Growing Food...our family farm story

Feed Recipe

2011-10-25T09:21:00.004-05:00

Just wanted to share how we feed each pen of cattle that we have. Each pen has a recipe and it changes as the cattle grow. The one we are mixing here has 4 ingredients: wet corn distillers, corn silage, alfalfa and liquid protein. We mix a full batch at a time and feed half in the morning and rest in the evening.
Farmkid3 can load his feed wagon and also helps load the big feed wagon. At age 10, he is very helpful and VERY eager to do what he can to help around our family farm.

Farmkid3

2011-10-24T16:47:00.001-05:00

Mixing a ration for his bucket calves in his feedwagon.

Shocked and Disappointed with NE Farmers Union

2011-10-19T19:33:00.005-05:00

I am so disappointed in the Nebraska Farmers Union for their recent agreement with the HSUS. (See it here: http://kticradio.com/news/agricultural/index.php?more=hz7j8tzn ) So rather than sit and talk to my friends I decided I should write to the board members who made the decision and point out just a few facts why we don’t want HSUS in our state or actually anywhere.

What is so unfortunate about all of this, is this action only adds to the consumer confusion and divides agriculture even more – the exact things HSUS wants to happen. So after writing this I will again turn my focus to sharing our ag story and hope the consumer can find truth from the NE farmers and ranchers (all sizes) who work every day to help put food on each of our tables. If you are a consumer looking to visit with a farmer to learn more about NE food production, I would recommend starting here: http://www.facebook.com/CommonGroundNebraska?ref=ts&sk=app_190322544333196 or here http://www.becomeafan.org/

Here is my note to the board members:

Hello, I am a farm wife (on a small 5th generation farm), mother and lover of all things agriculture. Our farm is in northeast Nebraska and we work hard to take care of our land and our animals. It's a moral obligation that we have to do it humanely and sustainable and we do. It's been happening on our farm for over 125 years, long before a well-funded DC based group started telling farmers how it should be done.

I can't believe that you supported inviting the HSUS to Nebraska and believe that you can change their track record. They want to eliminate all consumption of animal protein--why would you support elimination of animal protein from our diets?

They mislead and their track record is 'their way or no way'. Have you studied their involvement in Ohio Livestock Standards Board?

NFU needs to do their homework about this organization and I am COMPLETELY embarrassed, appalled and disappointed by your actions. Your organization may feel like it is representing the small guy, but it doesn't matter what size you are or how you raise animals. HSUS doesn't care--they want them all gone, including your pets. They say they care about pets but have you followed the money? HSUS’s advertisements employ the images of downtrodden dogs and cats to tug at the heart strings and wallets of America’s pet lovers. But a new analysis finds HSUS is a “Humane Society” in name only, sharing only $527,566, or 0.4 percent of its $120 million budget with sheltering organizations nationwide in 2010. In the same year, HSUS spent an astounding $47 million in fundraising-related costs (37 percent of its total budget) and parked $32 million in hedge funds.*

Is this the type of organization that you want to work with? I personally don't know why you would--it's not the Nebraska way.

I am a small farmer, hoping, working and praying that my children (sixth generation on our farm) can continue the family business but with actions like yours - their chances have just been reduced.

Sincerely,

Debbie Borg

farmer, mother and agvocate for all sizes of agriculture

*humanewatch.org

What does a farmer Look Like?

2011-03-30T20:56:00.004-05:00

The other day I had the opportunity to share the 'amazing' soybean story to a little over 600 4th graders in central Nebraska at a Life on the Farm field trip. About half way through the day, I started asking them-after I introduced myself as a farmer who grows corn, soybeans, alfalfa and fed cattle, "do I look like the farmer you thought you would meet today". And every response was a a very resounding NO.
Than I started asking 'so what did you think a farmer like myself would look like?'
I was shocked, but not surprised. Most of the responses were 'overalls and a straw hat'. And I got several that said they thought I would be dirty with some hay on myself. But the one that really made my jaw drop was--they thought I would have a pitch fork.
So I pointed out that they had met many farmers at this event and no one fit that description.
I was very relieved to hear that I looked 'normal'. I did tell them that there are many dirty jobs on a farm and we do get very dirty (just check out Mike Rowe and 'Dirty Jobs')--its just part of the job.
So as usual there is much to learn from our kids, but this points out just how much work we have to do in telling the amazing story of not just how we feed our family but our part in caring for the soil that raises our crops and tending to the livestock that all contribute in helping to feed the world.

