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.
Monday, February 22, 2010
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"
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