Thursday, March 20, 2014
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Delay in Production - My Apologies
I wanted to apologize for the lateness in this issue of Ruminations. It is coming and it is at the printers, but we have hard time juggling demands here on our time. Rest assured, the next issue is in development now and you WILL receive 4 issues this year.
How can you help make it easier? Send me your photos, articles, questions and classified ads. If you can afford to advertise, we really need that influx of money to pay the printer. I try very hard to keep every issue jam packed with practical information, balanced with beautiful photographs, but those don't pay the bills. Advertising is critical in keeping a magazine running. Subscriptions help, but do not cover the whole cost.
Ruminations is a tradition that I am honored to keep alive. But it has always been a community project. Let's keep that community strong. Thank you!
Pat
How can you help make it easier? Send me your photos, articles, questions and classified ads. If you can afford to advertise, we really need that influx of money to pay the printer. I try very hard to keep every issue jam packed with practical information, balanced with beautiful photographs, but those don't pay the bills. Advertising is critical in keeping a magazine running. Subscriptions help, but do not cover the whole cost.
Ruminations is a tradition that I am honored to keep alive. But it has always been a community project. Let's keep that community strong. Thank you!
Pat
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Issue 72 is Out!
The Winter Issue of Ruminations is now in the mail, and along with it, a new version of the website. We're trying to keep the site more up to date, and have included a new PDF outtake from the present issue, so non-subscribers can see what we're talking about.
The Spring Issue is a great opportunity to advertise your farm with a special advertising package. Present subscribers get a free business card ad, or the cost of that ad off a larger advertisement. New subscribers get that same deal, plus 4 issues of the magazine and a classified ad in a future issue, all for $20/ for the first year.
Why are we doing this? Because we know that it can be hard to get noticed on the web, and for those not on the 'net have an even more difficult time. Also, Ruminations is a subscriber based publication, and we need advertisers to keep the magazine going. We try to make every issue helpful to you, and honor the precedents that were set before we bought the magazine. But we need you to send in your photos, articles and advertisements to keep us viable. We hope you'll help us keep Ruminations growing strong! Thanks,
The Spring Issue is a great opportunity to advertise your farm with a special advertising package. Present subscribers get a free business card ad, or the cost of that ad off a larger advertisement. New subscribers get that same deal, plus 4 issues of the magazine and a classified ad in a future issue, all for $20/ for the first year.
Why are we doing this? Because we know that it can be hard to get noticed on the web, and for those not on the 'net have an even more difficult time. Also, Ruminations is a subscriber based publication, and we need advertisers to keep the magazine going. We try to make every issue helpful to you, and honor the precedents that were set before we bought the magazine. But we need you to send in your photos, articles and advertisements to keep us viable. We hope you'll help us keep Ruminations growing strong! Thanks,
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
New Issue
Sorry I've been so bad about updating this blog. I am just juggling so much that I just don't remember to take the time. But this issue is really important - to me, and to the breed.
There is a lot of "hoopla" about the buck height right now, and I'd just like to state personally that to me it's about time the conversation happened. A new breed club is starting up, and that's building some resentment too. But I think it's a good idea to have more than one view on a topic. No one has to believe any particular way, but they should have the knowledge to make a proper decision.
This new group has put together a survey to find out what the Nigerian dwarf breeders around the world really think. We'll publish the results in Ruminations, and a synopsis online. It's not our job to censor information, but we do want to be clear that each person can only vote once. We want to hear from as many people as possible, and if we "max out" on Survey MOnkey, we'll run the survey again another month.
To take the survey visit it here. Please let us know what you think about this important topic. Thanks.
There is a lot of "hoopla" about the buck height right now, and I'd just like to state personally that to me it's about time the conversation happened. A new breed club is starting up, and that's building some resentment too. But I think it's a good idea to have more than one view on a topic. No one has to believe any particular way, but they should have the knowledge to make a proper decision.
This new group has put together a survey to find out what the Nigerian dwarf breeders around the world really think. We'll publish the results in Ruminations, and a synopsis online. It's not our job to censor information, but we do want to be clear that each person can only vote once. We want to hear from as many people as possible, and if we "max out" on Survey MOnkey, we'll run the survey again another month.
To take the survey visit it here. Please let us know what you think about this important topic. Thanks.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Food Safety Bill
Well, a victory for us small producers. The Senate Bill 510 was voted on this morning and it passed. While the original bill was supported by Big Ag because it did exclude small farmers, farmer's markets and farm sales from its jurisdiction, the bill that passed does, thanks to Senator's Tester and Hagan. When their Amendment was attached, Big Ag began lobbying heavily to stop the bill, but they did not succeed.
