tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82479052499129323542024-03-05T23:32:25.526-06:00The Bacon BloggerWelcome to our pork loving ag blog where we are Hog Wild about farming. Here in Missouri, at Bacon Blogger HQ, we roll with around 44,000 snouts a year--all of which enjoy indoor accommodations. We want to share our story of family, farming, and food with you! So, stick around to learn about a real farm family and see what modern pig farming is all about...maybe you'll go hog wild too.Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07004329603130052077noreply@blogger.comBlogger181125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247905249912932354.post-66408843052488069002023-01-30T16:35:00.000-06:002023-01-30T16:35:34.144-06:006 Tips to Ease Hog Loading Stress<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 25.5pt; margin-bottom: 25.5pt;"></p><h3 style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7_jsDXXdsdwonJo-y4e3brQMN7UhTuGrBaDTWRaLmRhgRecl8rCCW9gqyqTtl8IP-UuqjirBTe_d89S6lYeQW-xOJygPeLW6budh3VUylk3ZuU8nXT8zUP7K81BxdTURCEGyDLQTg562nvDyH7rTR_gfMwgMKjII3Ao8pyWEHl_eOmcWF00Qkim2hLg/s3216/livestock%20trucks-trailer%20(4).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2136" data-original-width="3216" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7_jsDXXdsdwonJo-y4e3brQMN7UhTuGrBaDTWRaLmRhgRecl8rCCW9gqyqTtl8IP-UuqjirBTe_d89S6lYeQW-xOJygPeLW6budh3VUylk3ZuU8nXT8zUP7K81BxdTURCEGyDLQTg562nvDyH7rTR_gfMwgMKjII3Ao8pyWEHl_eOmcWF00Qkim2hLg/s320/livestock%20trucks-trailer%20(4).JPG" width="320" /></a></h3><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #434343; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Maneuvering 300 pound hogs is a daunting task,
not to mention exhausting, but there are simple things you can do to keep the
pigs moving without stressing them—or yourself—out. It’s estimated transport
losses cost the industry approximately $46 million a year, which creates not
only economic concerns but animal welfare concerns as well. These losses are
due to a multitude of factors, such as, aggressive handling, overuse of
electric prods, overcrowding, stress and extreme weather conditions. While you
can’t do anything about the weather, you can control the level of stress the
pigs experience during the loading process. Reduced stress safeguards meat
quality, improves transport mortality and increases safety in the barn for both
the loading crew and the animals.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #434343; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: 13.5pt;">Here are six tips to improve hog loading
while reducing stress.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #434343; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: 13.5pt;">1. Presort before loading</span></h3><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #49484f; font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: -0.333333px;">Presorting the pigs </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #434343; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: 13.5pt;">is a key factor in keeping them calm,
along with reducing stress and fatigue. By moving the market-ready hogs to the
front pens, they have a shorter walk to the chute and it will get them used to
walking in the alleyway. Presorting should be done before loading, and the
pigs should also have an adequate resting period before getting on the truck to
reduce fatigue.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://porkmatters.com/premium-hog-barn-for-sale/" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="936" data-original-width="1163" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMbU0YA7CqU43R_Hw50PnH4y8R719TvgN4Hy_IbrpKi6rxM8yyRM62CfEESg_YY85x2TAiCLPiuKb31duTahwrnn0iW3kfJC-WPq9xiebg0eMt8XyEouQkB7WHq9vg1cW5Quk7cLxhOjeWgJyxywFfRbJJbzt064GfnOMi3dQg8HR9Zez18SnHQ_9zKQ/s320/Site%204%20For%20Sale%20Audrain%20County%20Hog%20Barn.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #434343; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span><p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #434343; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: 13.5pt;">2. Keep calm</span></h3><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #434343; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: 13.5pt;">While it may seem
silly, pigs react to your mood. If a member of your loading crew is stressed,
upset or angry the pigs will mirror this and become more difficult to handle.
When you’re dealing with pigs, it’s best to focus on the job at hand and not
let personal emotions cloud your mind and influence your actions. This will not
only reduce pig stress; it will also keep the handlers from becoming
inadvertently aggressive.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #434343; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: 13.5pt;">3. Have the right size crew</span></h3><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #434343; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: 13.5pt;">In most barns, three to four people in
the barn should be sufficient for loading, depending on barn size and design.
The key is to work together to create a human gate utilizing sort boards and
sounds (calling, whistling, banging your hand on the board, etc.) to encourage
pigs to go down the alley and into the shoot. Having too few people could
result in chasing pigs, which is unsafe for all parties involved. Conversely,
too many people can create congestion and increase turn attempts, creating
confusion and stressing the pigs.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://porkmatters.com/premium-hog-barn-for-sale-2/" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="936" data-original-width="1163" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4SVVNOKw8Cx5oed_1UM7jYIPg2o44d1-1_hkfdeaT4GRtN3mAOyH9RJTyoNKr2tBAX7iZpnLUWFRRfB_QhGaulY-mHbcQqLXeNSJT1fZs4-LUSPbMczBgtM2kFyubV_hTemD6ClGWH978GdZs-tyQTWfR8X8TURA-YsyChWfO2H019bvRtHPD4FeBFQ/s320/Site%205%20For%20Sale%20Audrain%20County%20Hog%20Barn.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #434343; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span><p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #434343; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: 13.5pt;">4. Get them use to you</span></h3><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #434343; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: 13.5pt;">It’s important to have pigs that are
used to people being in the pens. This seems like common sense, but it’s an important
factor to remember. Regularly walking the pens will allow the pigs to get
acquainted with having someone in the pens with them. This will create a more
amicable loading experience. Of course, genetics aren’t always your friend.
Given, no matter how much you work with some pigs, they are just hardwired to
be high-strung. In these situations, you just need to do your best to reduce
distractions and create an environment that won’t scare the pigs, to the best
of your abilities.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #434343; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: 13.5pt;">5. Think like a pig</span></h3><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #434343; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: 13.5pt;">Pigs tend to follow other pigs, with
this in mind, it’s sometimes best to point them in the right direction and let
them make their own way to the loading shoot. Pigs move best in pairs, so your
alley should allow two pigs to move side-by-side until they get to the chute,
where it should narrow into single file width. This reduces stress and creates
an easier loading environment.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #434343; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: 13.5pt;">According to "</span><a href="http://www.extension.org/pages/27250/handling-pigs#.VgdRTflViko" style="background-color: white; font-family: trebuchet;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1779ba; font-size: 13.5pt;">Handling Pigs</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #434343; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: 13.5pt;">," a university paper by Temple Grandin,
Colorado State University and Collette Schultz-Kaster, Milan, Mo., making a
chute too wide is a common mistake suggesting the ramp should be 34 inches wide
with no more than a 20-degree angle.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://porkmatters.com/premium-hog-barn-for-sale-3/" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="936" data-original-width="1163" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV4sOL2cYqyAorJNP01l5z0m7NRpJY_YAeotvC6MR2q63rDiym8gy9FdGFTGTLF9nnc1dt52Oj6TAgZmINJXVhpkGCX9XEIYX3iiaSMr20zr7uWwUR_Oq0mCEsA4p_FPVUJN3_fT_wcyC5eGDm-Xoi8Sqhh6Xa0-l8EO05rSdAzxz43NzS08NJz7h8Tw/s320/Site%206%20For%20Sale%20Audrain%20County%20Hog%20Barn.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #434343; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span><p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #434343; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: 13.5pt;">6. Remove distractions</span></h3><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #434343; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: 13.5pt;">Pigs have a wide
range of view and can easily become distracted and frightened. Taking care to
remove clothing or other flapping material from the pigs’ line of vision,
ensuring the floor is dry, securing all doors or gates that could swing or slam
shut and removing shiny objects from the loading area will help keep the pigs
calm and reduce turn attempts.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #434343; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: 13.5pt;">Another way to improve loading is to install
solid gates to the front pins and along the loading area. If you don’t already
have solid gates, you can create them with plywood and attach them to the front
pins. This greatly reduces distractions and keeps the pigs focused on moving