2011-03-18T12:21:00.003-05:00

Food (3-Ounce Servings)	Estrogen (in nanograms)
Soybean Oil	168,000,000
Milk	11
Potatoes	225
Peas	340
Ice Cream	520
Wheat Germ	3,400
Beef (no supplemental hormone)	1.3
Beef (with supplemental hormone)	1.9
Beef (with supplemental hormone) serving size equal to 1.5 tons (3000 pounds)	Estrogen amount in one human birth control pill

Sources: Food and Drug Administration; Hoffman and Evers; Scanga et al.; FSIS-USDA; Dr. Harlan Ritchie, Michigan State University; NCBA

In case you're wondering whether you should spend the extra money for 'hormone' free this weekend. Check this out before you do.

Our office

2010-10-18T13:35:00.007-05:00

I think everyday since my last post I have had something to share about our farm, but everyday comes and goes without posting , so today I made the time to share about what our office and playground looks like.
Yesterday was Sunday, and we typically try to take a day of rest, but during harvest it is really hard, so often times Sunday is the day to take care of odd jobs so that the other 6 days of week harvesting of our crops happens efficiently.
So I want to share one of the greatest advantages I see of growing food and ultimately getting dirty going to the office. On our farm, our office is wherever we happen to be. Farmer1 got a phone call asking advice about caring for new calves that are arriving all over our area from MT. Special care is taken to get these calves off to the right start. You will notice, he had a hard time hearing because in his office at that moment he couldn't just shut the door to keep out all the noise...many bin fans were running, cattle were mooing, a fence was being built and I think I might have even heard a pheasant.
While Farmer1 was on the phone, farmkid3 was enjoying a little fun in between helping hang a gate. He was having fun and thought he might be able to get a job reading bunks if he could get real fast at going down the bunks on his bike.
Well, I'ld better get busy as I am in charge of weed management in our pasture and today looks like a great day to spray.

2010-01-13T13:50:00.004-06:00

So what a difference the sun makes and a temperature of 39--a real heat wave for our part of the country-in fact I have the window open just a crack currently (fresh farm air is one of the benefits of life on the farm).

Today Farmer1 asked me to help him back the semi & grain trailer into the shop, so that he can put new tires on the trailer. Normally this would not involve me but today due to all the snow and the trailer being empty, we had to chain it to the grain cart (because the tractor is still connected and has a radio in it so Farmer1 could tell me when to go and stop) and pull the trailer into the shop. No surprise to Farmer1 it worked just fine.

I've also included a picture of my front door, just wondering how long it will be before we can use it again.

2010-01-12T09:37:00.005-06:00

It's been awhile since last posting and my only excuse is harvest, rain, harvest, snow, wind, more snow and more wind. It all seems like a blur. Anyway, would like to share a few pics from life on our snow covered farm.

Encouraging more Agricultural Advocates

2009-10-09T09:33:00.003-05:00

How to grow ag’s presence in the Social Media world and help farmers learn to tell their story....
becoming an Agricultural Advocate
(AKA activist)

Looking for a hands-on session for your meeting?
Did you have a speaker back out at the last minute?

Agriculture is under attack and must seize the opportunity to grow the presence of ‘real life’ stories. Help your members/audience learn and have the courage and know-how of telling their story.
I will lead participants through the process of starting a Twitter account and discuss the value of tweeting, Face Booking and blogging from the farm.
Plus, I will explain and give real life examples of how to ‘tell the ag story’.

What may seem mundane to aggies is exactly what needs to be
told to consumers-our customers.

Social media is a far reaching entity that can bridge the gap between agriculture and the rest of the world. By using social media, the reach and scope of that message can become much larger. It’s clear that social media is becoming an increasingly powerful way to communicate. In May 2009, the year-over-year gain in the unique audience of Twitter was 1,448% and reached nearly 20 million visitors.

Contact me at
402-369-2291, @iamafarmer2 or tdborg@nntc.net

•5th generation Family Farm operation (row crop and cattle)
•Past President of Nebraska Soybean Association

Have you commented to EPA about RFS-2

2009-09-21T14:15:00.004-05:00

Here's my letter to any editor who will publish my concerns with RFS-2. Anyone is welcome to use the whole letter or parts--but whatever, be sure and send a comment.

Dear Editor

The future of the U.S. soy biodiesel and corn ethanol industry is at stake. I am encouraging all farmers, neighbors, and fans of renewable fuels to submit comments to the EPA regarding the proposed rule on the RFS-2 implementation. Currently it is significantly flawed and will effectively stop any future production of U.S. soy biodiesel and corn ethanol.

