The following was sent in an email.
USDA Announces Locations for Listening Sessions on NAIS
The USDA is holding seven listening sessions about the National Animal
Identification System (NAIS). The NAIS would impose severe hardships on
small farmers, and impact anyone who owns even one livestock or poultry
animal, even those raising animals for their own food or as pets. While
benefiting Big Ag's export market, NAIS could cripple small farmers
providing grass-fed meats, eggs, and dairy to local consumers.
Key Congressional leaders have called for a mandatory NAIS, and
Secretary Vilsack has indicated that he plans to push forward with some
sort of program soon. It's going to take a lot of people speaking up
loud and clear to keep a mandatory NAIS from being imposed on every
livestock owner in America! These listening sessions are a critical
opportunity to get media attention on NAIS and demonstrate the level of
opposition to the program.
Please go to these meetings! You can have an impact simply by being
there and showing that a lot of people are opposed to NAIS!
TAKE ACTION #1 - Go to the Meetings!
Start making your plans NOW to go to the listening session
nearest you, and spread the word!
May 14 - Harrisburg, PA
Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center
2300 N. Cameron St.
Map this Location
May 18 - Pasco, WA
Trac Center
6600 Burden Blvd.
Map this Location
May 20 - Austin, TX
Embassy Suites Hotel Austin Central
5901 N. IH-35
Map this Location
May 21- Birmingham, AL
Cahaba Grand Convention Center
3660 Grandview Parkway
Map this Location
May 22 - Louisville, KY
Crowne Plaza
Louisville Airport
830 Phillips Lane
Map this Location
May 27 - Storrs, CT
University of Connecticut, Storrs Campus
Bishop Center
One Bishop Circle
Map this Location
June 1 - Greeley, CO
TBD
We will let you know as soon as this information is available.
The meetings will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.
* If you want to speak, plan a short statement (3-5 minutes). We
will send sample talking points in our next alert.
* You can also bring written comments. It's best to bring two
copies one to hand to USDA staff and one to keep so that you
have a record of what you submitted.
* The USDA coordinator has stated that the afternoon will consist
of facilitated sessions, where the attendees will be divided
into groups to develop solutions. Be prepared to politely
disagree with the facilitator. If they claim that a consensus
has been reached with an answer that you don't agree with, say
so!
REGISTRATION
If you want to speak in the morning or participate in the afternoon
sessions, you must register.
Pre-registration:
* Send an email to NAISSessions@aphis.usda.gov In the subject line
of the e-mail, indicate your name (or organization name) and the
location of the meeting you plan to attend. If you wish to
present public comments during one of the meetings, please
include your name (or organization name) and address in the body
of the message.
* Call 301-734-0799 to register by phone.
On-site registration: From 8 am - 9 am on the day of the meeting.
You can also check the USDA's website for more information.
TAKE ACTION #2 - Submit Written Comments
You can submit your comments via the Federal eRulemaking Portal
Although the USDA did not specify a deadline in its notice, a USDA
official has stated that the deadline is Monday, June 1.
We will provide sample comments in our next alert. If you want to
comment before then, you can get ideas from the sample comments posted
here.
USDA's Statement
In the Federal Register notice announcing the meetings, USDA
specifically asked for input on the topics listed below. These questions
will most likely form the basis for the facilitated sessions in the
afternoon of each listening session. Do not feel limited by these
questions in preparing your oral or written comments!
Cost. What are your concerns about the cost of the NAIS? What steps
would you suggest APHIS use to address cost?
Impact on small farmers. What are your concerns about the effect of the
NAIS on small farmers? What approaches would you suggest APHIS take to
address the potential impact on small farmers?
Privacy and confidentiality. What are your concerns regarding how the
NAIS will affect your operation's privacy and/or the confidentiality of
your operation? What steps or tactics would you suggest APHIS use to
address privacy and confidentiality issues?
Liability. What are your concerns about your operation's liability under the NAIS? What would you suggest APHIS consider to address liability
concerns?
Premises registration. Do you have any suggestions on how to make
premises registration, or the identification of farm or ranch locations,
easier for stakeholders? How should we address your concerns regarding
premises registration?
Animal identification. Do you have any suggestions on how to make animal
identification practical and useful to stakeholders while simultaneously
meeting the needs of animal health officials who must conduct disease
tracebacks?
Animal tracing. Do you have any suggestions on how to make the animal
tracing component practical, in particular the reporting of animal
movements to other premises, while meeting the needs of animal health
officials who must conduct disease tracebacks?
The USDA Federal Register notice is posted here.
USDA contact for more information: Dr. Adam Grow, Director, Surveillance
and Identification Programs, National Center for Animal Health Programs,VS, APHIS, 4700 River Road Unit 200, Riverdale, MD 20737; 301-734-3752.