forward.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #434343; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: 13.5pt;">By identifying distractions and common
problems along with careful monitoring of the pigs and working closely with
your loading crew, you can work to reduce stress and improve loading times
all while reducing transport mortality. Pig health is key in pork production
and loading is one of the most stressful experiences in a pig’s life. Small
steps can make a big difference.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #434343; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 25.5pt; margin-bottom: 25.5pt;"><span style="color: #434343; font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"><i>Editor's Note: This article was originally published on <a href="https://www.porkbusiness.com/news/industry/tips-ease-market-hog-loading-stress" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Farm Journal's Pork</a>. </i></span></span></p>Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07004329603130052077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247905249912932354.post-30250960151550427342023-01-28T15:47:00.001-06:002023-01-28T15:47:26.268-06:00Missouri Hog Barns For Sale in Audrain County<p>Opportunity is knocking in Audrain County, Missouri. Three premium hog sites just went on the market. Prime locations as Aurdrain County is close to feed mills and packing plants. </p><p>All three of these sites are under 10 years old and in outstanding condition.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://porkmatters.com/sites-for-sale/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="936" data-original-width="1135" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTavT1Nrna0osxtn90G2p6ysl2HdE7csvgBuiCe8ZWH6HA1SUrgk5wJ2-x0QmL_1OqEpQxXDIEoSC1rNXqqPMguyDDu8NfkLVW_oUoKelrriv5HljKNxy8jX03JBeql9MFdJca1nl-nRoacwlOcj5w0MPnR4gu9WhEem0z_exiwL1SkoGcgSNlN0NMOQ/s320/For%20Sale%20Audrain%20County%20Hog%20Barns%203%20Sites.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://porkmatters.com/sites-for-sale/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Learn More About All 3 Sites</a></td></tr></tbody></table><p><a href="https://thebaconblogger.blogspot.com/2023/01/warning-ignore-barn-maintenance-at-your.html">Maintenance is a big deal</a> for any pig farmer but you can see by the condition of these barns maintenance was taken very seriously. From the condition of the slats to the grease in every moving part, these barns were maintained to last for decades. </p><p>Great investment opportunity!</p><p>Learn more at <a href="https://porkmatters.com/sites-for-sale/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PorkMatters.com</a></p><p>In the meantime, enjoy some pictures of the hog barns for sale.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib9zdkV0CH9WHMlOea80Nfb2GgVnI4Zfk_LXr6ANXQbwpzK8RMaD7xRcQMdvLRiMNowiDbkkzkSrxDabNed5QXOMF-7JaScOSijzS1jgKti-XZ3vF9zKT_H9irBceZc62T_cr8UKIH_B_h9J5LF61qkIJ88soOBYOQTA7kIXUbqIuMFVtRQK15fr0OoQ/s5184/IMG_2920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib9zdkV0CH9WHMlOea80Nfb2GgVnI4Zfk_LXr6ANXQbwpzK8RMaD7xRcQMdvLRiMNowiDbkkzkSrxDabNed5QXOMF-7JaScOSijzS1jgKti-XZ3vF9zKT_H9irBceZc62T_cr8UKIH_B_h9J5LF61qkIJ88soOBYOQTA7kIXUbqIuMFVtRQK15fr0OoQ/s320/IMG_2920.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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Not only are you protecting your livestock, but your investment as well. Every facility is unique but all facilities can benefit from proper maintenance, common sense and adopting a few biosecurity precautionary measures. While it is impossible to completely keep disease out of a hog herd, there are things you can do to reduce the spread of harmful pathogens and protect the health of your pigs.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2U_kO6REKuso2S_KmIzdGdxEatq3pwVRevESnomgOqMqXXEb3mifaEpHxvqcQaC3SM1zGp8DvAd06Cr9IyNR0YZMVrE5tvn4HfdInnCBGHuXpyglIAs9IGuNW_TX3mnNC4ZvqZfMzEwfSuib2OpMrhBsPzeKQu4KFie-8oedfPTXa_aFMM2LT6BrKww/s3216/interior%20hog%20barn-hog%20pins%20(6).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2136" data-original-width="3216" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2U_kO6REKuso2S_KmIzdGdxEatq3pwVRevESnomgOqMqXXEb3mifaEpHxvqcQaC3SM1zGp8DvAd06Cr9IyNR0YZMVrE5tvn4HfdInnCBGHuXpyglIAs9IGuNW_TX3mnNC4ZvqZfMzEwfSuib2OpMrhBsPzeKQu4KFie-8oedfPTXa_aFMM2LT6BrKww/s320/interior%20hog%20barn-hog%20pins%20(6).JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #434343; font-family: arial;">Signs, signs, everywhere a sign</span></h3><p style="color: #434343; margin: 18px 0px 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="http://extension.psu.edu/animals/health/biosecurity/fundamentals/biosecurity-signs" style="color: #023f88; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Biosecurity signs</a> are step one in bringing biosecurity awareness to both employees and the public. These signs should be placed at the end of driveways or in the parking area and at the entrance of all hog barns. Signage is important for two reasons, it deters trespassers and it allows you to control who enters what area, which reduces the risk of outside contamination. Signs stating it is a secure area coupled with directions to an office or some kind of contact information will help keep you in control while still maintaining transparency within your operation.</span></p><p style="color: #434343; margin: 18px 0px 0px;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://porkmatters.com/sites-for-sale/" rel="nofollow"><img border="0" data-original-height="936" data-original-width="1163" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBpJ1obyxxsZU1A6kP5EZdcnNorVoK1niGBUTnldFsyzAngpBzpePLw2hapjkIHF_s-EOPZeeJXVrCc5SbEXKVt_4ywIquUeq6CBA5ailLL1IoCO5J1AA5L1bqNnWNFv5VfgM8c3kvd7ACpW8ICi9tLEbG4JEEpCCimD5zYGrw8-vTuh41G7CIJfrm8w/s320/Site%204%20For%20Sale%20Audrain%20County%20Hog%20Barn.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://porkmatters.com/sites-for-sale/" rel="nofollow">1 of 3 premium hog sites UNDER 10 years old!! <br />4,960 spaces with professional dedicated maintenance<br />Sites sold as a group or individually<br />Download sales brochure now! PorkMatters.com</a></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><h3 style="color: #434343; line-height: 1.25; margin-bottom: 10px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">Visitors</span></h3><p style="color: #434343; margin: 18px 0px 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Transparency within your operation is more important than ever with growing consumer concern and the many misconceptions surrounding agricultural practices, however, visitors create an increased risk of problems due to outside contaminants. If you do invite visitors into your barns, it is important to know where your visitors have been prior to their visit, what kinds of other animals they have been around and they should always put on fresh cloths and boots before entering a bar</span></p><p style="color: #434343; margin: 18px 0px 0px;"></p><div class="block block-dfp block-dfp-adb6c468d7-fa83-42c2-8557-f5b8d83b4ca7" id="block-dfptaginarticlemobile1" style="color: #434343; position: relative;"><div id="js-dfp-tag-in_article_mobile_1" style="margin-top: 0px;"></div></div><p style="color: #434343; margin: 18px 0px 0px;"><img alt="boots" src="https://cdn.farmjournal.com/s3fs-public/inline-images/boots.JPG" style="border: 0px; display: block; height: 300px; margin-top: 0px; width: 400px;" /></p><p style="color: #434343; margin: 18px 0px 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Ideally, you’d want to provide extra coveralls and disposable boot/shoe covers to ensure your visitors aren’t carrying in unwanted pathogens. Additionally, compulsory showering in and out of barns adds to barn biosecurity, increases biosecurity attitudes regarding biosecurity and can deter some visitors, which further reduces risk. Visitors should also sign a visitor’s book and it’s not a bad idea to add a clause stating that by signing the visitor’s book they have not been to any other hog barns, slaughterhouses, or other possibly contaminated facilities within a set number of hours. The waiting period is variable and depends on the type of facility the visitor(s) visited. According to a <a href="http://www.ianrpubs.unl.edu/live/ec289/build/ec289.pdf" style="color: #023f88; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">report released by the University of Nebraska</a>, they suggest anywhere from 12 to 72 hours with the most common duration being 24 to 48 hours.</span></p><h3 style="color: #434343; line-height: 1.25; margin-bottom: 10px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">Pest and weed control</span></h3><p style="color: #434343; margin: 18px 0px 0px;"><img alt="hog_barn_pigs" src="https://cdn.farmjournal.com/s3fs-public/inline-images/hog_barn_pigs.JPG" style="border: 0px; display: block; height: 300px; margin-top: 0px; width: 400px;" /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #434343; margin: 18px 0px 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Pest and weed control is important for the health of the herd and for general maintenance of the barn. Keeping bate boxes around the exterior of the barn along with keeping the exterior properly maintained will reduce rodents and other pests from getting into the barn.</span></p><h3 style="color: #434343; line-height: 1.25; margin-bottom: 10px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">Washing barns</span></h3><p style="color: #434343; margin: 18px 0px 0px;"><img alt="clean_pig_pen" src="https://cdn.farmjournal.com/s3fs-public/inline-images/clean_pig_pen.JPG" style="border: 0px; display: block; height: 300px; margin-top: 0px; width: 400px;" /></p><p style="color: #434343; margin: 18px 0px 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Johnna S. Seaman and Thomas J. Fangman with the Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri Extension, describe <a href="http://extension.missouri.edu/publications/DisplayPub.aspx?P=G2340" style="color: #023f88; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">general biosecurity measures</a> as the following:</span></p><ul style="color: #434343; line-height: 1.39; margin: 25px 0px;"><li style="margin-top: 0px; padding: 3px 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Clean all rooms thoroughly with a high-pressure washer and disinfect with a broad-spectrum product.