Comments on: News From the Home Place, Bush, BSE, and CAFTA

By: Matt

Matt — Thu, 26 May 2005 23:59:00 +0000

The last three days I’ve been at a Dairy Conference on current and up-and-coming issues. Naturally, BSE was one of the topics covered.

I’ve got a couple things to throw out on the table.
First, and obviously, diseases don’t recognize national borders. Persons that treat the US and Canada as discreet bubbles sidestep the real issue. So in terms of BSE, the entire North American continent is at similar risk.

Second, the food safety policy of the US and Canada are virtually identical since 1997(even Mexico in 2000). This helps buttress my first point.

Third, total surveillance goals by the end of ‘05 will be 100% beyond original USDA recommended figures.

Forth, from a epidemiological standpoint, BSE is no longer a threat regardless of border status. So all this comsumer hype is just that, hype.

Fifth, the only reason the border isn’t open is because of politics, not food safety. The only pockets being packed by the border closing is Canadian businessmen who built meat processing plants.

Sixth, one of the results of BSE will be a National Animal Identification System (NAIS). Love it or lump it, it’s coming (mandatory ‘09). I like to compare it to the forced regulation of milkcans to bulktanks.

A word to the wise, stay away from Japanese beef.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 26 May 2005 00:56:00 +0000

Here’s one little tid bit from the Cattlemen’s Journal that I recieved today from R-Calf. Some food for thought. It’s a quote from Mike Karrels, a cow-calf producer from Terry,MT.This was at the court hearing in Billings about the Canadian Border. Makes anyone who beleives in our form of government take notice.

Quote, “Sitting in that courtroom, listening to the USDA attorneys argue their case, reminded me of being at the International Trade Commission Hall during the trade case filed in 1999.”(I love this part),”You have American citizens working for the U.S. government that are charged with protecting the interests of American citizens pleading the case of foreign interests.”

I think the days are over of looking at the USDA to help out our own farmers and ranchers. I just wanted to add the above quote because of the 180 degree change of direction our government has gone through the last few years. Guess that’s why I’m another Republican that has gone to the Constitution Party.

Tom

By: reformed farmer

reformed farmer — Wed, 25 May 2005 18:42:00 +0000

Hey Tom

I will be spreading the word. This is a interesting time for agriculture, if we stick together perhaps we can beat them. There seems to be a lot more cooperation between farmers now than there had been in the past. I hope its a sign of whats to come in the future! Keep up the fight.

Scott

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 25 May 2005 12:37:00 +0000

I’m glad you brought up R-Calf Scott. Thank’s for spreading the word. In the midwest and west it’s growing fast. Here in Minnesota family daiy farmers are joining up for the reasons you mentioned. Spread the word to the dairies and beef operations in your area. When I joined 3 years ago we had 5000 members, it’s now close or over 15000 and becoming a force to be reckoned with. The fight against the New World Order is being fought out here and we need your help.

Tom Scepaniak