A loss of the domestic biodiesel and corn ethanol market will significantly add more dependence on imported oil and decrease prices paid to U.S. farmers for their soybeans and corn, which will also negatively impact the economies of rural communities.

EPA’s logic includes a faulty measure of the indirect land use; onerous feedstock certification requirements; a major error pertaining to the direct emission calculations for nitrogen in soybean production; lack of accounting for glycerin as a co-product of biodiesel; inaccurate assessment of the energy balance of biodiesel; and lack of accounting for improved agriculture yields and efficiency.

Unless the flaws in EPA’s proposed rule are corrected, soy-based biodiesel and corn ethanol effectively will be excluded from meeting the renewable energy targets established under RFS-2. Nebraska farmers would lose a source of demand for soybeans and corn, jobs would be lost, and our nation would NOT decrease its dependence on imported oil.

That’s why I am asking farmers and renewable fuel fans to contact EPA as well.

There are two online forms to submit comments with the click of a button. Comments must be submitted before the Sept. 25 deadline. Go to:

www.soygrowers.com/policy/RFS2.htm.

http://capwiz.com/ncga/issues/alert/

Sincerely,

Debbie Borg

Nebraska farmer

Day 4 in India

2009-09-03T07:36:00.004-05:00

Just a few pictures from today. We got to do our early planned appointments but had to cancel the rest because the country's CM (chief minister) was killed in a helicopter crash--the whole city shut down.

But we did make it to a Anganwadi (training center) where 25 women came to learn how to use soya in their meals. Each of these women feed about 15 pregnant/lactating mothers and 35 children once a day. There are about 50 of these training centers in this state. For every 1,000 people there is one trained women to provide this feeding program and other basic education for a total of 70,000 feeding centers.

We are headed back to Delhi in the morning and plan to visit the embassy there.

2009-09-02T11:32:00.003-05:00

A short note of today's events We were warmly Biosmart Soy Training Center-where the owner has a facility to train anyone interested how to use and make soy products.

Then we headed to ALEAP - which is a center for women entrepreneurs--which offers amazing opportunity for women wanting to start a business.

What's interesting is that we are only traveling maybe 15 - 20 miles but it takes a least an hour if traffic is good.

We also toured a small market that was offering only healthy food - which includes many soy products. We also visited a large supermarket (kinda like our Walmart--but MUCH smaller and no photos were allowed).

The day concluded with a dinner meeting with the Confederation of Women Entrepreneurs. This group intends to start a cluster (small business) involving some sort of soya product.

Another day full of new sights. We are in Hyderabad, which I think is a much cleaner city than New Delhi. As someone said they are more disciplined in their driving than New Delhi drivers (they tend to stay in their lanes a little more often) Their roads are in much better shape also. The building going on here is HUGE.

So much more to say - but must get to bed as we have another big day tomorrow.

2009-09-01T11:00:00.010-05:00

Here's a shot leaving the hotel-it is very beautiful in the hotel and they are very kind and willing to carry whatever.

Another 14 hour day and more amazing experiences. We started the day at a college-government run about 2000 students. No air condition and in many places the boys are on one side and girls on the other. In India, kids finish high school at age 16 and a bachelor degree is usually done in 3 years, a Phd in 5 years. They showed great interest in learning about soy and the many health benefits.

Also a few pics of the view along the way.

2009-08-31T11:39:00.005-05:00

The first day is now drawing to a close and how do I explain all that I saw. I am probably most amazed at how the wealthy is right beside the slums.

But I have to say they are all so very kind. In the last photo, I received my official welcome from the ASA-IM office staff.

Probably one of the most amazing things is the traffic. Bikes, motorcycles, cars and buses all trying to be first to go. I can't believe there are not more accidents. I was told that 99% of all the cars have scratches.

What is probably the most interesting is to hear of the work that the ASA-IM staff are doing to improve the health and well--being of the Indian population. It is truly remarkable what they have accomplished in the last 5 years.

We are all exhausted after the 14 hour flight and now a 14 hour day--and not sure what time zone our bodies are on.

What an amazing experience.