For more information about NAIS, visit and support LibertyArk.net
Donate Now!
Buy a membership or koozies to help!
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Boring
I'm even boring myself lately.
Melissa came out yesterday. Surprised me. I actually like it when people come out in the middle of the day. Even though I have neighbors, most of them work away from home, and it can get a tad lonely out here. We chatted a bit about helping each other out. She needs a place to put a beef cow, I need. . . what do I need? Shall I get all existential on you all? Do you really want to get that personnel with me?
They are calling for rain later today. I am going to see if my good neighbor will come over with his tractor and dig up my garden. The tiller and tractor are still down. I have to get something, almost everything up, in. I need to plant some more stuff in doors. Why? Because I want to eliminate the chance of weeding them out, them getting flooded out, or never even sprouting. It is just something to make my gardening life easier.
Speaking of such, I have noticed that many of us are struggling. Our food preserves are dwindling, and money is scarce. I am right there with you all. I am lucky enough to still have a freezer full of pork. Last night we made home made pizza, the only ingredients that were store bought where the flour, salt, sugar, and baking soda for the dough. We made farmers cheese for the topping, ground up pork and seasoned it with herbs, and opened a canned jar of pizza sauce. It is possible to do a lot with a little. It might be a subject I should write more about.
So if you want, which I know that one of you was very vocal in wanting this, in the up coming weeks, as produce starts coming in, I will write on the various ways of using and preserving. And not just the typical items or food stuff. But the more odd and desperate. Since we all live in different climates, feel free to let me know what you have started bringing in that you need help with. It's why I am here.
Melissa came out yesterday. Surprised me. I actually like it when people come out in the middle of the day. Even though I have neighbors, most of them work away from home, and it can get a tad lonely out here. We chatted a bit about helping each other out. She needs a place to put a beef cow, I need. . . what do I need? Shall I get all existential on you all? Do you really want to get that personnel with me?
They are calling for rain later today. I am going to see if my good neighbor will come over with his tractor and dig up my garden. The tiller and tractor are still down. I have to get something, almost everything up, in. I need to plant some more stuff in doors. Why? Because I want to eliminate the chance of weeding them out, them getting flooded out, or never even sprouting. It is just something to make my gardening life easier.
Speaking of such, I have noticed that many of us are struggling. Our food preserves are dwindling, and money is scarce. I am right there with you all. I am lucky enough to still have a freezer full of pork. Last night we made home made pizza, the only ingredients that were store bought where the flour, salt, sugar, and baking soda for the dough. We made farmers cheese for the topping, ground up pork and seasoned it with herbs, and opened a canned jar of pizza sauce. It is possible to do a lot with a little. It might be a subject I should write more about.
So if you want, which I know that one of you was very vocal in wanting this, in the up coming weeks, as produce starts coming in, I will write on the various ways of using and preserving. And not just the typical items or food stuff. But the more odd and desperate. Since we all live in different climates, feel free to let me know what you have started bringing in that you need help with. It's why I am here.
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Break out your decoder rings
I had a rather self interesting day yesterday. Not going to really share the details, but I thought you might find the mere fact that I had a self interesting day, interesting.
Large is now officially grounded for 2 weeks. He is pushing us very hard. We tried to show him the error of his ways, but being an hour late home, forcing me to retrieve him, after being late several other times, finally broke me. 2 WEEKS BOY! 2 WEEKS! Hermit Jim had a post about listening to your parents when you got older, and the behavior of Large has me wondering if they actually ever listen.
"We are not afraid to entrust the American people with unpleasent facts, foreign ideas, alien philosophies, and competitive values. For a nation that is afraid to let its people judge the truth and falsehood in an open market is a nation that is afraid of its people."
-- John F. Kennedy. Remarks made on the 20th anniversary of the Voice of America at H.E.W. Auditorium, February 26, 1962
Why the quote? Because I am talking about the Hate Crime bill and banned books over on the Kansas Preppers Network.
Yellow Grape
Roma
Super Sioux
Paprika
Rutgers
Habenero
Mortgage lifter
Amish Paste
Arkansas Traveler
Black Krim
Beef Steak
Told you to break out those decoder rings.
Actually the list is of tomatoes and peppers that I have growing in the closet, and should be ready to go outside next week.
It is still raining, I just need two days of sun and dry so I can get everything outside.
I am not on drugs, I am just frustrated. I waited all winter to do something, but haven't been able to. This would be spring fever.
Large is now officially grounded for 2 weeks. He is pushing us very hard. We tried to show him the error of his ways, but being an hour late home, forcing me to retrieve him, after being late several other times, finally broke me. 2 WEEKS BOY! 2 WEEKS! Hermit Jim had a post about listening to your parents when you got older, and the behavior of Large has me wondering if they actually ever listen.