Now we have to make sure that the conference committee which will compromise the HOuse and Senate bills into one law, adopts the Senate bill over the House Bill. The Senate Bill has aspects which limit control over farms and companies with less than $500,000 in sales, which is much more "farm friendly." Keep an eye out for the progress of the conference bill. Senator Reid was hoping to get this through during the lame duck session. Who knows?
Now we have to make sure that the conference committee which will compromise the HOuse and Senate bills into one law, adopts the Senate bill over the House Bill. The Senate Bill has aspects which limit control over farms and companies with less than $500,000 in sales, which is much more "farm friendly." Keep an eye out for the progress of the conference bill. Senator Reid was hoping to get this through during the lame duck session. Who knows?
Friday, April 30, 2010
Public Meetings Re: Animal Traceability
The USDA has announced three meetings where citizens can voice their opinions about
the new proposed Animal Traceability Program. The meetings are at:
• Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Holiday Inn Kansas City – SE Waterpark
9103 East 39th Street
Kansas City, MO 64133
• Thursday, May 13, 2010
USDA Center at Riverside
4700 River Road
Riverdale, MD 20737
• Monday, May 17, 2010
Crowne Plaza – Denver International Airport
15500 East 40th Avenue
Denver, CO 80239
The meetings will discuss the impact of the new program, outlined at
http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentidonly=true&contentid=2010/02/0053.xml
The USDA wants to alert people that there will be a $4 parking fee at the Maryland
site, but there is public transportation nearby.
For those of us who aren't near any of these sites, we need to send emails, letters
or phone calls to the USDA office and to our Federal Legislators.
The USDA has stated that there will be additional public sessions in the future. We
will be posting those as we are able to discover them.
There is a page at the USDA Animal Traceability Site that has an FAQ about the program. Please take the time to read that document and make comments with those explanations in mind.
This is the USDA's new NAIS approach. We got it stopped the first time around, so let's use this opportunity to craft an approach that will work.
There is a grassroots group that is offering suggestions in a letter being sent to Secretary Vilsack, which makes helpful suggestions that affect small farmers/ranchers throughout the nation. I am a part of that group so I can assure you that many of our concerns are reflected there.
- Pat Stewart
the new proposed Animal Traceability Program. The meetings are at:
• Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Holiday Inn Kansas City – SE Waterpark
9103 East 39th Street
Kansas City, MO 64133
• Thursday, May 13, 2010
USDA Center at Riverside
4700 River Road
Riverdale, MD 20737
• Monday, May 17, 2010
Crowne Plaza – Denver International Airport
15500 East 40th Avenue
Denver, CO 80239
The meetings will discuss the impact of the new program, outlined at
http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentidonly=true&contentid=2010/02/0053.xml
The USDA wants to alert people that there will be a $4 parking fee at the Maryland
site, but there is public transportation nearby.
For those of us who aren't near any of these sites, we need to send emails, letters
or phone calls to the USDA office and to our Federal Legislators.
The USDA has stated that there will be additional public sessions in the future. We
will be posting those as we are able to discover them.
There is a page at the USDA Animal Traceability Site that has an FAQ about the program. Please take the time to read that document and make comments with those explanations in mind.
This is the USDA's new NAIS approach. We got it stopped the first time around, so let's use this opportunity to craft an approach that will work.
There is a grassroots group that is offering suggestions in a letter being sent to Secretary Vilsack, which makes helpful suggestions that affect small farmers/ranchers throughout the nation. I am a part of that group so I can assure you that many of our concerns are reflected there.
- Pat Stewart
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Food Safety Bill
There is a new bill on the floor of the Senate that will make it more difficult to maintain freedom of food choice. If you want to know more about it, please visit www.smallholdersalliance.com and see what's afoot. The bill itself is dangerous, but the amendment put forward by Senator Tester is a good one, and needs to be passed. Please check it out and spread the word. Time is of the essence. If this bill goes into affect as is, the FDA could come to the farm and try an interfere with things they don't understand. The USDA may not be perfect, but the FDA is much less informed about farm matters, yet they will have control over practices and potential business that they currently don't have the authority to do anything about.
Please help protect our freedom to grow our own food and sell to those who trust us. Thanks, Pat
Please help protect our freedom to grow our own food and sell to those who trust us. Thanks, Pat
Monday, February 22, 2010
NAIS - The New Incarnation
There has been a lot of discussion about the death of the National Animal Identification System. Is it dead? Are we out the woods? Is it just renamed?
I'm hoping to clarify some of the confusion through ongoing comments on this blog.
NAIS, in its original incarnation, is dead. Secretary Vilsack announced on a conference call with many Ag groups that the program was a "failure," and that part of the reason was the overwhelming opposition that was heard at the Listening Sessions. However, the fact that program had essentially no funding, just a couple million dollars in this year's budget, also had a lot to do with it. That's just my opinion, there, but it makes sense.