</span></li><li style="padding: 3px 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Workers must always wear clean clothing and boots to the site. Advise workers not to return to higher health status rooms after being in contact with a lower health status room without proper cleaning and sanitation of clothing and boots.</span></li><li style="padding: 3px 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Vehicles should not enter the premises unless they are cleaned and disinfected.</span></li><li style="padding: 3px 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Place dead animals outside the premises for removal by rendering trucks.</span></li><li style="padding: 3px 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Locate load-out facilities at the perimeter of the premises.</span></li><li style="padding: 3px 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Minimize the number of visitors, and require them to wear clean clothing and boots.</span></li><li style="padding: 3px 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Install a perimeter fence around the premises to keep out unwanted visits from people, pets and feral animals.</span></li></ul><p style="color: #434343; margin: 18px 0px 0px;"></p><div class="block block-dfp block-dfp-adb21b84c3-e190-431f-8990-e4e0356fdae5" id="block-dfptaginarticle3-mobile" style="color: #434343; position: relative;"><div id="js-dfp-tag-in_article_mobile_3" style="margin-top: 0px;"></div></div><p style="color: #434343; margin: 18px 0px 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Biosecurity is a vital part of keeping a herd healthy and protecting your investment. A few simple changes and rules can mean the difference between a clean group of healthy market-weight hogs ready for shipment and months of backbreaking work trying to fight some pathogen that snuck its way into your barn. Given, you can’t create a disease-free environment but you can make sure you and your workers are doing everything they can to keep those pigs healthy. After all, those pigs are the core of your operation and healthy pigs are a far better investment than sick ones.</span></p><p style="color: #434343; margin: 18px 0px 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>Editor's Note: This article by Jo Windmann was originally published September 8, 2015, on <a href="https://www.porkbusiness.com/news/industry/keep-it-clean-biosecurity-and-disease-prevention-finisher-hog-barns" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Farm Journal's Pork</a>.</i></span></p>Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07004329603130052077noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247905249912932354.post-44277205144192599282023-01-26T16:56:00.004-06:002023-01-27T14:14:44.197-06:00Warning: Ignore Barn Maintenance at Your Own Peril <p> An epidemic is plaguing the pork industry. Unfortunately, few people are talking about it and fewer are doing anything about it. A few simple steps, however, can save time, money, increase profitability, improve herd health and stop this issue from spreading. It's proper barn maintenance, and it's more important than you think. Swine facilities are a costly investment and like any investment, you get out of it what you put into it. Just as you regularly service your vehicle (at least I hope you do), it's important to regularly service your hog barns, and it doesn't require a full-time crew to do it.</p><h4 style="text-align: left;">If It's Broken, Fix It ... and Grease It</h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4mo4UNP_iZ67ap_ZzOKGBbAJNuTEoMrvSoqz6Jxv64mZNtUoGdtsWcbrnQKRWkfxCzxL7RS5MzadfC9h7R1gRiR5xKUUvLcDXHY3XetNiazo0GobBJZOFf6RTpIsbv7Ssb2_JvSe2J0fdlGShMGRtXS5itN9bS8-Rm4tAirzP2CgwB4xwWBYGBcJXmQ/s748/grease%20gun-maintenance-hog%20barn-jo%20windmann.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="660" data-original-width="748" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4mo4UNP_iZ67ap_ZzOKGBbAJNuTEoMrvSoqz6Jxv64mZNtUoGdtsWcbrnQKRWkfxCzxL7RS5MzadfC9h7R1gRiR5xKUUvLcDXHY3XetNiazo0GobBJZOFf6RTpIsbv7Ssb2_JvSe2J0fdlGShMGRtXS5itN9bS8-Rm4tAirzP2CgwB4xwWBYGBcJXmQ/s320/grease%20gun-maintenance-hog%20barn-jo%20windmann.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>That's the simple advice Mike Brumm, owner of Brumm Swine Consultancy Inc., offers producers.</p><p>"Don't be blind to building maintenance," he says. Pig care is at the forefront of the industry, but lack of building maintenance makes pig care more difficult. Poor maintenance can damage a producer's reputation and, in some cases, lead to contracts being terminated.</p><p>Little fixes now can save big money later. For example, if concrete slats deteriorate, hogs being to develop feet and leg problems. Brumm says using a concrete sealer at major wear points--under drinkers, around feeders/feed saver mats, etc.--after power washing the barn, can save hundreds and protect hogs from injury. For a 2,400-head barn, a $40 fix prolongs the life of several $300+ concrete slats. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://porkmatters.com/sites-for-sale/" rel="nofollow"><img border="0" data-original-height="936" data-original-width="1135" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCv5sDlAuwK6aevbTdK5J0Ea130BcYXZ_7tHy4RnA6ZuHrofKbANLIxgN0KChIAjHMjLx6Z2oF0q4Pp1-Gx08lFPfNTAGBgeUeddhakblXqI04jACMG0R8LgWo4zXkSYEmEgp6LbiMJo_TC4ooY-1RDlYht1suJhb6MITilBZQHyxsadVuffqYq__0hw/s320/For%20Sale%20Audrain%20County%20Hog%20Barns%203%20Sites.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://porkmatters.com/sites-for-sale/" rel="nofollow">Three premium hog sites for sale in Audrain County. <br />All UNDER 10 years old!! See details at PorkMatters.com</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p>"Being proactive is so much better than getting stuck with a big bill to fix everything that's been ignored," says Justin Wagster, field manager with JBS. Producers also risk extensive downtime, which ultimately costs them even more money.</p><p>"Your biggest concern is anything that's power driven." Wagster says.</p><p>Fans, feed motors, curtain machines, controllers and similar elements play a critical role in how a group of pigs performs. It's imperative mechanical equipment remains in working order at all times. Additionally, if it has moving parts, odds are it also has a grease zerk. A grease gun belongs in a hog barn and plays a significant role in maintaining all those moving parts, increasing their longevity.</p><p>It's not just the mechanics, Wagster says, producers need to look at the barn as a while. Put eyes on everything, he advises. </p><p>Make it a habit to look at the barn, not just the pigs, and encourage your employees to do the same. Keeping a maintenance record will ultimately save time, improve herd health and reduce downtime by preventing big breakdowns before they happen. </p><h4 style="text-align: left;">Vital Ventilation</h4><p style="text-align: left;">The environment in a hog barn will determine pig health, and ventilation is the key driver Wagster says. A good environment equates to a healthy herd, and by making maintenance a regular part of your cleanout process, you give every group the best chance possible.</p><p style="text-align: left;">"The better the environment those pigs are presented with, the less issue you will have with them," he says.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Mike Terpstra, service technician with Longhorn Cattle & Swine Confinement, says general ventilation is important not only for air quality but the life of your barn. The pit produces gases that will deteriorate your barn without proper ventilation. Terpstra says he sees too many producers try to save money on LP gas by turning their ventilation down, or their pit fans off during the winter. Those dollars are eating away at their barn in addition to creating an unhealthy environment for the pigs and workers. It impacts the entire electrical system and will deteriorate anything that's not stainless steel. His assessment: Those few bucks aren't worth it.</p><h4 style="text-align: left;">Create a Maintenance Schedule </h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt3BGP62Hh3npE1HLHEH1t3MiBU6gJtTsXj60DwP3tQ3_WkaCU68SCvtnObXkivow9UJAUlRpwB238ZQulAHBwfHZzSinJi03V6EMoBkFydW1G4BnngIlZSP1Hpn4esc753DZQkzym4jpgLh0EN2vITxfoJsNSCuCJCAtCzrbXeaqGgWktPlm1MqkYXQ/s950/maintenance-hog%20barn-jo%20windmann.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="950" data-original-width="738" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt3BGP62Hh3npE1HLHEH1t3MiBU6gJtTsXj60DwP3tQ3_WkaCU68SCvtnObXkivow9UJAUlRpwB238ZQulAHBwfHZzSinJi03V6EMoBkFydW1G4BnngIlZSP1Hpn4esc753DZQkzym4jpgLh0EN2vITxfoJsNSCuCJCAtCzrbXeaqGgWktPlm1MqkYXQ/s320/maintenance-hog%20barn-jo%20windmann.JPG" width="249" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"> "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," says Jack Kirk, owner of Longhorn Cattle & Swine Confinement. He notes producers should expect to get at least 10 years use on gates and 20 years on concrete slats. He has seen barns from the 1970s that are still in use and in great condition. Producers can easily turn 15-year barns into 30-year barns with routine maintenance and a few preventative measures. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Follow these steps to ensure your barn stays viable:</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Visually inspect the barn</li><li>Look at feeders and feedlines</li><li>Check welds that could be working loose</li><li>Check T-bolt or slat mounts</li><li>Maintain bait boxes</li><li>Write it all down</li></ul><p style="text-align: left;">Making maintenance part of a regular routine and having a daily punch list will make the work easier and keep the barn in optimal condition, which will ultimately put money in your pocket. "If you're not taking care of your building," Terstra says, "you're just knocking years off the life of it."