My trip to India

2009-08-28T21:28:00.000-05:00

Farmer Leaders’ Women-in-Soy Visit to India
DAILY AGENDA

Purpose
1. To attend Soy Food Seminar
2. To visit soy food plants
3. To meet with soy food entrepreneurs
4. To attend feeding demonstrations

Sunday, Aug 30
Late evening Arrive in Delhi (hotel pick-up)
Hotel Information:
The Taj Mahal Hotel
Email: tmhbc.del@tajhotels.com

Monday, Aug 31
9:00 am Leaving for G D Goenka Public School (Sector B, Pocket 8 & 9, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi 110070) – Suresh to join
10:00 am Leaving for ASA-IM
10:30 am Briefing at ASA-IM office
12:30 noon Lunch at ASA-IM office
2:30 pm Meeting with representatives of Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN)
3:45 pm Leaving for Whole Foods to Meet with Ishi Khosla, Director
5:00 pm Return to hotel
5:45 pm Leaving for seminar venue
6:00 pm Soy and Health Lecture at Inner Wheel Society and Launch of US soy nuts by Bansal Nuts at Hotel Taj Ambassador (five minutes drive from Taj Mahal)
21:00 pm Return to hotel

Tuesday, Sept 01
9:30 am Leaving for Ghaziabad – Suresh and Kavitha to join (check out hotel)
10:30 am Attending presentation on Soy and Health and recipe demonstration at L.R. postgraduate College
12:30 pm Leaving for VSMD Enterprises
2:00 pm Visit to VSMD Enterprises plant to interact with Ms. Shilpa Gupta, Director
3:00 pm Leaving for Airport
5:05 pm Travel to Hyderabad – via 9W825
7:15 pm Arrival in Hyderabad
8:30 pm Check in hotel
Hotel Information:
Taj Banjara
Road No. 1, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad - 500 034
Tel: (91-40) 66669999
Fax: (91-40) 66661070
Email: banjara.hyderabad@tajhotels.com

Wednesday, Sept 02
09:30 am Briefing at Hotel – Dr. Krishna and Padmaja to join
10:00 am Leaving for Biosmart Soy Training Center to attend an on-going training program
11:30 am Visit to local market
12:00 noon Back to hotel for Lunch
1:30 pm Leaving for A.P. Foods
4:30 pm Return to hotel
7:00 pm Dinner meeting with the office bearers of Confederation of Women Entrepreneurs; Women entrepreneurs to join

Thursday, Sept 03
5:30 am Leaving hotel to visit Nandi Foundation kitchen and meeting with Ms. Leena Joseph, Country Head, Midday Meals Programme
9:30 am Leave from hotel for ALEAP facility to visit a soy food unit
1.00 pm Lunch followed by Soy bakery Demonstration at IHM
5:30 pm Return to hotel

Friday, Sept 04
8:00 am Attending Soy Recipe Demonstration to Feeding program implementing personnel
11:00 am Meeting with principle secretary, Women and Child Welfare, Government of Andhra Pradesh
4:00 pm Leaving hotel for airport for Delhi
6:00 pm Travel to Delhi via IT-803
8:00 pm Arrive in Delhi

Saturday, Sept 05
Morning Free Day
Evening Leaving for Chicago

Sunday, Sept 06
Morning Arrive in Chicago

We are not in charge

2009-07-10T15:02:00.003-05:00

Knee high by the 4th may be old - but saying you don't know till it's in the bin will never go away. Crops look awesome in this area -- but storms over the past few days have taken away from the yield potential or completely destroyed .

We have one field of beans that has received 13 inches of rain since June 26 -- that should make great yielding soybeans but the hail just reduced the potential anywhere from 10 to 50%...we won't know till the combine starts rolling and it varies across the field.

It's all over for some farmers-storm damage

2009-07-09T20:10:00.004-05:00

We have experienced 2 storms in the last two days and there are some farmers not too far away that lost the majority of their crop if not all.
I just wanted to post a few pictures of the damage done. Yes, some of these farmers lost all opportunity to harvest a crop.

Thought s about trying Organic and weeds

2009-06-23T13:23:00.005-05:00

This picture is from 10 days ago where my son and I are trying to pluck all the little weeds. However, today there was no brown dirt to be seen.

I just came in from trying to reclaim my garden (too embarrassed to show pictures).
I am now convinced that weeds grow at least twice the speed of any planted seed.
With all the talk about 'going organic' it crossed my mind to maybe try keeping my garden organic but after having to till my garden just to find items I planted (losing precious soil moisture)-- I think I'm going to rely on using some glyphosphate--otherwise I will not have any produce.
Now, I'm sure that some organic people will ask "why did you let your weeds get so tall?" My first response is "I have a life besides trying to raise food". And it has been raining and raining (which is good) - but it makes it really challenging to weed in the mud.
I planted a garden mainly to make sure my kids understand how food grows - but most importantly how much work goes into raising food. A garden is kinda like an animal - it most be cared for daily--if it goes ignored-- the weeds get out of control. That is a pretty good description of what is going on in one of the public debates. The agriculture industry has been so busy at feeding the world (and doing it more effeciently, because so many have moved off the land for easier and higher paying jobs in the cities) and trying to make a living over the last decade that we didn't realize that other (non-ag) people were telling the story of growing food and taking care of the land and animals. So now we have a population where the weeds (non-aggies and AR type)have been getting the focus instead of the planted seed (farmers).
However, I am excited to see that Ohio has stepped up and said 'enough is enough' it is time to tell our story and let the truth be told about the weeds. See more here.
I hope that everyone is trying to tell their story to any non-aggie they come across. One person at a time - will make a difference.
Who have you reminded today that food comes from farmers not the grocery store?