However, the USDA still has obligations to the UN, and to other treaties, that we have to maintain, so the agenda of NAIS isn't gone. It will be retooled though.
We DO need to watch what diseases we import to this country. The new program is being developed with this in mind. We DO need to know where disease outbreaks happen, and contain them. That is being considered in the new program. But we also NEED to support the growing local ag economy through reasonable rules and regulations, education and support, and rebuild the shattered trust between farmers and the USDA.
This new program will be designed WITH the input of small farmers and local ag supporters. An Advisory Council is being developed which will include Big Ag and Little Ag, as well as other groups. I think it's the best way forward. But part of what has to happen is that the public needs to learn why we do what we do. That keeping livestock isn't like organizing a warehouse, and that "Bigger" isn't necessarily better.
We each need to communicate our concerns to our legislators. We need to develop relationships with the public, the media and the lawmakers that illustrate that we are reasonable, intelligent people with knowledge to share in the area of raising safe food.
I am going to be part of a conference call, which I thought was today, but is actually tomorrow, that will help determine who is the "Little Guy's" representative on the Advisory Council. Rest assured, there are some brilliant, informed people on our side, with the best of intentions in going forward. Some are attorneys, some are farmers, some are advocates and everyone is dedicated to supporting small farms, local food and sustainable agricultural future for the USA.
I'm hoping to clarify some of the confusion through ongoing comments on this blog.
NAIS, in its original incarnation, is dead. Secretary Vilsack announced on a conference call with many Ag groups that the program was a "failure," and that part of the reason was the overwhelming opposition that was heard at the Listening Sessions. However, the fact that program had essentially no funding, just a couple million dollars in this year's budget, also had a lot to do with it. That's just my opinion, there, but it makes sense.
However, the USDA still has obligations to the UN, and to other treaties, that we have to maintain, so the agenda of NAIS isn't gone. It will be retooled though.
We DO need to watch what diseases we import to this country. The new program is being developed with this in mind. We DO need to know where disease outbreaks happen, and contain them. That is being considered in the new program. But we also NEED to support the growing local ag economy through reasonable rules and regulations, education and support, and rebuild the shattered trust between farmers and the USDA.
This new program will be designed WITH the input of small farmers and local ag supporters. An Advisory Council is being developed which will include Big Ag and Little Ag, as well as other groups. I think it's the best way forward. But part of what has to happen is that the public needs to learn why we do what we do. That keeping livestock isn't like organizing a warehouse, and that "Bigger" isn't necessarily better.
We each need to communicate our concerns to our legislators. We need to develop relationships with the public, the media and the lawmakers that illustrate that we are reasonable, intelligent people with knowledge to share in the area of raising safe food.
I am going to be part of a conference call, which I thought was today, but is actually tomorrow, that will help determine who is the "Little Guy's" representative on the Advisory Council. Rest assured, there are some brilliant, informed people on our side, with the best of intentions in going forward. Some are attorneys, some are farmers, some are advocates and everyone is dedicated to supporting small farms, local food and sustainable agricultural future for the USA.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Ethics Question
I am hoping we'll get some feedback on the "Right or Wrong" section of the magazine.
Someone did ask me what I meant by "Production vs. Show," as they understood that there was no conflict in these two goals. My belief is that there shouldn't be, but there sometimes is. There are people who show off beautiful mammary systems on their goats, but in reality those goats don't milk very well. Also, there are animals that milk terrifically well, but are either over standard, or are not show material. There is some concern that there is a trend toward "putting it in the bucket," at the expense of proper standards.
Personally I have overheight animals, but they are clearly stated as overheight in the DHI papers and on my publicity. They may be oversized, but by a shade of inch, up to an inch, and not higher. In one case, I clearly overfed the doe during her growth period, and she grew too fast and suffers from joint issues and other problems. In the other case, my doe was the daughter of a foundation animal in the early stages of the breed's development, so predictability was not reliable in many herds.
So what do you all think? That's what this blog is about - conversation. Please chime with your views and let's get the conversation rolling. Thanks, Pat
Someone did ask me what I meant by "Production vs. Show," as they understood that there was no conflict in these two goals. My belief is that there shouldn't be, but there sometimes is. There are people who show off beautiful mammary systems on their goats, but in reality those goats don't milk very well. Also, there are animals that milk terrifically well, but are either over standard, or are not show material. There is some concern that there is a trend toward "putting it in the bucket," at the expense of proper standards.
Personally I have overheight animals, but they are clearly stated as overheight in the DHI papers and on my publicity. They may be oversized, but by a shade of inch, up to an inch, and not higher. In one case, I clearly overfed the doe during her growth period, and she grew too fast and suffers from joint issues and other problems. In the other case, my doe was the daughter of a foundation animal in the early stages of the breed's development, so predictability was not reliable in many herds.
