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
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
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
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