</p><p style="text-align: left;">This investment will generate revenue. Keeping your pig barns in good working order means they will continue to pay you long after they're paid off. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Download a free Maintenance Schedule PDF at <a href="https://porkmatters.com/2023/01/26/warning-ignore-barn-maintenance-at-your-own-peril/" rel="nofollow">PorkMatters.com</a></p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p>This article by Jo Windmann first appeared in the <a href="http://digitaledition.qwinc.com/publication/?m=&l=1&i=395297&p=0&ver=html5" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">April 2017 issue of Pork Network </a>magazine, now known as <a href="https://www.porkbusiness.com/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Farm Journal's Pork</a>.</p>Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07004329603130052077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247905249912932354.post-9149445191203993572023-01-25T08:23:00.005-06:002023-01-25T08:25:09.834-06:00Hog Barns For Sale in Audrain CountyAudrain County is known for its biofuel, patchwork quilt of corn and soybean fields, cows and PIGS. No doubt, Audrain is an ag-centric county. It's also a great county to expand or start a farming operation. With some of the lowest property taxes compared to other Missouri counties, being conveniently located near biofuel manufacturers, feed mills and packing plants it's ideal for who you might ask ... PIG FARMERS!!! <div><br /></div><div>Great news, folks! Opportunity is knocking. Can you hear it? </div><div><br /></div><div>Three, count them, THREE premium hog sites are for sale right now. Two of the sites were built in 2013 and the third in 2016. With a market filled with 30-year-old sites and the cost to build new astronomical, finding barns under 10 years old is a godsend for anyone looking to break into the pork industry or expand their operation. </div><div><br /></div><div>It gets better. Not only are these barns new enough to render decade after decade of value, they are also in pristine condition. Sadly, most hog barns rarely so much as a grease gun in their lifetime. Not these barns. Dedicated maintenance group after group. A grease gun lives in these barns and you can see it. Maintenance equals efficiency and efficiency equates into dollars. </div><div><br /></div><div>You need to see these barns. Check out<b><i> <a href="https://porkmatters.com/sites-for-sale/" rel="nofollow"><span style="color: #990000;">PorkMatters.com</span></a> </i></b>for the details and check out the pictures below for a little teaser of what's up for sale. </div><div><br /></div><div>Happy farming.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://porkmatters.com/sites-for-sale/porkmatters.com/premium-hog-barn-for-sale/" rel="nofollow"><span style="color: #990000;">See details on Cin-Way Site 4</span></a></h3><div style="text-align: center;">Located only five minutes from Highway 54, south of Laddonia</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJuwy29jZAKot0nz8RelPqlSnYvya7rPeFy1BPyKFspi9ARyAUnakg151SQmIYrU9Bvd53wOcEqprgluzLKhNwuYGfJB-UWX9CLKGKeZMgTUiAeMjjWuDPU7aVv1Ja6_i4M9BLjIxvYL4DOgcrLiRIj_OfzMcCGDzebhCrEtR-6IBdZFWSBbbebh_XCw/s5184/IMG_2890.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJuwy29jZAKot0nz8RelPqlSnYvya7rPeFy1BPyKFspi9ARyAUnakg151SQmIYrU9Bvd53wOcEqprgluzLKhNwuYGfJB-UWX9CLKGKeZMgTUiAeMjjWuDPU7aVv1Ja6_i4M9BLjIxvYL4DOgcrLiRIj_OfzMcCGDzebhCrEtR-6IBdZFWSBbbebh_XCw/s320/IMG_2890.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHy-g0xUYYhgAMnZ8fgtp4eq9bRf_W0P9I03NCVrDIMT6z-nATbjIuRAVbSx4VCJXsesNdlSAk00zQIM6luW26X3ln0kzvyEXuVXTX19V6jcTuQ0jVaAtEEx04Ec4SG-LdrscQCqr6KH3iFmLY6s6wswVxxmPhwwbbxdnn0OrZxuDdQw3tuMQq2YrGmg/s5184/IMG_2897.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHy-g0xUYYhgAMnZ8fgtp4eq9bRf_W0P9I03NCVrDIMT6z-nATbjIuRAVbSx4VCJXsesNdlSAk00zQIM6luW26X3ln0kzvyEXuVXTX19V6jcTuQ0jVaAtEEx04Ec4SG-LdrscQCqr6KH3iFmLY6s6wswVxxmPhwwbbxdnn0OrZxuDdQw3tuMQq2YrGmg/s320/IMG_2897.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyXNiyNhFt0nKOOiuhDXLJIrVaNkAQxZArxA2_51tST0FDWjh1uWfLizp4AKakTZ1EqSmSRez2NZj35xo-UlgZPccj5S61ynHwM1Y-wCMh4lIRfSpqUle0Io5OSFrpLK95fl4vJJs6evBdGWn4SGk1G1dWp0X3CL0xthfs8BI1GFotQ4TCOuhQrgAiXQ/s5184/IMG_2893.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyXNiyNhFt0nKOOiuhDXLJIrVaNkAQxZArxA2_51tST0FDWjh1uWfLizp4AKakTZ1EqSmSRez2NZj35xo-UlgZPccj5S61ynHwM1Y-wCMh4lIRfSpqUle0Io5OSFrpLK95fl4vJJs6evBdGWn4SGk1G1dWp0X3CL0xthfs8BI1GFotQ4TCOuhQrgAiXQ/s320/IMG_2893.JPG" width="320" /></a><span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://porkmatters.com/sites-for-sale/porkmatters.com/premium-hog-barn-for-sale-2/" rel="nofollow"><span style="color: #990000;">See details on Cin-Way Site 5</span></a></h3><div style="text-align: center;">Located just off Blacktop KK west of Laddonia</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVxiaV92NXMzesiaB15CEbUv_Ms2TXApKFkZnw-xM1lYTJnEOOJDtPFyhOJVRHZKmTACwB3QBmMk3Di7IC6vebAiiLhtP-XEhPPPsveynIITE7DD8d_aQyxqI0EVR7VL-DRFELchzYe2RLIcc-2Fm-LAUKf8bTvSko4f_tPGdx5IjQaG95Ha-hv8dVdw/s5184/IMG_2918.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2136" data-original-width="3216" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9xaWGu_3IOQrReHAtnEO2tWzvu9st6OoCFOwkAHdjsHdFaqRnyU0t-99eEqsgU8hsfJ02TpTHYGmaQX-DTfKGeDUzKE-NQTCDWzdYEtloYUTapyGEPKPGhO4Z_aPESArmSVHpA5nzp17nkkIigiWlQ8spCbkISzhPf8i3IMd-MJUoDlAshXw9-bOSMQ/s320/interior%20hog%20barn-hog%20pins%20(6).JPG" width="320" /></a><span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://porkmatters.com/sites-for-sale/porkmatters.com/premium-hog-barn-for-sale-3/" rel="nofollow"><span style="color: #990000;">See details on Cin-Way Site 6</span></a></h3><div style="text-align: center;">Located minutes down County Road 448 north of Rush Hill</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimXrg90WaW_tDlFR0aY61WPQ61pnPZ15-q8dGSLTKq0kNlcpLGpZbTVJVwnr0lnUnSsrZoy7svKtXOaxMWIrq_siBm_SulP7bkfy5DiyrdoMLhCk_pN007u5gS5bOsA50NTpjuLJdGPn-AIgAM46wHluz7LF0ktlKNIIKi2D7oOzM3bRf3KP5GnfhZQ/s5184/IMG_2898.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfcXiZDaJJVKvchM00SCTam-qbBPCRQmFT8Y83m_N7oJVPnHYVnK4qTl7yZbCOvtF3W0UKbrSqIRoP2r7tzFP5WONXvo3FXSzn-51Bo1WbtM8F-HIMLiV0an8bLVfuYZ_-V3dFv7YPOB2-ir1lrOULJ1AMMOg2zkt8Ac-sNLoOibT79x9O0tN-pXq5hA/s320/IMG_2913.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimXrg90WaW_tDlFR0aY61WPQ61pnPZ15-q8dGSLTKq0kNlcpLGpZbTVJVwnr0lnUnSsrZoy7svKtXOaxMWIrq_siBm_SulP7bkfy5DiyrdoMLhCk_pN007u5gS5bOsA50NTpjuLJdGPn-AIgAM46wHluz7LF0ktlKNIIKi2D7oOzM3bRf3KP5GnfhZQ/s5184/IMG_2898.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimXrg90WaW_tDlFR0aY61WPQ61pnPZ15-q8dGSLTKq0kNlcpLGpZbTVJVwnr0lnUnSsrZoy7svKtXOaxMWIrq_siBm_SulP7bkfy5DiyrdoMLhCk_pN007u5gS5bOsA50NTpjuLJdGPn-AIgAM46wHluz7LF0ktlKNIIKi2D7oOzM3bRf3KP5GnfhZQ/s320/IMG_2898.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfyfSO6oo8Sx4ZG4RNTxEWFU1jqlRp7zYY6j_4z4NFqVU02ptI0nZFy0VyGmARwkNWLJ3XrKq3AGaIWKWJp45uJ7dvXmuwkhGSilwXWWEmXgHEROGeWszCNn_QJs0KEFNnR8dqkpUDUGQPN5dWWltUomEEiMjF8TmBVT5BKIxBSh9B73YwUtplUmwXkA/s5184/IMG_2899.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfyfSO6oo8Sx4ZG4RNTxEWFU1jqlRp7zYY6j_4z4NFqVU02ptI0nZFy0VyGmARwkNWLJ3XrKq3AGaIWKWJp45uJ7dvXmuwkhGSilwXWWEmXgHEROGeWszCNn_QJs0KEFNnR8dqkpUDUGQPN5dWWltUomEEiMjF8TmBVT5BKIxBSh9B73YwUtplUmwXkA/s320/IMG_2899.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07004329603130052077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247905249912932354.post-69307866225335562072014-08-04T08:31:00.001-05:002014-08-04T08:34:59.021-05:00Right to Farm Part 6: The Big Take AwayAs you prepare to cast your vote tomorrow, please consider all the facts instead of all the hype. Below are links to resources that will allow you to make an educated decision. In this final video, you'll obviously see where I stand but I want you to think for yourself and make up your own mind.<br />
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<a href="http://www.porkproud.com/2014/07/right-to-farm-part-1-does-amendment-1.html" target="_blank">Part 1: Does Amendment 1 Protect Corporations or Farmers?</a><br />
<a href="http://www.porkproud.com/2014/07/right-to-farm-part-2-is-constitutional.html" target="_blank">Part 2: Is a Constitutional Amendment Necessary?</a><br />
<a href="http://www.porkproud.com/2014/07/right-to-farm-part-3-is-right-to-farm.html" target="_blank">Part 3: Is Right to Farm a 'Blank Check?'</a><br />
<a href="http://www.porkproud.com/2014/07/right-to-farm-part-4-does-right-to-farm.html" target="_blank">Part 4: Does Right to Farm Hurt Small Farmers?</a><br />
<a href="http://www.porkproud.com/2014/07/right-to-farm-part-5-who-supports-right.html" target="_blank">Part 5: Who Supports Right to Farm?</a><br />
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In the final Right to Farm video with Brent Haden, you'll hear his big take away and I couldn't agree more.<br />
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If you don't know, <a href="http://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/2014ballot/HJRNos117.pdf" target="_blank">read the amendment for yourself</a>, get educated and make your own choice. Check our <a href="http://mofarmerscare.com/farming-rights-amendment/" target="_blank">Missouri Farmers Care</a> to see who supports this amendment and visit <a href="http://votenoon1.com/" target="_blank">Vote No on 1</a> to see who opposes it. I believe those who support and oppose this amendment speaks for itself. It is clear that Missouri farmers support Right to Farm and who better to decide what happens in Missouri than Missourians!<br />
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BIG THANK YOU to Brent Haden for taking the time to talk to me and be part of my little piece of the Interweb.Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07004329603130052077noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247905249912932354.post-4948662575210588322014-07-31T10:30:00.000-05:002014-08-01T11:58:08.185-05:00Right to Farm Part 5: Who Supports Right to Farm?I've heard a lot of arguments saying that Amendment 1 is a corporate-pushed proposal and that farmers aren't actually supporting it. So I flat out asked Brent Haden, one of the members who helped draft the amendment, how did this come about and who actually supports it? <b> </b><br />