So what do you all think? That's what this blog is about - conversation. Please chime with your views and let's get the conversation rolling. Thanks, Pat
Events Updated
The website now has an updated Events listing. If you have a workshop, seminar, course or show you'd like to announce, please let us know. There is no cost to use this service, we just want people to know where they can learn more about goats.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Haiti Relief
Ruminations is coordinating an effort to provide goats to the people of Haiti following this terrible earthquake. Specifics are still in the works, but I have been working with Heifer International for years, and they are working with us as to how to proceed. It may be just a collection of donations, which we use to purchase goats from their "catalog." Or we might be asking people to donate or sell their animals to Heifer so that the people of Haiti can have fresh milk now, or in the future.
Amid this terrible devastation is an opportunity for the nation to rebuild itself into a stronger country. Goats have always been "Easy keepers," and wonderful companions, as we all know. Goats are a mainstay in the Haitian diet. Our little goats offer possibilities that bigger goats can't. There may not be a place for them, but there may be. I'll let you know when I hear more from Heifer.
Until then, if you are of a mind to, say a prayer for all those affected, and those who are trying to help.
Amid this terrible devastation is an opportunity for the nation to rebuild itself into a stronger country. Goats have always been "Easy keepers," and wonderful companions, as we all know. Goats are a mainstay in the Haitian diet. Our little goats offer possibilities that bigger goats can't. There may not be a place for them, but there may be. I'll let you know when I hear more from Heifer.
Until then, if you are of a mind to, say a prayer for all those affected, and those who are trying to help.
Right or Wrong?
We started a new program this issue (#67) in Ruminations. It's a conversation about ethics called "Right or Wrong?" It's our goal here to enlighten people about some of the issues we face as goat breeders and owners. It is not our plan, goal or otherwise, intent to defame or denounce anyone. No proper names, herd or farm names are to be used. Conversations should be general and not too specific about incidents. If we can't all abide by this rule, we will stop the program.
Our first topic is "Is breeding for dairy a benefit in the ring? Is breeding for the ring and advantage in the milking parlor?" The exact phrasing is in the magazine, but there is more room to discuss it, so I have enhanced the description of the question.
You do not have to be a subscriber of Ruminations to participate here, though we hope you will be soon, if you're not. You do have to register with the blog to participate. Select, representative replies will be placed in the next issue of the magazine, and a new question will be posed at that time.
Do you have a question you'd like to discuss? Let me know at Editor@smallfarmgoat.com and we'll look at how best to phrase it. We realize this can be a touchy subject, but we feel that it's important to do. I hope you'll agree and participate. Thank you,
Pat Stewart
Our first topic is "Is breeding for dairy a benefit in the ring? Is breeding for the ring and advantage in the milking parlor?" The exact phrasing is in the magazine, but there is more room to discuss it, so I have enhanced the description of the question.
You do not have to be a subscriber of Ruminations to participate here, though we hope you will be soon, if you're not. You do have to register with the blog to participate. Select, representative replies will be placed in the next issue of the magazine, and a new question will be posed at that time.
Do you have a question you'd like to discuss? Let me know at Editor@smallfarmgoat.com and we'll look at how best to phrase it. We realize this can be a touchy subject, but we feel that it's important to do. I hope you'll agree and participate. Thank you,
Pat Stewart
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Sad News
I've been a member of the WSU Goat List for many years, primarily because of Dr. Michelle Konnersman. A vet specialing in goats, and a goatkeeper herself, Dr. Konnersman was wonderfully generous with her expertise and experience, offering guidance for people who didn't have a mentor, and sometimes the only vet opinion that people could get.
Unfortunately Dr. Konnersman died today, following a stroke. A quick post was given to the list to notify us that she would not be taking any more questions. List members who had known Dr. Konnersman for years sent emails and phone calls to find out what had happened. Finally, the announcement came from an old friend of hers from the list, and "the real world."
Dr. Konnersman will be sorely missed. Finding people with such a love for goats who have gone on to be vets is very difficult. She was a great resource and help for so many of us. Details will be posted as we learn them.
Our hearts go out to her husband and son, and to all those who knew and loved her personally. Thank you Dr. Konnersman. Your work will carry on in each of us who benefitted from your warmth and guidance.
Unfortunately Dr. Konnersman died today, following a stroke. A quick post was given to the list to notify us that she would not be taking any more questions. List members who had known Dr. Konnersman for years sent emails and phone calls to find out what had happened. Finally, the announcement came from an old friend of hers from the list, and "the real world."