What's on your Chore List

2009-06-16T09:30:00.003-05:00

It seems like my chore list is expanding at a much faster rate than I think I can accomplish. However, I find new inspiration to get more done each day. What is my inspiration? My kids – our future! If you haven’t noticed by now, I am an agricultural activist. The first time someone called me that – I was taken back—I’m not an activist. But over the last 6 months I have come to realize I am an activist, ( I prefer advocate), for agriculture and my passion is to tell the real story of production agriculture. That is why my chore list continues to grow and I am asking you to add a new item to yours!

That item is: Tell Your Story, talk to anyone and everyone within your circle and at least one new person each week about how agriculture affects their life and your community.

How can you do that? It’s easy and simple. The best part is we have the truth on our side. The US food production story is the best in the world. We have the safest and most affordable food in history. The challenge is with less than 2% of the population in production agriculture – we have to get our story to the other 98%. And if we don’t tell it, there are many others trying to and it’s full of untruths.

Do your neighbors know the truth about what HSUS (The Humane Society of the United States) is really about? That they are working everyday to put you and I out of business and force everyone to become a vegan? Find more info here. Remind them that means no hamburgers and no leather boots and no animal testing.

Does your farmer neighbor know that nearly 98% of all soybean meal is fed to animals…the livestock industry is the soybean farmers number 1 customer. Find more facts about how soybeans are being used here.

Have you visited with your hometown newspaper editor and reminded him/her the value of agriculture?

Have you talked to your city friends and reminded them that all food starts on the farm…not at the grocery store?

I have learned how to use the latest in social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter and blogging, and that is how I am accomplishing the task of telling the story of ag.

I saw this from another farmer on Twitter that sums up my request:

@derekbalsley Farm Chores 2.0: Blog about your farm, tweet about your day, confront activists w/ truth, be an ag advocate!

Many believe it just won't work

2009-06-08T14:38:00.008-05:00

Just wanted to share a few pictures of no-till soybeans following corn. Many farmers just don't think soybeans can handle so much organic matter (corn stalks/trash). Look at these soybeans. This field has been no-tilled for over 10 years.

I find it very interesting to see that the scientists have caught up with what us farmers knew long ago. "But removal of too much of that debris to use as a feedstock for biofuel could have a long-term impact on soil productivity, according to new research. The value of the organic matter is priceless in no-till operations.

So with the EPA saying that soy based biodiesel won't meet the RFS2 standard and farmers not willing to remove the cellulosic matter -- I just wonder how we're going to become more energy independent --more on that later.

Here's a few fun pics from our farm.

Keep the Animal Rights Industry out of YOUR Church

2009-06-04T09:02:00.004-05:00

I wanted to share this from another friend in the fight for our freedoms:

Martin Luther King Jr. once said, "I have so much to do today that I should spend the first three hours in prayer."

I've been thinking about that quote a lot lately. I was raised in a Christian family, and I don't know how I'd get through a day without prayer. Blessed with good health, wonderful friends, a loving family, and fabulous dogs - I spend a lot of time giving thanks. I also ask for the usual things - strength, inspiration, guidance. Lately I've had to ask the Lord for something new and unexpected - help in keeping the animal rights industry out of His church.
...
My investigation led to a mixture of good news and bad news. Here's the verdict. Christians need to be more vigilant in guarding the gate. The animal rights industry, whose hypocrisy knows no bounds, is coming soon to a church near you. (Check your Daily Devotional, they may have already infiltrated your place of worship.)