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<i><a href="http://www.porkproud.com/2014/07/right-to-farm-part-1-does-amendment-1.html" target="_blank">Part 1: Does Amendment 1 Support Corporations or Farmers?</a></i><br />
<a href="http://www.porkproud.com/2014/07/right-to-farm-part-2-is-constitutional.html" target="_blank"><i>Part 2: Is a Constitutional Amendment Necessary?</i></a><br />
<a href="http://www.porkproud.com/2014/07/right-to-farm-part-3-is-right-to-farm.html" target="_blank"><i>Part 3: Is Right to Farm a 'Blank Check?'</i></a><br />
<a href="http://www.porkproud.com/2014/07/right-to-farm-part-4-does-right-to-farm.html" target="_blank"><i>Part 4: Does Right to Farm Hurt Small Farmers?</i></a><br />
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<b>Concern</b>: This was created by corporations to try and control more Missouri farmland. <br />
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<b>Question</b>: Who created this amendment and who supports it?<br />
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<i><a href="http://mofarmerscare.com/endorse-amendment/" target="_blank">Click here to see who supports Amendment 1.</a></i>Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07004329603130052077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247905249912932354.post-9971141970189029742014-07-28T11:00:00.000-05:002014-07-28T11:00:03.535-05:00Right to Farm Part 4: Does Right to Farm Hurt Small Farmers?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Many people are concerned that if Right to Farm passes in Missouri that it will hurt small farmers, however, Brent Haden--who helped draft the amendment--says otherwise. He believes that this amendment will impact farmers of all sizes but he see's it as a positive impact. Hear what he has to say.</div>
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<a href="http://www.porkproud.com/2014/07/right-to-farm-part-1-does-amendment-1.html" target="_blank"><i>Part 1: Does Amendment 1 Protect Corporations or Farmers?</i></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.porkproud.com/2014/07/right-to-farm-part-2-is-constitutional.html" target="_blank"><i>Part 2: Is a Constitutional Amendment Necessary?</i></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.porkproud.com/2014/07/right-to-farm-part-3-is-right-to-farm.html" target="_blank"><i>Part 3: Is Right to Farm a 'Blank Check?'</i></a></div>
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<b>Concern</b>: If Right to Farm passes it will hurt small family
farms and make it more difficult to maintain sustainable practices.</div>
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<b>Question</b>: Will this have an impact on small farms and/or
organic farms?</div>
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<br />Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07004329603130052077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247905249912932354.post-28968347767335203702014-07-26T08:30:00.000-05:002014-07-26T08:30:01.083-05:00Right to Farm Part 3: Is Right to Farm a 'Blank Check?'Continuing our conversation on Amendment 1, Missouri's Right to Farm. I have Brent Haden of Haden and Byrne, who helped draft Amendment 1.<br />
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<a href="http://www.porkproud.com/2014/07/right-to-farm-part-1-does-amendment-1.html" target="_blank">Read Part 1: Does Amendment 1 Protect Corporations or Farmers?</a><br />
<a href="http://www.porkproud.com/2014/07/right-to-farm-part-2-is-constitutional.html" target="_blank">Read Part 2: Is a Constitutional Amendment Necessary? </a><br />
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<b>Concern</b>: Amendment 1 will give corporations and farmers a
‘blank check’ to do whatever they want without repercussion. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Question</b>: How will
it affect current or future regulations that protect the environment, animals,
water, etc.?</div>
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<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/UXxDGW1Lqu4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br /></div>
Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07004329603130052077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247905249912932354.post-40948949637689055882014-07-25T11:18:00.000-05:002014-07-25T11:19:44.206-05:00How to Lose the Argument on Animal WelfareDave Daley, interim dean of the College of Agriculture at Chico State University in California, says that your view on animal welfare depends on what you see when you look out your window.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwZtQ3q6lhcH0oiM8Mn6iIa4vdwWkTFSockvrkM1WI_xuwtffEQLFOuCBPBpluvUboh_dpHqyWicPPlsl7ACzSrUMOcAF6Z6gYSIX5SHnoTojPrigwLIzRnT30c-Z3o10oGhu0ju09rBlz/s1600/DSC00012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwZtQ3q6lhcH0oiM8Mn6iIa4vdwWkTFSockvrkM1WI_xuwtffEQLFOuCBPBpluvUboh_dpHqyWicPPlsl7ACzSrUMOcAF6Z6gYSIX5SHnoTojPrigwLIzRnT30c-Z3o10oGhu0ju09rBlz/s1600/DSC00012.JPG" height="114" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This is an interesting concept and one that I believe farmers and ranchers can really learn from. At the 4th International Symposium on Beef Cattle Welfare, Daley gave an outline of "How to Lose the Argument on Animal Welfare."<br />
<br />
<i><a href="http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/article/the_view_from_your_window_NAA_Wyatt_Bechtel/" target="_blank">Read the full story on Beef Today </a></i><br />
<br />
Here are 12 problems that he sees with
the current state of agriculture’s point of view towards animal welfare:
<br />
<ol>
<li>Assuming science will give us all the answers. Science doesn't solve ethical questions. <span style="color: purple;"><i>-This is important because farming and animal welfare is such an emotional topic and too often we, farmers and ranchers, look at it from a logical standpoint </i></span></li>
<li>Using economics as justification for animal welfare practices. <span style="color: purple;"><i>-Again, think emotional response, not logical. But it's OK to remind folks that farming is a business as well as a way of life.</i></span></li>
<li>Defending all agricultural practices. Defend those practices
that are defensible. You lose credibility by trying to defend all
practices. <span style="color: purple;"><i>-Stick to what you know and your own farming practices. "While I can't speak for all farmers or ranchers, here's what we do......" Always be honest and transparent but don't overshoot the target.</i></span></li>
<li>We can do better at animal welfare. <span style="color: purple;"><i>-While there is always room for improvement, don't rollover just to please someone else. Be proud of what you do and confident that you are doing the best that you can do on your farm.</i></span></li>
<li>Attacking everyone who disagrees (i.e. PETA, HSUS, vegans, etc.). <span style="color: purple;">-This is a tough one for me. While I certainly don't oppose people's choice of eating habits, nor do I wish to change their diets, I do have issues with PETA and HSUS. Just remember that it's OK to agree to disagree and always, always, always think before you speak (or rant in my case).</span></li>
<li>Not being willing to listen. <span style="color: purple;"><i>-This one is HUGE! Preaching will get you nowhere fast. Listen! Don't talk at them, talk to them. Find out why he/she/they oppose what you do and create a dialogue. You don't have to change their mind, just build that bridge to better understanding. Again, it's OK to agree to disagree.</i></span></li>
<li>Assuming the lunatic fringe is the general public. <i><span style="color: purple;">-The Fonz says, "<span class="irc_su" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Assumptions are the termites of relationships." True story! A lot of people just assume that you abuse animals because of how you raise them. Moral of the story: Don't add more crazy to the pot, it's filling up fast enough.</span></span></i> </li>
<li>Being reactive instead of proactive. <span style="color: purple;"><i>-How many times have we heard this one?! This is why it is so important to tell your story.</i></span></li>
<li>Assuming that because someone disagrees with you they are stupid, evil or both. <i><span style="color: purple;">-Didn't we just discuss this? Assumptions are the devil!</span></i></li>
<li>Not working hard enough to build coalitions that include the public. <span style="color: purple;"><i>-Connect, connect, connect!</i></span></li>
<li>Criticizing/mocking non-conventional production systems. There
is room for other methods of production, so let the market determine
success or failure. <i><span style="color: purple;">-'Nough said. Just like there is more than one way to skin a cat (not that I recommend any of them), there is more than one way to sow a seed, raise a pig, etc. Live and let live. It's about bridges, not road blocks.</span></i></li>
<li>Trying to lead a parade without seeing if anyone is following. <i><span style="color: purple;">-While this is quite humorous to witness on the streets......wait, visualize of a guy flamboyantly marching down the street with a baton and he's all by himself. Now giggle, I know I am......</span></i></li>
</ol>
The bottom line is simple, we can't butt heads with those that oppose what we do and expect to get anywhere useful. We can't fight crazy with crazy. It just doesn't work. We need to be creating conversations, real conversations were you speak, then you listen and you respond to the response. Connect, connect, connect! (name that movie)<br />
<br />
Building bridges is what it's all about. We need to stop leaping from one extreme to another extreme, instead, we need to jaunt along the middle ground. <br />
<br />
“I suppose it is tempting, if the only tool you have is a hammer, to treat everything as if it were a nail.”