Dr. Konnersman will be sorely missed. Finding people with such a love for goats who have gone on to be vets is very difficult. She was a great resource and help for so many of us. Details will be posted as we learn them.
Our hearts go out to her husband and son, and to all those who knew and loved her personally. Thank you Dr. Konnersman. Your work will carry on in each of us who benefitted from your warmth and guidance.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Apologies to Blog Followers
I just realized that my blog dashboard has been giving me incorrect information. For those who asked for EZ pellets information, I'm sorry I never got back to you. I finally got asked for a moderated comment, the first time since this blog started. In looking at my dashboard, it was showing no followers, and no comments. Now, in looking through old posts, I find there were comments that I was never being shown. I'm terribly sorry, and will look into why this has happened.
Meanwhile someone has commented on your request and given you the correct information. I hope that this happens more often, and that I can trust my blog board to tell me the right thing.
I hope everyone's having "easy" breeding seasons and that the milk is still flowing if you want it. This year seems a lot different than last year for breedings. Don't know if it's the weather, or our management, but at least this year we know when the does are in heat.
Happy "goating"
Meanwhile someone has commented on your request and given you the correct information. I hope that this happens more often, and that I can trust my blog board to tell me the right thing.
I hope everyone's having "easy" breeding seasons and that the milk is still flowing if you want it. This year seems a lot different than last year for breedings. Don't know if it's the weather, or our management, but at least this year we know when the does are in heat.
Happy "goating"
Friday, September 18, 2009
New Issue Coming
I know it's been a busy season here, but we've finally gotten through it. Issue #66 is on its way from the printer to our subscribers as we speak. We're shifting our publication schedule to make it more appropriate to the season, ie. Fall gets to you in the Fall, etc. However, that means the Winter issue is going to be shipping during the holiday season, so please, get us your photos, ads, announcements etc early so we can get the issue to the Post OFfice before all the Holiday cards hit.
A lot has been happening on the legal end concerning small farms. NAIS is still gasping for air, but it may be revived by some of the new legislation coming up. House Bill 2749 and Senate Bill 510 both address "traceability" programs and are written with concern and ignorance about our food suppy. Of course we all want safe food, but treating all farms the same doesn't reach that objective. Using some common sense, along with actual knowledge of the topic, will go along way in making better laws regarding our food supply.
It's breeding season across the nation now, and many of us are trying to figure out how much food we need to make it through, and how many animals we can carry over. I know in the Northeast hay is at a premium, and sales are somewhat down. Part of that is due to competition and some of it is due to people not realizing how healthy goat keeping is, for their bodies and their souls. If you can open your "farm gates," to let people see your operation, you may find a buyer waiting right outside.
Well, does are calling me. Please contribute to Ruminations and help keep the magazine vibrant and relevant. Thanks,
Pat
A lot has been happening on the legal end concerning small farms. NAIS is still gasping for air, but it may be revived by some of the new legislation coming up. House Bill 2749 and Senate Bill 510 both address "traceability" programs and are written with concern and ignorance about our food suppy. Of course we all want safe food, but treating all farms the same doesn't reach that objective. Using some common sense, along with actual knowledge of the topic, will go along way in making better laws regarding our food supply.
It's breeding season across the nation now, and many of us are trying to figure out how much food we need to make it through, and how many animals we can carry over. I know in the Northeast hay is at a premium, and sales are somewhat down. Part of that is due to competition and some of it is due to people not realizing how healthy goat keeping is, for their bodies and their souls. If you can open your "farm gates," to let people see your operation, you may find a buyer waiting right outside.
Well, does are calling me. Please contribute to Ruminations and help keep the magazine vibrant and relevant. Thanks,
Pat
Friday, July 31, 2009
New Feature - One More Week!
Attention Ruminations Subscribers!
We’re launching a new feature in this and future issues of Ruminations.
“What I Love About…” is a photo feature with quick caption, available only to our subscribers. Each item will feature one of your photos, and a quick description about what you love about that goat. It might be something intangible, and that’s fun. But we’d like to see comments about conformational or production features, such as depth of brisket or butterfat content, or she passes on her beautiful face.
Each of us our favorite goats, or our favorite traits that we’re breeding for. We thought this would be a great way to celebrate the genetics each of us has to work with in our herds, and recognize the traits we each value in our animals.
Explanations can be up to 50 words, and include words or numbers, but should also include the animal’s name. There is no cost associated with this feature. It’s our way of thanking our subscribers for their support of the magazine.
The Fall issue will close on August 9, so send us your photos and captions by that date. Send them to Editor@smallfarmgoat.com and make sure to include your herd name, if it’s not in the animal’s name.
Want to join in on this growing community? Ruminations is available to new subscribers for $20 the first year, and $25/for each renewal. Two year subscriptions are available for $40. Each subscription includes one free classified ad in the issue of your choice.