"We are not afraid to entrust the American people with unpleasent facts, foreign ideas, alien philosophies, and competitive values. For a nation that is afraid to let its people judge the truth and falsehood in an open market is a nation that is afraid of its people."
-- John F. Kennedy. Remarks made on the 20th anniversary of the Voice of America at H.E.W. Auditorium, February 26, 1962
Why the quote? Because I am talking about the Hate Crime bill and banned books over on the Kansas Preppers Network.
Yellow Grape
Roma
Super Sioux
Paprika
Rutgers
Habenero
Mortgage lifter
Amish Paste
Arkansas Traveler
Black Krim
Beef Steak
Told you to break out those decoder rings.
Actually the list is of tomatoes and peppers that I have growing in the closet, and should be ready to go outside next week.
It is still raining, I just need two days of sun and dry so I can get everything outside.
I am not on drugs, I am just frustrated. I waited all winter to do something, but haven't been able to. This would be spring fever.
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
For my 2nd Amendment Loving Friends
There is an interesting post on Domestic Terrorists about this new Anti-Gun Treaty that our government is pushing for. Benjamin Franklin makes a great argument in his post, actually taking you through our Rights and what Rights this treaty violates.
And Right is Home
Both the tractor and rototiller are out of commission as of this morning. The belt broke on the tiller, while gas isn't getting through on the tractor. Husband wasn't having a good day yesterday, and stopped work on the tractor before he started yelling. He went and worked on a motorcycle. And even that didn't seem to improve his day.
We went over to get hay, the man offered a barter for the remaining hay. Husband fixes his tractor and the few bales left were ours. I left to go to a Parent Teachers conference, and when I returned, my husband and the hay man now have a deal. Husband will help him work the fields for a very good hourly wage. My husband will be very tired, but he accepted the deal.
I have a feeling we will not be able to plant next week. The weather seems to be staying rather cool, too cool to put out tender seedlings that thrive in heat. If it is like last summer, many plants will not produce and those that do will do so poorly. I actually had to turn the heater on this morning. Not normal, usually we are feeling 80F by now.
Sammy is an interesting character. She bit me. Not too hard, but enough. I checked and made sure everything was ok with her saddle, as she bit me as I was trying to mount. I tighten some things up and managed to get on her. She is super curious. When we walk she looks around, and stares. It looks like we are walking sideways the way her head turns to look. We would not have passed a sobriety test, the way she swerves. At one point I had to use my mom voice, and she snapped back to attention. I also discovered that she is spooky with cars. But not so bad that anyone will get hurt.
I am itching to get things done, to do new projects. I am hesitant to start anything here, but it is too wet to make it to the farmstead. Maybe this weekend t will be dry, and then I will have something interesting to talk about.
We went over to get hay, the man offered a barter for the remaining hay. Husband fixes his tractor and the few bales left were ours. I left to go to a Parent Teachers conference, and when I returned, my husband and the hay man now have a deal. Husband will help him work the fields for a very good hourly wage. My husband will be very tired, but he accepted the deal.
I have a feeling we will not be able to plant next week. The weather seems to be staying rather cool, too cool to put out tender seedlings that thrive in heat. If it is like last summer, many plants will not produce and those that do will do so poorly. I actually had to turn the heater on this morning. Not normal, usually we are feeling 80F by now.
Sammy is an interesting character. She bit me. Not too hard, but enough. I checked and made sure everything was ok with her saddle, as she bit me as I was trying to mount. I tighten some things up and managed to get on her. She is super curious. When we walk she looks around, and stares. It looks like we are walking sideways the way her head turns to look. We would not have passed a sobriety test, the way she swerves. At one point I had to use my mom voice, and she snapped back to attention. I also discovered that she is spooky with cars. But not so bad that anyone will get hurt.
I am itching to get things done, to do new projects. I am hesitant to start anything here, but it is too wet to make it to the farmstead. Maybe this weekend t will be dry, and then I will have something interesting to talk about.
Monday, May 04, 2009
A Very Full Weekend
Friday we went to the zoo with Small's pre-K class. It was storming, and we had hoped that it would pass after the educational program that was held inside at the zoo. They read a book about a lion and how many different animals he could scare and then they got to touch a lion's skull, a wort hog's skull, a gazelle horn (she called it a horn not antler) rhino skin, lion's mane, and something else that I can't remember. Then we were free to roam around the zoo. The storm hadn't passed.
Most of the families headed to the children's zoo, but since we have most of the animals in the petting zoo, we decided to head straight to the lizard house.
Small loved it
For a long time we had the zoo to ourselves, then other schools started showing up and spoiled it. The rain cleared, but we were no longer having fun. My husband was elbowed in the crotch, and the child yelled at him like it was his fault. We were pushed aside by parents and kids, and the disrespect that the majority of these people were showing was really getting under our skins. We saw most of the animals by then any way, so we left before our entire day was ruined.