―
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4570807.Abraham_Maslow">Abraham Maslow</a> Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07004329603130052077noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247905249912932354.post-64227362644039906222014-07-23T08:00:00.000-05:002014-07-24T08:24:42.766-05:00Right to Farm Part 2: Is a Constitutional Amendment Necessary?Again, we're hearing from <a href="http://www.showmelaw.com/our-attorneys/brent-haden/" target="_blank">Brent Haden</a>, Haden and Byrne, who helped draft Amendment 1, Missouri Right to Farm.<br />
<br />
This series is an effort to make this proposed amendment clearer so that you can make an educated decision before you cast your vote on August 5. <br />
<br />
<i><a href="http://www.porkproud.com/2014/07/right-to-farm-part-1-does-amendment-1.html" target="_blank">Read Part 1: Does Amendment 1 Protect Corporations or Farmers?</a></i><br />
<br />
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<b>Concern</b>: Farmers already farm so a constitutional amendment
is unnecessary.</div>
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<b>Question</b>: Why a sudden need for a constitutional amendment
giving people the right to farm in Missouri? </div>
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Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07004329603130052077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247905249912932354.post-64795538407108950232014-07-21T23:44:00.000-05:002014-07-24T08:24:30.104-05:00Right To Farm Part 1: Does Amendment 1 Protect Corporations or Farmers?In Missouri, there is a lot of talk about Amendment 1, also known as Right to Farm. This Amendment would change the Missouri Constitution to protect family farmers from attacks from radical groups like HSUS, however, it would NOT alter any of the existing regulations concerning the environment, water, public health, etc. It would also allow future reasonable regulations to be made, as needed.<br />
<br />
I have heard many concerns about Right to Farm, so I spoke with <a href="http://www.showmelaw.com/our-attorneys/brent-haden/" target="_blank">Brent Haden</a> from The Law Firm of Hayden and Byrne. Brent was involved in the drafting of this amendment and here is a series that answers several questions and concerns that people have.<br />
<br />
<b>Concern: </b>Right to Farm is merely a curtain for corporations to hide behind.<br />
<br />
<b>Question:</b> Does Amendment 1 protect corporations? What does it actually do?<br />
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Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07004329603130052077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247905249912932354.post-30141872185913470262014-06-16T22:28:00.001-05:002014-06-16T22:31:07.639-05:00Waste Management on Hog FarmsThe Hatton meeting regarding a proposed hog confinement operation
brought up a slew of questions. In fact, a list of questions—which were somewhat
answered—were handed out at the meeting.<br />
<br />
So, with that in mind, how about a little Q&A? The
following questions are from the community meeting and I will briefly answer
them to the best of my knowledge and ability.<b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>What is the management plan for air quality and
smell control?</b><br />
<br />
While every farm is different, there are a few options. On
our farm, we rely on trees to help control odor and fans to maintain air
quality within the barns. Some farms also add <a href="http://www.extension.org/pages/67663/development-of-an-acid-scrubber-for-reducing-ammonia-emissions-from-animal-rearing-facilities#.U5-fCSgq_FM">air
scrubbers</a>, which basically ‘scrub’ the ammonia out of the air to reduce
atmospheric ammonia. To my knowledge, these are not widely used yet because of
cost but they are still in the development phase and I look forward to seeing
how they develop in the future.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3bMNUwC5xvTimxU8b31MsFiFjBSJ2nZNUJlyWx4eP9yor9z843XWPWUwiaa6DI5fPJqB7qiqAzAsgDdYE96IiK45TUZuMPSusbDPCZoY5fJFATkhsSgDLJNEQqJaQeovMmDIoKTIO1nfu/s1600/DSC00571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3bMNUwC5xvTimxU8b31MsFiFjBSJ2nZNUJlyWx4eP9yor9z843XWPWUwiaa6DI5fPJqB7qiqAzAsgDdYE96IiK45TUZuMPSusbDPCZoY5fJFATkhsSgDLJNEQqJaQeovMmDIoKTIO1nfu/s1600/DSC00571.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
Another fantastic invention that is gaining popularity is digesters.
<a href="http://www.iptv.org/mtom/story.cfm/feature/8392/mtom_20110708_3645_feature/video">Digesters
convert methane gas into electricity</a>. These are fascinating but again,
there is a cost issue so not everyone uses them.<br />
<br />
One last way we control odor is by knifing manure into the
ground instead of using a traveling gun or running it through a center pivot
irrigation system.<br />
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<b>Explain how below-building waste pits work.</b><br />
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Basically, the pig does his business wherever and whenever
he (or she) pleases. Then, their ‘business’ falls through the slat flooring and
is stored in a reinforced concrete basement that is about 8 feet deep and the
same length as the barn. Then, twice a year—in the fall and spring—they are
pumped out and knifed into the field as a natural fertilizer.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj75gE9DhFoWmhl4V4_ti38Lqys64-xzfIst5G2nI57-xTB3vzKX3uyCB0PSjoPb0GDXTmHmJ8F64P8ZBAx3LorLlZZ1_xqBXiQ6o83bki2QFsqvWki2gKsE2AQhiZF56HB6_PSggS_2li/s1600/Hog+Barn+Construction+041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj75gE9DhFoWmhl4V4_ti38Lqys64-xzfIst5G2nI57-xTB3vzKX3uyCB0PSjoPb0GDXTmHmJ8F64P8ZBAx3LorLlZZ1_xqBXiQ6o83bki2QFsqvWki2gKsE2AQhiZF56HB6_PSggS_2li/s1600/Hog+Barn+Construction+041.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pit under construction.</td></tr>
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<b>What is the average nutrient value of the waste?
Does it add organic matter to the soil or only nutrient value?</b><br />
<br />
The great thing about manure is that it is basically a
nutrient package deal. Just like the phone and TV companies, they bundle it. In
most cases, manure provides all your phosphorus and potassium needs and the
bulk of your nitrogen. Of course, only soil and nutrient testing will give a
for sure answer to what is there and what isn’t but those are the three
nutrients farmers always need and they are the three that are always present in
manure. For farmers that don’t use manure, they have to purchase separate chemical
fertilizers to cover each of these nutrient needs. Manure also adds organic
matter that improves overall soil health. If you care to learn more about the
nutrient and economic value here are a couple resources:<a href="http://fieldcropnews.com/2013/04/nutrients-and-value-of-liquid-hog-manure/"><br /><br />Nutrients
and Value of Liquid Hog Manure</a><a href="http://www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/Default.aspx?DN=4f62b99a-ae55-407a-bc0b-9f6bfa43b94c"><br />Economic
Value of Liquid Hog Manure</a><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Will the hog urine be applied to the soils and
what is the expected effect on soil quality due to urine?</b><br />
<br />
I was surprised to see this question on the sheet, but it is
a valid question. Yes, the poop and pee fall through the slats and into the
same pit so it’s all mixed up together into one big pot of liquid gold. See
previous question for soil quality concerns</div>
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<b>How frequently will the waste pits be pumped
dry?</b><br />
<br />
Every fall and spring the fields get feed—by way of manure.<br />
<br />
Do you have any questions about farming? Let me know in the
comments and I’m happy to answer them.</div>
Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07004329603130052077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247905249912932354.post-45952751051563090142014-06-13T21:39:00.001-05:002014-06-13T21:54:54.161-05:00Raising Havoc in Hatton<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]-->Recently, I had the pleasure of <a href="http://www.columbiatribune.com/news/local/pig-farm-supporters-and-opponents-clash-at-callaway-county-meeting/article_c6ea950a-f187-11e3-a9fa-10604b9f6eda.html" target="_blank">speaking at a community meeting</a> in
Hatton, Mo. Of course, I wasn't exactly invited to speak. I just temporarily
took over the mic because that's how I roll. Aaron, my husband, begged me not
to go up there. "Just leave it alone," he said. He's not much on
public speaking and certainly doesn't like to stand out in a crowd. But, I just
couldn't help myself. I couldn't stand there and let the crowd verbally beat
down the farmer and his family without anyone to speak up for not just him but
pig farmers everywhere.
<br />
<br />
This meeting was due to a <a href="http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/175581/hog-farm-forum-leaves-mid-missouri-residents-with-questions/" target="_blank">proposed sow facility</a> that an Iowa
company wants to build on a Hatton farmer's land. Basically, the family farm in
Hatton is teaming up with the company in Iowa to accomplish two things: 1) The
Iowa company wants sows closer to Missouri finisher facilities, 2) The family
farmer gets all the manure. Some may say the family farmer is getting the
crappy end of the stick, but <a href="http://www.porkproud.com/2010/11/manure-management.html" target="_blank">manure is invaluable</a> to a farmer. It
decreases costs, adds valuable organic nutrients to the soil and reduces the
use of petroleum chemicals like anhydrous-ammonia. <br />
<br />
The meeting was fun, for me anyway. I had forgotten just how much I love
public speaking, especially when I'm talking about my family's farm. I also get
a kick out of mild controversy. This meeting also reminded me that education is
needed more now than ever.<br />
<br />
Despite the efforts by farmers, ag organizations and others, consumers seem
to be shifting further away from agriculture and more towards misconceptions.
There's the belief that there is only one way to farm and that there must be
some sort of rivalry between farmers--organic vs. modern, small vs. large,
old-school vs. new technology, etc. Why?<br />
<br />
<b>The moral of this story</b> <b>is simple:</b> If you ever get a chance to go to a
community meeting regarding a local farm family, please go! In fact, any chance
you get to share your farm story, do it.<br />
<br />
My family didn't have to go to this meeting. We don't even live very close
to Hatton and we have absolutely nothing to do with this business venture. We
went to support a fellow farmer. We went because it was the right thing to do.