Ruminations will also be launching their new Milking Program for those who can’t or choose not to be on DHI. For more details, email me at the above address. Other features coming up include “It Works!” a comment and/or illustration of a farm tool, program or other subject that readers have found helpful on their farms. Feel free to send in your ideas.
Also, our Winter issue will focus on tips for those who are new Nigerian dwarf or miniature dairy goats. Beginner’s tips, resources, workshops, etc, are all included in this special issue. Please contribute your wisdom, so we can continue to help people keep their herds in this economy and benefit from the joys and the milk that comes from goatkeeping.
We’re launching a new feature in this and future issues of Ruminations.
“What I Love About…” is a photo feature with quick caption, available only to our subscribers. Each item will feature one of your photos, and a quick description about what you love about that goat. It might be something intangible, and that’s fun. But we’d like to see comments about conformational or production features, such as depth of brisket or butterfat content, or she passes on her beautiful face.
Each of us our favorite goats, or our favorite traits that we’re breeding for. We thought this would be a great way to celebrate the genetics each of us has to work with in our herds, and recognize the traits we each value in our animals.
Explanations can be up to 50 words, and include words or numbers, but should also include the animal’s name. There is no cost associated with this feature. It’s our way of thanking our subscribers for their support of the magazine.
The Fall issue will close on August 9, so send us your photos and captions by that date. Send them to Editor@smallfarmgoat.com and make sure to include your herd name, if it’s not in the animal’s name.
Want to join in on this growing community? Ruminations is available to new subscribers for $20 the first year, and $25/for each renewal. Two year subscriptions are available for $40. Each subscription includes one free classified ad in the issue of your choice.
Ruminations will also be launching their new Milking Program for those who can’t or choose not to be on DHI. For more details, email me at the above address. Other features coming up include “It Works!” a comment and/or illustration of a farm tool, program or other subject that readers have found helpful on their farms. Feel free to send in your ideas.
Also, our Winter issue will focus on tips for those who are new Nigerian dwarf or miniature dairy goats. Beginner’s tips, resources, workshops, etc, are all included in this special issue. Please contribute your wisdom, so we can continue to help people keep their herds in this economy and benefit from the joys and the milk that comes from goatkeeping.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
New Issue Out - New Problem To Work On
By now you should have all gotten your latest issue of Ruminations, #65. Hope you enjoy it. We'd really like to help promote your herdsires in #66, so please check out the Stud Spot program in the advertising section, or the inset in the magazine.
We're very pleased to announce the Ruminations Unofficial Milking Program, detailed in the latest issue, as well. If you are a Ruminations Subscriber, of Nigerians or of a Mini-Dairy Goat Breed, and want to participate in the Ruminations program, please contact me at Editor@smallfarmgoat.com. Our coordinator will tell you what's involved.
Another great way to present how much our little girls contribute to our families.
Unfortunately, while the USDA is getting an earful about how small/medium farmers/ranchers object to NAIS, the House of Representatives is barging on ahead with ill-informed programs. Check out the following announcement from Farm to Consumer Legal Defense Fund -
A new food safety bill is on the fast track in Congress-HR 2749, the Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009. The bill needs to be stopped.
HR 2749 gives FDA tremendous power while significantly diminishing existing judicial restraints on actions taken by the agency. The bill would impose a one-size-fits-all regulatory scheme on small farms and local artisanal producers; and it would disproportionately impact their operations for the worse.
HR 2749 does not address underlying causes of food safety problems such as industrial agriculture practices and the consolidation of our food supply. The industrial food system and food imports are badly in need of effective regulation, but the bill does not specifically direct regulation or resources to these areas.
To read a detailed account of the bill, go to: http://www.ftcldf.org/news/news-15june2009.htm
Alarming Provisions:
Some of the more alarming provisions in the bill are:
* HR 2749 would impose an annual registration fee of $500 on any "facility" that holds, processes, or manufactures food. Although "farms" are exempt, the agency has defined "farm" narrowly. And people making foods such as lacto-fermented vegetables, cheeses, or breads would be required to register and pay the fee, which could drive beginning and small producers out of business during difficult economic times.
* HR 2749 would empower FDA to regulate how crops are raised and harvested. It puts the federal government right on the farm, dictating to our farmers.
* HR 2749 would give FDA the power to order a quarantine of a geographic area, including "prohibiting or restricting the movement of food or of any vehicle being used or that has been used to transport or hold such food within the geographic area." Under this provision, farmers markets and local food sources could be shut down, even if they are not the source of the contamination. The agency can halt all movement of all food in a geographic area.