Small has declared that his favorite animal is now the rhino. Why? Because he sprayed all the rude people that pushed in front of Small so he couldn't see. (yes, sprayed ha!)
The three of us spent the rest of the day cuddled up on the couch watching movies until the two older boys came home.
We were told to expect severe showers all day on Saturday. That didn't happen. Because of the threat, I didn't do too many outside chores, and spent the day with the house opened up and working inside.
Sunday, I was busy trying to finish up the inside chores, when our buddy Hooter showed up early. We were very surprised to see him. He was visibly upset, and said he hadn't gone to sleep yet. He tends to be a night owl, as he is a single man and likes to drink. He was sober. We didn't press him for any info, and took him out to see Courage and he hand fed the Dexter's. We found out later what had happened. I do adore him, I just wish the other females in his life could see what I see in him. He is so worthy of being loved.
Hooter left and I went back to chores. My brother shows up. We had a few beers and did some outside work. He really enjoys working outside here.
I finally rode Sammy. I have heard horror stories about her, and was expecting to get thrown. Instead she walked with a steady gait, much smoother than Sunny. She responded well to commands. I no longer have a fear of riding her, and will gleefully do so everyday. I took her out to the cows, where Mama and Eddie knew what was up. The calves however hadn't a clue. Urth thought it was play time, and would run up, kicking her heels and bucking "catch me catch me!" Sammy did well once she figure out what I wanted from her.
My brother also got to ride her. It was his first time ever on a horse. He declared that he loved it. He was stiff and unsure, but I think after a few more times, he will be comfortable and be able to enjoy it more.
I milked Murrial! yep you read that correctly. Yesterday we separated out Courage and easily milked Murrial. She got right into the stanchion, but she didn't relax enough for us to efficiently milk her. We only got a quart and 1/2 a half pint. She is so much easier to milk than the Dexters. I was worried because my hands start to hurt while milking the Dexters, and if I can't milk out 1 gallon, how on earth will I milk out 3-6? But she takes little effort to draw from, and once she excepts me as a calf, and relaxes more, I foresee a comfortable milking relationship.
Most of the families headed to the children's zoo, but since we have most of the animals in the petting zoo, we decided to head straight to the lizard house.
Small loved it
For a long time we had the zoo to ourselves, then other schools started showing up and spoiled it. The rain cleared, but we were no longer having fun. My husband was elbowed in the crotch, and the child yelled at him like it was his fault. We were pushed aside by parents and kids, and the disrespect that the majority of these people were showing was really getting under our skins. We saw most of the animals by then any way, so we left before our entire day was ruined.
Small has declared that his favorite animal is now the rhino. Why? Because he sprayed all the rude people that pushed in front of Small so he couldn't see. (yes, sprayed ha!)
The three of us spent the rest of the day cuddled up on the couch watching movies until the two older boys came home.
We were told to expect severe showers all day on Saturday. That didn't happen. Because of the threat, I didn't do too many outside chores, and spent the day with the house opened up and working inside.
Sunday, I was busy trying to finish up the inside chores, when our buddy Hooter showed up early. We were very surprised to see him. He was visibly upset, and said he hadn't gone to sleep yet. He tends to be a night owl, as he is a single man and likes to drink. He was sober. We didn't press him for any info, and took him out to see Courage and he hand fed the Dexter's. We found out later what had happened. I do adore him, I just wish the other females in his life could see what I see in him. He is so worthy of being loved.
Hooter left and I went back to chores. My brother shows up. We had a few beers and did some outside work. He really enjoys working outside here.
I finally rode Sammy. I have heard horror stories about her, and was expecting to get thrown. Instead she walked with a steady gait, much smoother than Sunny. She responded well to commands. I no longer have a fear of riding her, and will gleefully do so everyday. I took her out to the cows, where Mama and Eddie knew what was up. The calves however hadn't a clue. Urth thought it was play time, and would run up, kicking her heels and bucking "catch me catch me!" Sammy did well once she figure out what I wanted from her.
My brother also got to ride her. It was his first time ever on a horse. He declared that he loved it. He was stiff and unsure, but I think after a few more times, he will be comfortable and be able to enjoy it more.
I milked Murrial! yep you read that correctly. Yesterday we separated out Courage and easily milked Murrial. She got right into the stanchion, but she didn't relax enough for us to efficiently milk her. We only got a quart and 1/2 a half pint. She is so much easier to milk than the Dexters. I was worried because my hands start to hurt while milking the Dexters, and if I can't milk out 1 gallon, how on earth will I milk out 3-6? But she takes little effort to draw from, and once she excepts me as a calf, and relaxes more, I foresee a comfortable milking relationship.
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