HSUS President/CEO Wayne Pacelle does his homework. He sees that American farmers are coming together to stand shoulder-to-shoulder against the animal rights industry. Farmers, now I'm speaking directly to you. Pacelle knows that you're ten times tougher and more savvy than the emotional AR cult members that he moves around like pawns on a chess board. He sees you speaking out against the animal rights movement. He knows that you are feeling a growing resolve to protect your families and your future from the destructive rampage of HSUS-driven laws.

see the rest at the Soybeans and Livestock

Real Pics of No-till corn in Nebraska

2009-06-01T14:09:00.002-05:00

This field has not seen a plow or disc for over 20 years.
It is dryland (that means we rely on rain for moisture).
Learn more about the benefits of no-till corn compared to grasses here

2009-06-01T13:49:00.001-05:00

Here's a few pics of our kids working with their bottle fed calves.

Random thoughts

2009-05-26T13:05:00.005-05:00

We enjoyed a couple of days camping with some very dear friends.

But once again, the headlines can make you dizzy.

U.S. agriculture is the only sector in the U.S. economy with a trade surplus--but we seem to be continually attacked because US farmers are being subsidized. See a great study (here) that concludes that agriculture has a special status in both developed and developing countries with a wide variety of subsidy and protection instruments in place.

Agriculture's efficiency just seems to keep getting better and many of the activists groups want us to go back to the 'old ways'. Why is it, after only a few days our computer needs to be updated, but farmers aren't suppose to update to new technology. Read here that “To produce one billion kilograms of milk in 2007, we need 20 percent less cows, 25 percent less feed, 10 percent less land. In 2007, we produced 40 percent less methane and 56 percent less nitrous oxide compared to 1944. The reason for that is improved efficiency, and these are huge gains.

The Ad Council is teaming up with HSUS to launch a three-year, $80-120 million effort to change the way Americans view shelter pets and boost adoption rates of homeless cats and dogs across the country. Maybe why this campaign is being developed is that too many people have forgotten that pets are an animal that must be cared for daily. Unlike farmers and ranchers who have chosen a field of work that requires a commitment 24/7. Not everyone is designed to be a farmer or rancher--it takes special character and commitment.

Maybe it's that character and commitment that makes our family enjoy the opportunity to camp for a few days. We just can't pack up, lock the house and go. We must arrange for someone to do the chores--twice daily. And it's not too many people we can ask to be responsible for a $60,000+ investment. Plus, the hay can't be be ready.
Actually, for all the planting to be done, hay not ready and someone able/willing to do chores for us all -- happens only rarely (kinda like a blue moon).

So as we celebrate the first official day of summer break, I'm thankful that we are a farm family. That we do have the responsibility of many animals and that the fruits of our labor our enjoyed by many.

Filming at TD Borg Farms

2009-05-22T08:41:00.004-05:00

Terry got to explain how our no-till corn planter worked and the benefits of no-till farming to PBS producer Phil Marshall for an upcoming documentary on Sustainability. As my nearly 80 year old father-in-law said "we use to beat the crap out of the soil--before we knew any better". Farming has come a long way and thanks to lots of new technology, we're producing more with a lot less...all to feed a growing population safe, abundant and affordable food.

Our neighbors first ride in a semi at 83 years young.

2009-05-21T20:52:00.000-05:00

2009-05-21T15:14:00.000-05:00

Snapshots at our Farm

2009-05-21T15:08:00.003-05:00

So much to Sort through

2009-05-21T08:12:00.005-05:00

Everyday since my last posting, I've had ideas for a blog update--but it is nearly impossible to organize my thoughts.
There is the Indirect Land Use Charge (ILUC) that may make corn ethanol and soy biodiesel not meet the RFS2 (renewable fuel standard 2).
An Atlanta TV station does a expose on HSUS and within 24 hours it is removed...and then another 48 hours and it is removed off of YouTube due to copywrite infringements--that is after 15,000 views.
Someone I follow on Twitter believes that all GMO crops must be irrigated!!
Our president is apologizing for US behavior when overseas!!
Our president wants to close Gitmo - without a plan -- and finally he loses, because there is no plan. How many of us can make a business decision and not have a plan.

Some thoughts that I can organize it what has occurred the last two days...WIND, WIND and HEAT. We had high winds (up to 40 MPH gusts) and our topsoil stayed where it belonged. Thankful we are full-time no-till farmers. I drove to town yesterday afternoon for the kids fun day and the town had a haze (it looked like pollution to the untrained eye) and it was dirt. My husband and I visited, do these farmers who till - not see the damage. They are losing their most important piece of the high yield puzzel....soil.

Today I just read that it appears there will be a show-down on the cap & trade legislation. Yesterday, I read that Chairman Harry Ried wants to push a 964 page bill through with little debate. I am glad to hear, common sense is starting to have some momentum in DC. See more at Cap-and-trade Showdown

I hope that everyone has a wonderful Memorial Day weekend and that we take time to honor those who stood for Freedom and paid the greatest cost and those who have been part of our life and gone before us.
May God bless America.

