Smith-Lever Funding on the Table

Were you a 4-H member? How about part of the Master Gardener program? Ever called your local extension agent? Or searched the internet on basic animal questions? Well, the federal funding for these programs is on the table. The Smith-Lever funding is the federal match to state and local funding sources for Extension Service.

It is sad that Congress would even consider cutting such a valuable program that helps take research and scientific data back to producers, consumers, and kids alike. This funding has been in effect since, 1914. The original act was to "aid in diffusing among the people practical and useful information on agriculture and home economics alike." This has since been amended to "to enable people to improve their lives and communities alike through learning parternerships and put knowledge to work".

It is a big mission statement but extension educators all across the country to try to improve peoples' lives and communities through their knowledge and disseminating practical research. If you agree that exentsion is a viable part of the community~ send a letter to your Congressmen and women.

The WHY

This picture is not from SATURDAY.

On Saturday as I was getting my long underwear, jeans, wool socks, sweater, sweatshirt, and the complete carhartt outer garment layer on, I thought to myself- WHY am I doing this? It was a measly 8 below zero, my kitchen water was frozen, and I was getting ready to go chop ice for the horses and cows. The house water could wait, I had made coffee the night before.

Off we went to feed cows and horses, on the way the car broke down~ Some bearing on the alternator went out. UGH! Talk about timing. So, once again~ WHY am I doing this? I could have stayed home, worked on the house water and made myself comfortable in front of the stove but... No, I was out feeding cows in a pick-up which only the defroster works, you have to roll down the window to open the door, and the passenger side door has no handle. Did I mention, all of this is with an 18 month old?

I could give you all the scientific reasons cows and horses need fed but it wouldn't make much difference would it. I do it because I love seeing baby calves bucking around in the snow once they get warmed up. I do it because I know, I can go to a neighbor to get water but the animals have to/should stay in the pasture they are in for their water. I do it because I love livestock. Even knowing the circle of life~ I feed you now, you feed me later.

Cynical? Maybe.

Currently, there seems to be an upward trend of Ag people getting actively involved in legislation, advocacy, and technology. I hope a few minor victories will not let us feel like we can sit on our laurels. We need to keep submerged in issues that affect our livelihoods, traditions, and way of life.

Oregon SB613 is currently being laid to rest but legislators have until April 23 to make a final decision on the fate of the ill-written bill. People in Missouri are currently fighting their proposition dealing with dogs and breeding with increasing support. But I haven't heard much on from Washington State on the "egg legislation" nor has their been much about Nebraska lately.

Keep fighting the good fight. Educating legislators and the general masses alike about raising food and being stewards of the land!

Holiday Weekend

An old guy I used to work with always said "a change is as good as a vacation." I change "jobs" every Thursday night. I go from animal scientist to "cow dietcian and disturber". Not a huge change but it involves less indoor meetings and more physical labor. Something that suits me quite well. I had my normal feeding crew. One border collie to keep cattle from eating directly off the pick-up and one toddler to holler at cows, "drive" and entertain.

With the toddler, it has gotten to the point where I put on a hat, she is hollering about finding her shoes. She will hardly let me out the door to start a rig. She also knows about her own chores at home. It is her job to feed the cat- one painstaking handful at a time.

More on Idaho Bill

http://legislature.idaho.gov/legislation/2011/H0149Bookmark.htm

This bill from Idaho on animal cruelty, nope, animal welfare is crazy. It defines equines not used in food or fiber production as companion animals but stock dogs as livestock? It seems HSUS is at it again. Pushing really hard on defining horses as companion animals. I guess it is a backhanded way of ensuring slaughter plants are not re-opened anytime soon, or at all.

We need to fight this type of legislation. It is just one step closer to threatening the livelihoods of many ranchers and farmers alike. I hope the governor of Idaho is as strong as many people credit him with. If not, this could be disasterous.

Lookout Idaho

House bill 149 in Idaho is once again Disneyfying horses. They are taking the majestic livestock to the lowly staus of companion animal. This is a huge pet peeve of mine. Horses are livestock and should be treated, legislated, and managed as such.

They do not sell ponies in a pet store for a reason. They are big, they can be dangerous, and they require special care. They can not be placed in a backyard or cage and left. Quit trying to make them a dog. They do not do well with a walk a day. They require space, hay, and water along with their love.

Please write to these people and let them know. Even if you are not from the state. I think it is degrading to horses.

Eating Well- Post

Eatingwell.com had a great article this morning about 5 foods you should eat that have gotten a bad reputation! Guess what! Beef, eggs, chocolate, potatoes, and peanut butter are the list. Finally someone in the mass media recognizes the benefits of these fine foods. It also sounds like a great meal to me. Steak, eggs, and hashbrowns followed by peanut butter cookies with chocolate chips! I would be in heaven.

I am glad research is finally disproving what agriculture has been saying for years. All things in moderation. Exercise more. Get outside. Mission of good health accomplished. Think of all the money spent on health foods, gym memberships, and exercise equipment.