Archive for November, 2007

Gorgeous Fall Greens

Published by
admin
at November 21, 2007 in Farm News and political issues. 1 Comment

Hello,

We will be at the Triad Farmers Market Wed. (21) -9:00 to 2:00, the day before Thanksgiving, and will not be there on Sat. (24) which is the Sat. after Thanksgiving. Beginning Sat., Dec. 1, we will be there every Sat. until New Year, weather permitting.

We have gorgeous fall greens and turnip roots. We still have a few pastured chickens, all cuts of pasture finished Jersey beef and homegrown pork.

An issue about the USDA’s National Animal Identification Service (NAIS) has come to my attention. Attached is a statement by the now candidate for president Ron Paul that describes the detrimental effects of the NAIS on small farmers and people who own even one animal. Briefly, it would require all livestock owners (even one horse, cow, rabbit, goat, pig, chicken, duck, pigeon, etc.) to register their premises in a national database. Also, each animal would have to have a microchip identification from birth to death. If an animal leaves the registered premises, for any reason, it must be reported within 24 hrs. or risk enormous fines. The cost would probably drive many small farmers out of business, not to mention millions spent by Uncle Sam. It would, at the least, spell the end of free ownership and commerce of livestock in the US.

At the moment, after public outcry, participation in NAIS is ‘voluntary’. However, states are pressured to use deceptive and coercive tactics to increase registrations. For instance, remember the $500,000 to aid farmers with shipping costs for hay because of the drought? Unless your farm is in the NAIS you don’t qualify. People that have animals processed at USDA facilities, like we do, are added to the list without their knowledge or consent.

The urgent issue,at the moment , is Section 10305 of the Livestock Title that is elusively attached to the 2007 Farm Bill currently being considered in the US Senate. If passed, the language of 10305 validates NAIS without legislative debate on the program. Also, a non- disclosure clause would make it illegal, under threat of fines or imprisonment, for anyone to report any details concerning NAIS including contaminated product recalls and disease outbreaks. So a program that is purported to preserve the health of the public would keep you in the dark and vulnerable.

Perhaps most troublesome of all is this applies to only American agriculture. Imported meat has no tracking requirement. Of course, all this was cooked up by USDA, Agribusiness, and the electronics industry.

For more information on NAIS see: www.nonais.org (read Farm Bill Update  2007-11-08); www.stopanimalid.org

For more on Section 10305, including action alerts see: www.libertyark.net; www.openthegovernment.org/otg/farm_bill_letter.pdf; www.downsizedc.net/2007/nov/13/nais_vote_at_any_moment; www.westonaprice.org/federalupdate/aa2007/01nov07.html

The correct way to contact your Senator and Congressman is included in these web pages. We urge you to voice opposition immediately. And spread the word to everyone you can.

Blessings,

Joe Peterson

Fall Blessings

Published by
admin
at November 10, 2007 in Farm News and Sustainable farming. 0 Comments

Hello,

Fall is here and the cool nights are refreshing! And the trees are dazzling with color even though we are still in a severe drought. Recent rains have produced some beautiful greens and turnips which we bring to the market every week.

I recently came across a paper written by John Ikerd which eloquently describes the reason small farmers persist and the attitude that government, as well as many of the general public, has toward small farms. Of particular note is that small farmers have moral, ethical, and social principles that guide them and are not just focused on profits like agri-industry.

I guess food and product recalls have become an ordinary thing as there is a new one almost everyday. Two more recalls of millions of pounds of beef came just last week. One report indicated the beef originated off-shore somewhere. Many products are simply packaged and distributed in this country with no indication where they came from. And public welfare seems to be the least concern of the mega food corporations. These are more reasons to buy fresh, local, healthy food from a producer who can tell you where and how the food was produced. Or, as we always welcome people to do, visit the farm and see the operation for yourself.

This week we have whole pastured chickens, whole legs, some split breast, backs, and wings. We are freshly replenished with all cuts of pasture finished Jersey beef. Homegrown pork includes mild and hot bulk breakfast sausage; mild, maple flavored, and sweet Italian links; pork loin chops; fresh ham steaks; fresh shoulder roasts; pork ribs and pork shank roasts. Naturally grown vegetables include turnip, mustard, kale, mustard spinach, and arugula greens as well as turnip roots.

We plan to be at the triad market Sat. (10th) from 9:00 to 4:00. For the days before Thanksgiving we plan, weather permitting, to be at the market on Fri. (16th) from 9:00 to 1:00; Sat. (17th) 9:00 to 4:00; Tues. (20th) 9:00 to 1:00; Wed. (21) 9:00 to 1:00.

We hope to see you at the market (or here at the farm). And we hope you have a happy and blessed Thanksgiving season!

Blessings,

Joe Peterson