I didn't have to speak. I could have just sat in the back row and kept my
thoughts to myself, but I didn't. I saw an opportunity to represent farmers and
I jumped on it.<br />
<br />
<b>My challenge to you:</b> Make a point to share your story. Tell a neighbor,
write a blog post, post something on Facebook or Twitter or go to a local
meeting and start a conversation. It's easy to ignore the issue, but at what
cost?<br />
<br />
Consumers deserve to know where their food comes from and farmers—not
lobbyists, extremist groups or the like—are the best ones to educate them on
this matter. It's a heavy burden, but one we must carry.<br />
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<![endif]-->Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07004329603130052077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247905249912932354.post-64264541559967113122013-08-02T21:15:00.003-05:002013-08-02T21:52:30.712-05:00Pig Out at the Missouri State Fair<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1MDKapFVNtjBXPngcHuX1QZswaI5U4Put7YCh8LXN94csVJ7Q0ptLTAB3ccJQlWHH2yu5Wv74KKzKurQOrH1nxmvFp3B-zQPwd3mu8UTwzk_lEt54ff1szW7HMOmMpoT0ynWxWZUk6cl-/s1600/statefair.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1MDKapFVNtjBXPngcHuX1QZswaI5U4Put7YCh8LXN94csVJ7Q0ptLTAB3ccJQlWHH2yu5Wv74KKzKurQOrH1nxmvFp3B-zQPwd3mu8UTwzk_lEt54ff1szW7HMOmMpoT0ynWxWZUk6cl-/s320/statefair.JPG" width="194" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamUbraQcRFgK6V-_cbKyWP4ImHQaPO7OvunjpiCxJu9lAmDwopUBigG9lTQtaBwTKn3NmBK9NrCOptE99staKhFeq0ndT0lsoWjuWhkTR75D9o0ODdYeRXJNv6cDkN8wDqlK2JBx52bAP/s1600/mo+pork.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamUbraQcRFgK6V-_cbKyWP4ImHQaPO7OvunjpiCxJu9lAmDwopUBigG9lTQtaBwTKn3NmBK9NrCOptE99staKhFeq0ndT0lsoWjuWhkTR75D9o0ODdYeRXJNv6cDkN8wDqlK2JBx52bAP/s1600/mo+pork.JPG" /></a>It's <a href="http://www.mostatefair.com/home" target="_blank">state fair</a> time again! </b></div>
<br />
The <a href="http://www.mostatefair.com/home" target="_blank">Missouri Pork Association</a> is serving up some tasty goodness on August 13th and Team Bacon Blogger will be there with bells on.<br />
<br />
Come to the fair and say "HI" to all the Pork Proud folks serving up grub, including us.<br />
<br />
You can find a schedule of events for the Missouri State Fair <a href="http://www.mostatefair.com/daily-highlights" target="_blank">HERE</a>. <br />
<br />
Hope to see you at the fair.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
It's good, wholesome, cheap fun! Plus, <a href="http://www.mostatefair.com/home" target="_blank">CHICKS DIG IT</a>!<br />
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<br />Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07004329603130052077noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247905249912932354.post-20329471709714662892013-03-28T12:30:00.000-05:002013-03-28T13:04:04.886-05:00Sustainable Ag and Food Myths Busted<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Sustainability</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZEbHvLvMDQWZHkAh8BOROtTBzQGj0ovfaSuQXwf-fnBhZoj0yV1xsWexuW-3OZmTFZ-KqUnqxPIDjxw4f3HnY0jCL37Vzbu_svQMzzkGMFUdaBPZZsE5JCDE9C08hy6BjyTnMfTAP8_P/s1600/DSC00029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZEbHvLvMDQWZHkAh8BOROtTBzQGj0ovfaSuQXwf-fnBhZoj0yV1xsWexuW-3OZmTFZ-KqUnqxPIDjxw4f3HnY0jCL37Vzbu_svQMzzkGMFUdaBPZZsE5JCDE9C08hy6BjyTnMfTAP8_P/s320/DSC00029.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">This is a powerful word
that is creating buzz all across the ag world and among consumers,
corporations, farmers, families, everyone, everywhere. I watched a
video--just today, in fact--that claims to have all the answers but do
they really? </span></div>
<br />
<a href="http://civileats.com/2012/10/24/food-mythbusters-takes-on-feeding-the-world-myth-2/" target="_blank">Food MythBusters</a>, which is a "campaign to provide videos and resources debunking the yarns Big Ag players spin about our food system," created a video that, in my book, invokes more questions than answers. The video states that the story of "Big Ag" (I'd love a definition on what "Big Ag" really is because I think we fall into that category but we aren't that big in comparison, we are also family owned but we contract too--define please) is "full of holes" but I found a few "holes" of my own. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So, lets break it down piece by piece:</div>
<ol>
<li><i>"[Farmers] Stop practices that keep soil healthy" </i>-- If we don't keep the soil healthy then we would not be able to continue to produce year after year. This statement implies that farmers are irresponsible and uncaring, which is illogical. Comparable to a mechanic that refuses to service vehicles. He won't be in business for very long! Crop rotation is mentioned in the video and is a great way to keep soil healthy. Every farmer in this area, including us, rotates our crops. Usually between corn, soybeans, wheat, and sometimes a cover crop like cereal rice or rye. So, are we really stopping the practices that keep soil healthy or are consumers just confused about farming because they've been removed from it for so long?</li>
<li><i>"Livestock, that use to be raised on the farm, get crammed into polluting factories"</i>-- Our livestock are still raised on the farm. We use barns and modern technology to raise them but they are <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhv4bTX1OLsYMx6oPAWLGjuo5gxHOalKF-lwfrChuCf9gMAo3S_Onekh0zRJ90s22GLZCzJr2OReVZJQG9OVLfwQmD3DGP8HnpDQS2F5-vRC9s3dXdza4jybFD0zdNlrI8YBtdu8642OdL/s1600/Picture+079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhv4bTX1OLsYMx6oPAWLGjuo5gxHOalKF-lwfrChuCf9gMAo3S_Onekh0zRJ90s22GLZCzJr2OReVZJQG9OVLfwQmD3DGP8HnpDQS2F5-vRC9s3dXdza4jybFD0zdNlrI8YBtdu8642OdL/s320/Picture+079.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
still on the farm. We live down the road from one of our barns and my sis-in-law and parents-in-law live next door to our other barns. How is this not on the farm? Furthermore, if we were polluting then we would only hurt ourselves. Not only would we be violating our government issued permits (hefty fees for doing so) but it is our water and our land that would be polluted. Would you pollute your own water? Additionally, if we were a factory then we would have better pay and more benefits. I've seen what the factory workers in town make, heck of a lot more than my husband and they don't even do a fraction of the hard labor. Maybe we should all just work in a factory...Nah! </li>
<li><i>"These farmers now buy expensive inputs" </i>-- Hate to state the obvious but inputs have always been expensive and farmers have purchased them for decades. Inputs, expensive or otherwise, are nothing new. However, the good news is that while farmers still use chemical inputs we use a lot less. Like, 223 million pounds less! Wait! It gets better. Despite using hundreds of millions of pounds less in chemicals we are producing more in yields. Maybe Obama and Congress should take a few hints from farmers on how to use less while getting more to get our economy back on track. Farmer for President! So, are we buying more inputs?</li>
<li><i>"Got to use more drugs [on livestock]" </i>-- Again, antibiotics are not new to the world of farming and the use of antibiotics is not even related to the size of a farm. Farmers that have 10 animals or 10,000 animals all use antibiotics to keep their animals healthy. Unless they are certified organic, then the animals just get chicken soup and wait to die. I'm joking, dark but still a joke! I know some organic farmers and they are wonderful people. Seriously, another interesting fact is that in an <a href="http://www.ift.org/" target="_blank">IFT </a>report a panel of experts estimate that <a href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/5bb6aa6d#/5bb6aa6d/72" target="_blank">96% of antibiotic resistance</a> is actually from human use, not animal use. So, is the "more drugs" an issue of one singular group or do we need to look at the bigger picture and discuss the use of drugs across the board, primarily with human use?</li>
<li><i>"Got to use more chemical fertilizer [on crops]" </i>-- I will again state what I said in #3: Like,<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqnmCHXi3UJqjQ5LDlxGmZKsAtVOjEiUiRNkqjWMKITI5KkxBvgD5TTJwsk7v3fpkll-yADYedNjmKeL_G-mOEEPoB5xd8wlP9b1Ge2QpS9mx7fzQcGn7Off4m92s6hRe7AQzjtulI5Ig/s1600/Slurry+wagon+knifing+manure.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqnmCHXi3UJqjQ5LDlxGmZKsAtVOjEiUiRNkqjWMKITI5KkxBvgD5TTJwsk7v3fpkll-yADYedNjmKeL_G-mOEEPoB5xd8wlP9b1Ge2QpS9mx7fzQcGn7Off4m92s6hRe7AQzjtulI5Ig/s320/Slurry+wagon+knifing+manure.JPG" width="320" /></a>223million pounds less! Not only are we using less chemicals of every kind but our farm, our neighbors (plural, all of them with pigs), along with friends and family that all raise pigs in barns use less chemicals than ever before because we have the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnwPbDATs-k" target="_blank">power of poop</a>. I know for a fact that hog farmers use all that poo in their lagoons and, more commonly, their deep pits to fertilize their crops the way grandpappy use to. Pardon me, do you have any Grey Poop-on? Why, yes. Yes we do.</li>
<li><i>"Corporate ag is good for some folks...not the typical farm family" </i>-- Who is the "typical" farm family? We could be considered under the label "corporate ag"because we contract our pigs through a larger company, as many do. Our family's farm began with less than<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxuIzPLkPwfNfcQsPGiVqt70VSnnf-ZftUFUJyI4X3HhVbQvllE7Qg0KqVIoldQLhUhuo1eD8ofNcMhOZ6Eqdlt_bMYSKGbaKBmc08PHFMjJ-IX87rHRWHkVCP0D7qkfDU1e5LfpVUZuV/s1600/Untitled+0+02+33-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxuIzPLkPwfNfcQsPGiVqt70VSnnf-ZftUFUJyI4X3HhVbQvllE7Qg0KqVIoldQLhUhuo1eD8ofNcMhOZ6Eqdlt_bMYSKGbaKBmc08PHFMjJ-IX87rHRWHkVCP0D7qkfDU1e5LfpVUZuV/s320/Untitled+0+02+33-01.jpg" width="320" /></a>
100 acres and a husband and wife with three kids attempting to fulfill their dream. Since then, it has grown over the last couple decades to several hundred acres, several thousand hogs, and employs all three children plus spouses and then some. The same is true for several other pig farmers we know. So, how are we not the "typical" farm family? And, if we aren't then who the heck is?</li>
</ol>
The bottom line is that I want you to watch the video. I want you to make your own judgment call. But more than anything, I want everyone to understand that farming is just like skinning cats--not the gross, bloody, scratches up and down your arms kind of way, more like there's more than one way to do it kind of way. It is an idiom. I'm not really skinning cats. You people are gross.<br />