NE farmers willing to share their experiences via Twitter.

2009-05-07T12:38:00.000-05:00

TWEET CORN?
Nebraska farmers sharing their experiences via Twitter Micro-blogging tool provides a glimpse of farm life and food production.

LINCOLN, NE If a farmer uses Twitter to talk about planting the latest hybrid, would you call it ³tweet corn²?

>From corn and soybean farmers to livestock producers, Nebraska farmers
>who
have flocked to Twitter provide insight on those subjects and more by ³tweeting² what they are up to on any given day and helping their ³tweeps² (Twitter followers) and others around the world better understand farming, farm life and food production.

³Posts on Twitter are captured in real time and provide a peek into the life of farmers. People can read what we¹re working on that day, the issues we¹re facing, why we do the things we do and more,² said Debbie Borg, a farmer from Allen. ³If people choose, they can join Twitter and ask us questions.²

Borg, who is known as ³@iamafarmer2² on Twitter, frequently posts information on planting and crop progress, cattle production and related issues. She said Twitter is easy to use with a web browser or other software that will help keep track of people you decide to ³follow.² By following someone, you can see what they have posted and their replies to others who are on Twitter.

³This time of year I¹m posting about planting progress, problems that come up some days and issues that are important to me as a corn farmer,² said Brandon Hunnicutt, a farmer from Giltner. Hunnicutt is ³@cornfedfarmer² on Twitter.

Other Nebraska farmers on Twitter include Ryan Weeks of Juniata
(³@huskerfarm²) and Susan Littlefield (³@firefighter89²) of Surprise. Weeks has been posting planting and crop progress updates and related information, while Littlefield has been describing the impact of weather on her operation and providing updates on lambing.

³Twitter is unique in that it is relatively simple to use and posts are a maximum of 140 characters so people can read them quickly,² Hunnicutt said.
³It¹s a great way for anyone to follow a farmer and see what we¹re up to.²

Borg said Twitter is also a great way to ask farmers questions if someone doesn¹t understand what is happening or why. ³I¹d encourage anyone to have a look and pose a question if they are looking for a better understanding of why farmers do what they do and food production in general. If we don¹t know the answer, we¹ll find someone who can help,² Borg said.

To see what these farmers are up to, just follow these web addresses or search for their username at Twitter.com:

§ Debbie Borg: www.twitter.com/iamafarmer2
§ Brandon Hunnicutt: www.twitter.com/cornfedfarmer
§ Ryan Weeks: www.twitter.com/huskerfarm
§ Susan Littlefield: www.twitter.com/firefighter89

Let's keep the Choices

2009-05-07T09:09:00.002-05:00

There is so much information available every morning to review, digest and then decide which to believe. How does one know what is science vs. junk science? I seem to be using the words 'everything in moderation' more often these days. Is one food bad? Yes, because we need variety everyday. Every food can be bad-if that is the only one you consume. But when consumed in moderation, I believe we can all enjoy some of the abundance that the US population can choose from.
That's what I keep coming back to, one of the great things about living in the United States of America-is the freedom of choice. Do I think organics are bad? NO. Do I want to feed my family organics? NO. But I am so glad we have the choice to choose today. And I am concerned if we keep heading down the path we're on today - in not too long of time - those choices will not be available.
So I encourage everyone to be wise and read health claims on marketing materials with a degree of skepticism - enjoy the amazing bounty we have and enjoy all the choices we have.

What is all the talk about Indirect land use?

2009-05-06T10:46:00.005-05:00

Have you heard about 'indirect land use' and direct land use? If you haven't - you probably will soon. It is a phrase that was inserted into the 2007 Energy Bill. Th at bill raised the ethanol mandate from corn to 15 billion gallons and established a biodiesel mandate starting at 500 million gallons. One of the concessions to environmental groups in the deal-making was to require new ethanol plants and all biodiesel plants to make ethanol and biodiesel that have lower lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions than fossil fuels.
Clearing of land to plant more crops has been going on for about 10,000 years. The rate of rainforest destruction is not highly correlated with biofuels production – which is very recent - or even grain and oilseed prices. Rainforest destruction is caused by a myriad of factors unique to each country. Please note that cropland in the US is shrinking every year. None-the-less, the language is in the law and EPA has to find a way to deal with it. The law could be complied with if only domestic land use changes were considered.
Congress passed a bill that was supposed to ramp up renewable use but then tied conditions to the production of renewables that make it nearly impossible to actually accomplish the goals.

