let's make it happen.
"Finally, I was reading an article the other day about the OECD and rethinking its objective to move away from promoting policies that discourage food and fiber production toward policies that help us meet the needs of a planet that will one day in the not too distant future host 9 billion people. I believe that this consideration needs to be our overarching objective as well. Too often, it takes a crisis to remind us of the essentials in life, basic as they may be. But I do not believe it is wise for us to wait for a crisis to value our domestic food and fiber production.
"Mike Rowe, the host of the popular TV program, "Dirty Jobs," had this to say about the importance of production agriculture: "All jobs rely on one of two industries—mining and agriculture. Every tangible thing our society needs is either pulled from the ground, or grown from the ground. Without these fundamental industries there would be no jobs of any kind. There would be no economy. Civilization begins with miners and farmers, and polite society is only possible when skilled workers transform those raw materials into something useful or edible."
"It is from this perspective that I will approach the 2012 farm bill.
"Again, I look forward to hearing from Secretary Vilsack and all of our distinguished witnesses, and I now yield to my good friend, Senator Chambliss, for any opening remarks he may have."
Rushing Rushing
Been a Crazing Morning at the McLerran house. Why is there always so much to do in December and so littl etime to get it all done?
This morning Hubby and I are off to the Tennessee Young Farmers and Ranchers Year End Convention and I am competing in the Outstanding Young Women Competetion and the Excellence In Ag - this year the Excellence will be just for fun with my friends cause I thought that someone else from our County was going to compete and alas they didn't so for county honor here goes nothing. Cause with my work load and deciding oh last week to enter, I have NOT preped enough for this...
And so we have to pack three little people to get them ready for various outings. The girls are off with My Mom at 2 to go to the Celina Christmas parade adn ride in the Girl Scout Troop 1035 Float - which I am missing... and Cord is off to my GrandPa's house to be spoiled by Pa Bob and Ma Linda and play with now 18 week old Bentley - their Maltese Puppy.
I am truely blessed to have such a GREAT supportative family.
Well, Here goes nothing...
This morning Hubby and I are off to the Tennessee Young Farmers and Ranchers Year End Convention and I am competing in the Outstanding Young Women Competetion and the Excellence In Ag - this year the Excellence will be just for fun with my friends cause I thought that someone else from our County was going to compete and alas they didn't so for county honor here goes nothing. Cause with my work load and deciding oh last week to enter, I have NOT preped enough for this...
And so we have to pack three little people to get them ready for various outings. The girls are off with My Mom at 2 to go to the Celina Christmas parade adn ride in the Girl Scout Troop 1035 Float - which I am missing... and Cord is off to my GrandPa's house to be spoiled by Pa Bob and Ma Linda and play with now 18 week old Bentley - their Maltese Puppy.
I am truely blessed to have such a GREAT supportative family.
Well, Here goes nothing...
Friday, December 3, 2010
Washington Examiner expose on HSUS... a must read
The Humane Society of the United States is not what you think | Washington Examiner
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Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Learning a bit for YF&R Discussion meet
That's right, as if I don't have enough to do this week. In between getting two girl scouts ready for a Christmas parade, one with a fever no less. Potty training a stubborn two and a half year old, delivering the fruit that the Kindergartner sold for a school project, the 7 am Pharmacy and Therapeutic Committee meeting today along with rounds before work and the 7 AM Medical Executive Board Meeting on Friday... I thought It would be fun to fit in a little friendly competition in the Outstanding young women's and the discussion meet.
I admit I love the discussion meet. It was what drew me into my husband's world of agriculture and may me become so passionate about the issues that face the American Farmer. Before my first competition, I honestly thought that "organic" was the only way to eat - never thinking about the environmental impact of that type of farming for large scale production. I never thought about government food regulations, or water regulations. I never realized that most Americans are 4-5 generations removed from a family farm.
I found a great website tonight about maintaining your and my food choices in this country. I have Followed them on Twitter and Liked them on Facebook and hope you will do the same. We as Americans may not like or understand each others food choices - I still don't get veggie burgers - but the great abiding joy of being an America is that I don't have to get it... We have the choice to eat what we like how we like... so Choose2Choose America...
I admit I love the discussion meet. It was what drew me into my husband's world of agriculture and may me become so passionate about the issues that face the American Farmer. Before my first competition, I honestly thought that "organic" was the only way to eat - never thinking about the environmental impact of that type of farming for large scale production. I never thought about government food regulations, or water regulations. I never realized that most Americans are 4-5 generations removed from a family farm.
I found a great website tonight about maintaining your and my food choices in this country. I have Followed them on Twitter and Liked them on Facebook and hope you will do the same. We as Americans may not like or understand each others food choices - I still don't get veggie burgers - but the great abiding joy of being an America is that I don't have to get it... We have the choice to eat what we like how we like... so Choose2Choose America...
social media info for fellow agriculturist
Ag & Social Media - Cause Matters
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