* HR 2749 would empower FDA to make random warrantless searches of the business records of small farmers and local food producers, without any evidence whatsoever that there has been a violation. Even farmers selling direct to consumers would have to provide the federal government with records on where they buy supplies, how they raise their crops, and a list of customers.
* HR 2749 charges the Secretary of Health and Human Services with establishing a tracing system for food. Each "person who produces, manufactures, processes, packs, transports, or holds such food" would have to "maintain the full pedigree of the origin and previous distribution history of the food," and "establish and maintain a system for tracing the food that is interoperable with the systems established and maintained by other such persons." The bill does not explain how far the traceback will extend or how it will be done for multi-ingredient foods. With all these ambiguities, it's far from clear how much it will cost either the farmers or the taxpayers.
* HR 2749 creates severe criminal and civil penalties, including prison terms of up to 10 years and/or fines of up to $100,000 for each violation for individuals.
Action to Take:
Contact your Representative now! Ask to speak with the staffer who handles food issues. Tell them you are opposed to the bill. Some points to make in telling your Representative why you oppose HR 2749 include:
1. The bill imposes burdensome requirements while not specifically targeting the industrial food system and food imports, where the real food safety problems lie.
2. Small farms and local food processors are part of the solution to food safety; lessening the regulatory burden on them will improve food safety.
3. The bill gives FDA much more power than it has had in the past while making the agency less accountable for its actions.
HR 2749 needs to be defeated!! Please take action NOW.
To contact your Representative, use the finder tool at www.Congress.org or send a message through the petition system (the petition will be on our website this evening) at http://www.ftcldf.org/petitions_new.htm. Or call the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121.
To check the status of HR 2749, go to www.Thomas.gov and type "HR 2749" in the bill search field.
Updates on HR 2749 will be provided as events warrant.
We're very pleased to announce the Ruminations Unofficial Milking Program, detailed in the latest issue, as well. If you are a Ruminations Subscriber, of Nigerians or of a Mini-Dairy Goat Breed, and want to participate in the Ruminations program, please contact me at Editor@smallfarmgoat.com. Our coordinator will tell you what's involved.
Another great way to present how much our little girls contribute to our families.
Unfortunately, while the USDA is getting an earful about how small/medium farmers/ranchers object to NAIS, the House of Representatives is barging on ahead with ill-informed programs. Check out the following announcement from Farm to Consumer Legal Defense Fund -
A new food safety bill is on the fast track in Congress-HR 2749, the Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009. The bill needs to be stopped.
HR 2749 gives FDA tremendous power while significantly diminishing existing judicial restraints on actions taken by the agency. The bill would impose a one-size-fits-all regulatory scheme on small farms and local artisanal producers; and it would disproportionately impact their operations for the worse.
HR 2749 does not address underlying causes of food safety problems such as industrial agriculture practices and the consolidation of our food supply. The industrial food system and food imports are badly in need of effective regulation, but the bill does not specifically direct regulation or resources to these areas.
To read a detailed account of the bill, go to: http://www.ftcldf.org/news/news-15june2009.htm
Alarming Provisions:
Some of the more alarming provisions in the bill are:
* HR 2749 would impose an annual registration fee of $500 on any "facility" that holds, processes, or manufactures food. Although "farms" are exempt, the agency has defined "farm" narrowly. And people making foods such as lacto-fermented vegetables, cheeses, or breads would be required to register and pay the fee, which could drive beginning and small producers out of business during difficult economic times.
* HR 2749 would empower FDA to regulate how crops are raised and harvested. It puts the federal government right on the farm, dictating to our farmers.
* HR 2749 would give FDA the power to order a quarantine of a geographic area, including "prohibiting or restricting the movement of food or of any vehicle being used or that has been used to transport or hold such food within the geographic area." Under this provision, farmers markets and local food sources could be shut down, even if they are not the source of the contamination. The agency can halt all movement of all food in a geographic area.
* HR 2749 would empower FDA to make random warrantless searches of the business records of small farmers and local food producers, without any evidence whatsoever that there has been a violation. Even farmers selling direct to consumers would have to provide the federal government with records on where they buy supplies, how they raise their crops, and a list of customers.
* HR 2749 charges the Secretary of Health and Human Services with establishing a tracing system for food. Each "person who produces, manufactures, processes, packs, transports, or holds such food" would have to "maintain the full pedigree of the origin and previous distribution history of the food," and "establish and maintain a system for tracing the food that is interoperable with the systems established and maintained by other such persons." The bill does not explain how far the traceback will extend or how it will be done for multi-ingredient foods. With all these ambiguities, it's far from clear how much it will cost either the farmers or the taxpayers.
* HR 2749 creates severe criminal and civil penalties, including prison terms of up to 10 years and/or fines of up to $100,000 for each violation for individuals.
