NAIS will put Livestock owners under closer surveillance than terrorists,

NAIS will put Livestock owners under closer surveillance than terrorists, illegals aliens, drug dealers, and convicted sex offenders/child molesters. Currently, only convicted sex offenders/child molesters have to register their premises. ~unknown

There is an interesting article on NAIS Sucks.

Five Minutes With Sharon Zecchinelli & Doreen Hannes?

By: Jolly
January 11-2008

I wrapped up 2007 with a series of interviews with people who are backing NAIS. It was an interesting and well-read series – even if I do say so – that explained in detail all the reasons that make animal identification a good idea. Sharon Zecchinelli contacted me, though, and demanded that the scales be balanced. "There are reasons it is not a good idea," she said.

Here is the salient point: NAIS is a controversial subject, a coin with at least two sides. On close examination, we might even have to count the edge of the coin and call it a three-sided argument.

There are contingencies of small farmers and hobbyists who don't like the idea. Not one bit. They see it as an unnecessary intrusion on their rights as private citizens - as a money grab by big business at the expense of the little guy - maybe even creeping socialism. One person harrumphed about the insanity of trying to ear tag chickens – she was stretching a point to make her point, of course.

But not to be tagged myself (as a slanted journalist, not an NAIS chicken), I invited Zecchinelli to stand in for the anti-NAIS groups and speak her piece. She agreed and invited her friend, Doreen Hannes, to participate. Their answers were impassioned, detailing the reasoning behind their position. Read on. It's interesting stuff, whether you're for it or 'agin it'

Discussions

We have laid out a plan. It is rather basic, but should help with any money woes we might face. We have decided to sell our tomatoes at the farm market, start getting my chainmaille out in the public eye a bit more, and we have begun looking into starting our own motorcycle shop. (The process for that will be recorded on Following the Yellow Brick Road)

It won't bring in a ton of money (though last night I was flipping through channels and saw a chainmaille necklace on a shopping channel that was being sold for $200) But it is a start to something, that will hopefully keep my husband out of the politics of being the employee. I didn't realize how much stress had been placed on him lately, doing something that he is good at and loved. I did notice that he was starting to look older, but I chalked that up to being together since we were teenagers. But this past week, that added age has disappeared. I really do think that this lay off is a blessing. I know worse is coming, it always seems to, but we have been through much worse then this and survived. And all your comments helped immensely.

It shall be an interesting year.

I am tired and a little sad.

I really wasn't feeling spirited enough to fight, but then I read some of these items below and realized, more than ever my situation requires me to inform all of you about NAIS. If this persists and infects Kansas like it has other States, I will indeed lose my homestead.

NC Blackmails Farmers in Drought?

From NCDA&CS

Hay buyers must have an N.C. Farm ID Premises Identification Number.

If you do not have one, download the registration form (PDF file),
fill it out and bring it with you to a distribution site. This will
start the Farm ID registration process and qualify you to purchase
hay.


In Illinois,

National plan draws local criticism, despite good intentions
By DEBORAH GERTZ HUSAR

Herald-Whig Staff Writer

CARTHAGE, Ill. — Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Chuck Hartke is standing behind the requirement for premise identification to show livestock at state, county, 4-H and FFA fairs.

"I heard plenty, but I didn't hear anything to change my mind," Hartke said after two hours of questions and concerns Monday night from Hancock County residents. Continues>>>>


And then there is this:

The 2006 Agricultural Identification Survey and the NASS/NAIS Identity

by Mary Zanoni, Ph.D., J.D.

Like many small-farm advocates, I have been fielding questions over the past few weeks about the above survey being sent out by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). Many people ask if there is any relationship between the survey and the data being collected (often without the knowledge or consent of farmers) for the National Animal Identification System (NAIS). As we shall see, although USDA personnel won’t admit it, NASS data is the foundation of the USDA’s aggressive pursuit of NAIS.

To my great surprise, in this morning’s mail I myself received a 2006 Agricultural Identification Survey (2006 AIS). I say “to my great surprise,” because I am not and never have been engaged in any type of commercial agriculture whatsoever. I have never before received any type of communication from NASS.

The envelope states in very large letters, “YOUR RESPONSE IS REQUIRED BY LAW.” Continue>>>>>

He does get to the point.

The Future of our Homestead is Uncertain

I wasn't going to bring this to your attention. But there will be no way I can hide it. Sooner or later you will begin questioning why we are doing so many major projects, and why my husband is showing up more and more in my posts.

Friday afternoon, my husband was laid off. A total of 23 people in a work force that doesn't reach 200, were. And there is more coming.

Because of this, our life here on the homestead will abruptly change. You will see more repurpose and frugality in my posts. We will struggle more. And try desperately to hold onto our little patch of land.

We still plan on Firefly, the real donkey, to be here. (no worries Marina, that has already been worked out) I will need to look outside of the home for extra work. You can't lay off a motorcycle mechanic in the dead of winter and expect him to find work before spring. He has already talked to other shops.

This will be a very rough time in our lives.

On a brighter note, our 3 year old turns 4 today! HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY!

Garden Check

Blogger just doesn't want to post pictures for me today.

1st week seeds

Here are the Good Neighbor Peas. On the right is the Brandywine tomatoes. In the middle, onions. (they are trying to come up)

The cauliflower is doing well.

My youngest turns 4 on Tuesday, and he is the only one excited about the sprouts. Many ooo's and awwws were forth coming, as well as squeals of delight. When I asked him if he was going to eat them when they fruited, he gave a loud "uh huh!" My 6 year old declared he would only eat broccoli.

To my LJ Friends, these are the seeds you sent me. Thank you, they are doing great!