See more at: http://www.soygrowers.com/newsroom/releases/2009_releases/r050509.htm

Current farming practices improving to feed the very hungry world.

2009-04-27T15:05:00.001-05:00

In 7 of the last 8 years, the world has consumed more grain than it produced. Experts now predict our planet will need to double agricultural output by 2050 to feed a growing population. By some estimates, that means producing more food in the next 50 years than has been grown in the last 10,000 years.

—It now takes 30 percent less energy to grow a ton of corn than just a decade ago.

—latest advancements in biotech & improved production methods help farmers squeeze more from every drop of water, fuel and fertilizer and from every acre of farmed land than at any time in history.

2009-04-27T15:04:00.001-05:00

2009-04-23T15:33:00.004-05:00

Just talked to a local rancher outside of Alliance, Nebraska who told me that all the area horse loving ranchers of the 3-Strikes Horse Sanctuary have donated hay in response to this emergency.

More later as I receive updates from the local ranchers.

Please do not donate to HSUS - they aren't the ones who will help these Mustangs. Habitat for Horses and LifeSavers are groups to donate to - they have custody of the Mustangs.

2009-04-22T14:20:00.004-05:00

Getting ready to fill the planter. Notice no seed bags, another way we've reduced waste. Everyone gets to help in the fun of planting...no matter what your age.

2009-04-22T14:07:00.003-05:00

http://ruralrouteradio.com/affiliates/tuesruralroute.mp3
Hear my conversation with Trent Loos on Rural Route Radio about why soybean and corn farmers need to help their customers...the livestock industry.

2009-04-22T13:37:00.002-05:00

Just a quick picture to give you an idea how much activity earthworms do...all the little bumps in the picture are from earthworms doing their job. They make no-till farmers very happy.

Safest Food

2009-04-16T17:41:00.003-05:00

As an epidemic of anti-farmer, anti-pet anti-animal use legislation sweeps our nation, I’d like to give Nebraskan’s a heads-up. The pet legislation introduced is a red flag that the “animal rights” (AR) movement has effectively infiltrated the Nebraska legislature. The deceptively-named Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) lead the anti-animal use charge to rob us of our constitutional rights and eliminate American farmers.

As a Midwestern farm wife, I used to be amused at the fact most American consumers seem to think the eggs, milk, meat and cheese they need to feed their families just miraculously appear in the grocery store. There’s nothing funny about this ignorance any more. Now it’s just scary, because the animal rights movement exploits this naiveté in its agenda to eliminate our access to local, safe, affordable food.

They already convinced California voters to eliminate nearly their entire egg industry by approving Proposition 2 in last November’s election. This outcome is substantiated by the UC Davis study which explored the economic outcome of Proposition 2. This HSUS-sponsored ballot initiative will abolish the science and experience-based housing systems egg farmers use to keep chickens healthy, happy, safe from predators, and keep their eggs safe from salmonella. And now HSUS has declared it’s taking this “victory” to other states.

This “victory” will wipe out the family farmers and workers who once were the top ranking state in production and has now fallen to 5^th place in producing our nation’s eggs. American farmers working hard to put affordable, nutritious, great-tasting food on our tables - wiped out by a group of vegan animal rights activists who think they have the right to control our food choices and sources.

What can Nebraska do about this? Avoid the same mistake. Don’t ever contribute money to HSUS, PETA or any animal rights group. If you want to help animals, contribute directly to your local shelter. Tell your legislators to oppose animal rights-sponsored bills. Tell your friends and neighbors.

Things are tough enough for Nebraska residents. Let’s not make it worse by wiping out our access to affordable, safe food. You will earn the gratitude of farmers in our state trying to avoid the unemployment line.

Blogging for Food consumers

2008-01-11T13:55:00.000-06:00

The Humane Society of the US wants to put animal agriculture out of business----they want everyone to be a vegetarian—they call it humane eating. Not only should we have the obvious choice as to what type of protein we choose, but what about ZIP---Zinc, Iron, and Protein, the nutrients that help tweens brains grow and develop which are all found in beef. Not only do we get protein and ZIP, what about the 42 life saving pharmaceuticals that come from animal agriculture. I believe that all of us should be given a choice of what kind of protein we want to consume. But even bigger than that, there is not enough non-animal protein to meet our growing needs. Animal products provide more than one-third of the protein on a global basis and the global demand for protein continues to increase as third world countries improve themselves. Besides children need 540+ nutrients every day to grow, move and have fun. No one food contains them all, so it's important they eat a wide variety of foods in order to obtain enough of all nutrients.