Action to Take:
Contact your Representative now! Ask to speak with the staffer who handles food issues. Tell them you are opposed to the bill. Some points to make in telling your Representative why you oppose HR 2749 include:
1. The bill imposes burdensome requirements while not specifically targeting the industrial food system and food imports, where the real food safety problems lie.
2. Small farms and local food processors are part of the solution to food safety; lessening the regulatory burden on them will improve food safety.
3. The bill gives FDA much more power than it has had in the past while making the agency less accountable for its actions.
HR 2749 needs to be defeated!! Please take action NOW.
To contact your Representative, use the finder tool at www.Congress.org or send a message through the petition system (the petition will be on our website this evening) at http://www.ftcldf.org/petitions_new.htm. Or call the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121.
To check the status of HR 2749, go to www.Thomas.gov and type "HR 2749" in the bill search field.
Updates on HR 2749 will be provided as events warrant.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Issue Out
By now hopefully all the subscribers have gotten their new issues of Ruminations. We've received lots of good feedback on this issue, and are already collecting information for the next one.
Have a picture? article? poem? idea that you'd like to include in Issue #66? Send it to us at Editor@smallfarmgoat.com and we'll try to get it in. This next issue is dedicated to Buck Care and Reproductive Issues. In my mind, that includes Genetics. We'd like to highlight your Bucks, so check out the Stud Spot advertising rate. There are so many great herds out there, we want to help promote them.
I'll try to check in here regularly, but this is a crazy time on our farm. Forgive my absence, but chime in and start the conversations yourself!
Thanks,
Pat
Have a picture? article? poem? idea that you'd like to include in Issue #66? Send it to us at Editor@smallfarmgoat.com and we'll try to get it in. This next issue is dedicated to Buck Care and Reproductive Issues. In my mind, that includes Genetics. We'd like to highlight your Bucks, so check out the Stud Spot advertising rate. There are so many great herds out there, we want to help promote them.
I'll try to check in here regularly, but this is a crazy time on our farm. Forgive my absence, but chime in and start the conversations yourself!
Thanks,
Pat
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Mineral Adventures
Because of the way I feed my herd, it's hard to give an individual "dose" per animal, but when I first started using the EZ Pelz I substituted about 1/8 of the ration for one feeding, with the EZ pelz. So in essence, 1/16th of the ration for that time was EZ Pelz. I did that for about a week, and then I went back to the normal ration, putting a top dress of EZ Pelz on the regular feed and then mixing that in. I continue to do that once a day, though sometimes I forget. I don't double up the next day though.
I have seen my bucks get much stronger colors in their coats. Rut was extended by a couple of weeks, though with the warmer weather they are much calmer now. Does that had trouble conceiving, seem to have settled, though again, it may just be the end of breeding season. We'll see in a couple of months if that's true or not.
The strongest evidence that we have an improvement is that I have two does that now look very similar. Before, Timpatience was as white as a Saanen. Her past brothers had often been white, and she, at two years old, had never shown any sign of any other color. Now she's a heavily roaned white with red guard hairs. Her half-sister, Mithral, is very much the same color, and since both are now bred, it can be very hard to tell them apart.
We still find that the herd wants kelp, as there is still a race to the bucket when we fill it up, so obviously the EZ pels isn't the complete solution here. But those are organic minerals, so they are naturally chelated. We still have one doe with a problem, but we're working on finding that solution. Hers is not as simple as a lack of access. It's more one of personality. Hopefully we'll find the answer to her problem soon.
But in this herd, EZ Pels has made a big difference. As with anything else, I don't think there's ever any Easy Solution to every problem, but it's a big step toward a solid baseline. Hope that helps.
I have seen my bucks get much stronger colors in their coats. Rut was extended by a couple of weeks, though with the warmer weather they are much calmer now. Does that had trouble conceiving, seem to have settled, though again, it may just be the end of breeding season. We'll see in a couple of months if that's true or not.
The strongest evidence that we have an improvement is that I have two does that now look very similar. Before, Timpatience was as white as a Saanen. Her past brothers had often been white, and she, at two years old, had never shown any sign of any other color. Now she's a heavily roaned white with red guard hairs. Her half-sister, Mithral, is very much the same color, and since both are now bred, it can be very hard to tell them apart.
We still find that the herd wants kelp, as there is still a race to the bucket when we fill it up, so obviously the EZ pels isn't the complete solution here. But those are organic minerals, so they are naturally chelated. We still have one doe with a problem, but we're working on finding that solution. Hers is not as simple as a lack of access. It's more one of personality. Hopefully we'll find the answer to her problem soon.
But in this herd, EZ Pels has made a big difference. As with anything else, I don't think there's ever any Easy Solution to every problem, but it's a big step toward a solid baseline. Hope that helps.
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