<br />
Watch the video and let me know what you think. Unlike Food MythBusters, comments are always open and welcome.<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07004329603130052077noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247905249912932354.post-83087324988236731592013-03-12T09:59:00.000-05:002013-03-12T10:02:08.806-05:00Snide-ness and Factory Farming: Now open for dialogueToday I read a comment on one of the BaconCam's YouTube videos that sparked my interest. So, thank you Spikutus for your comment.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Factory Farming Exposed: Truth about animal handling </b></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/JW0Aj8nGIFM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
Their comment was:<br />
<br />
<i>What a snide attitude the narrator has! As if because those bad things don't happen on HER farm, they don't happen anywhere. Who is the one who has to wake up?</i><br />
<br />
I realize that this doesn't seem<i> </i>like a friendly comment that I'd want to point out but there is a great point to be made here, plus a good conversation.<br />
<br />
When I narrated this video I was apprehensive about actually posting it. The narration is, as Spikutus points out, snide and much more abrasive than my usual demeanor. I was worried that it would be taken the wrong way or that people would get upset by it or that I would look like a jerk because of it. However, I put on my big-girl panties and made a conscious decision to let my abrasive side show despite the discomfort it gives me (abrasive sides tend to be scratchy, itchy, and they chafe terribly).<br />
<br />
The fact is, I had a point to make.<br />
<br />
The snide-ness, as I like to call it, was in rebut to all those so-called "abuse" videos with the same exact attitude or snide-ness. In the videos that I have seen the message is clear: This abuse happens here so it must happen on every farm! This is the message I wish to refute most adamantly. Therefore, I took the same attitude, which is so prevalent in the "abuse" videos and spun it the other way.<br />
<br />
That was my point and obviously it hit target.<br />
<br />
I know animal abuse exists. I am not refuting that. It saddens me, upsets me, and down right pisses me off that people abuse their animals. However, the same emotional outcome applies to people that want to lump every farmer in one big abusive basket because we choose barns for our farms. That may be my new bumper sticker, by the way.<br />
<br />
On a side note, it sickens me to watch those abuse videos that actually show abuse especially when the person filming does absolutely nothing to stop it. Does that not make them every bit as guilty? Well, in my book it makes them worse. It makes them a hypocrite of the worst kind. But I digress.<br />
<br />
I'm glad this person commented on the video because the point of everything--the blog, the BaconCam, the social media outlets--is to open the lines of communication. To start dialogues that actually lead somewhere besides an argument. If we can understand both sides of the fence we can make changes, we can better our farming practices, or we can just agree to disagree--at least we are talking and not fighting.<br />
<br />
So, as the title states, we are officially <b>Open For Dialogue!</b>Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07004329603130052077noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247905249912932354.post-7437452151923799812013-03-06T09:55:00.000-06:002013-03-06T13:31:58.153-06:00The Masked Farmer--Friend or Foe?Recently, it was brought to my attention that I had not explained the reasoning behind the masked man in many of my photos. This question has come up in the past and we've answered it but I believe it is time to approach it on a broader scope...via blog.<br />
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<div>
So, who is that masked man in the pig barn? Why does he wear that stylish mask? Any guesses?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisw9xBXyG3ZwsZDi1_axz1u9_AJWg2coY2QrT0xkRTNBJV_5Svk_A1Knt9fZbkBo8XcM07RO2cwZAgD29OXfHBY4-EuUnCi0WXHDZ6bKukUmf6OH-cjPUVSj8BFAGZ-IfGdd6BCvNH6172/s1600/DSCN1387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisw9xBXyG3ZwsZDi1_axz1u9_AJWg2coY2QrT0xkRTNBJV_5Svk_A1Knt9fZbkBo8XcM07RO2cwZAgD29OXfHBY4-EuUnCi0WXHDZ6bKukUmf6OH-cjPUVSj8BFAGZ-IfGdd6BCvNH6172/s320/DSCN1387.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Well, I'm sure there is a lot of speculation out there as to why my dear husband, Aaron, is always masked in nearly all his pictures in the barn. Many speculate that it has something to do with the poop/gases produced by the pigs. So, is that the answer? We'll deal with that a little lower in this post.</div>
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So, why does he wear it?</div>
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Is it the toxic fumes?</div>
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Is the the unbearable smell?</div>
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Is it the health hazards these barns pose?</div>
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Fumes, smells, hazards, <span style="color: magenta;">oh my! </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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Let's take a look at some other pictures and see if we can't sort this out...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCGmILQVi8OWB9Ad6tQ4fFZMJZrUQUClovgV-I_2qM7qnAVl0Hvia270AAgjcVrFI2W7sIkdiwJ07ds08IWpwr6UHekSu1zITIv_GjtLMRsxE7ycRsDBIc7tB4IM8PR2P9Kc28_Ug8v2zw/s1600/DSCN1364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCGmILQVi8OWB9Ad6tQ4fFZMJZrUQUClovgV-I_2qM7qnAVl0Hvia270AAgjcVrFI2W7sIkdiwJ07ds08IWpwr6UHekSu1zITIv_GjtLMRsxE7ycRsDBIc7tB4IM8PR2P9Kc28_Ug8v2zw/s320/DSCN1364.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is Kristy--Aaron's sister--and yes she is carrying a pig. She likes to play ma ma hen with the pigs. She also happens to be <span style="color: magenta;">mask-less</span>.<br />
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This curly haired cutie is our niece....also <span style="color: magenta;">mask-less</span>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBC2UwFyZDVDQ81KiRMRYxIErclbSI_wdgf45rTqGGS_a0dwpab5u8DUaj_gA9kpl5TjjPlF2c-sa3Knh31lvcaKd-7yHHN97ElHGxnbno4QLjrdx1k7ogsIdor6uT1g8tHvH-meNdaH-y/s1600/pigs+307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBC2UwFyZDVDQ81KiRMRYxIErclbSI_wdgf45rTqGGS_a0dwpab5u8DUaj_gA9kpl5TjjPlF2c-sa3Knh31lvcaKd-7yHHN97ElHGxnbno4QLjrdx1k7ogsIdor6uT1g8tHvH-meNdaH-y/s320/pigs+307.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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These two may look familiar. They belong to Team Bacon Blogger and as you can see....<span style="color: magenta;">mask-less</span>. I don't wear a mask either but I rarely take pictures of myself. It just feels weird and wrong to tell myself to say cheese.</div>
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Wait! I found one. Here's a picture of Aaron sans that fabulous mask. Even he doesn't wear it all the time. </div>
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The point of all this is to show that while some may want you to believe that there are <span style="color: magenta;">toxic fumes, rancid odors, and health hazards </span>associated with these barns the facts remain that<span style="color: magenta;"> it just ain't so</span>. </div>
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Aaron, God love him, is a pig farmer. A pig farmer that spends every single day around pigs. Those pigs eat--a lot--which means the feeders are always full of feed. So, Aaron the pig farmer, is around pigs and feed every single day. Unfortunately, poor Aaron happens to be allergic to pig dander and feed dust.</div>
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That's it. That's the big reveal. <span style="color: magenta;">Allergies</span>.</div>
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That poor man happens to be allergic to nearly every air born allergen you can imagine. We had him tested once and he reacted to every pin prick except one. Can you guess what that one was?</div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">Pig hair! </span></div>
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It was quite the joke on the farm. Unfortunately, there is a big difference between pig hair and pig dander--bad news for Aaron. He just can't win.</div>
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On a more<span style="color: magenta;"> serious note</span>, lets deal with that previously mentioned speculation. </div>
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It is common knowledge that as microbes digest and breakdown poop it releases methane gases. Without getting too technical (because that stuff is way over my head) it goes without saying that there must be methane gases in those pits. </div>
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True story. There are gases down in those pits.</div>
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So, what do we do about it?????</div>
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First, there are<span style="color: magenta;"> pit fans</span> that keep fresh air in the barns and pit gases out.</div>
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Second, the gases stay trapped in the manure and is only released if the pits are agitated which we only do twice a year when we pump out the pits. We also take every <span style="color: magenta;">safety precaution</span> when doing this to <span style="color: magenta;">prevent any accidents or dangerous conditions</span>.</div>
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Third, (and this is the coolest) there are very cool and innovative <span style="color: magenta;">additives </span>that we can (and do) put in our pits that<span style="color: magenta;"> minimize the gases</span>, <span style="color: magenta;">improves </span>the value of the <span style="color: magenta;">fertilizer</span>, and even <span style="color: magenta;">eliminates the smell</span>! We started using this additive in one of our barns to test its usefulness and were amazed by the results. </div>
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The smell is the first thing you notice. Animals in general stink. I don't care if you have a dog, cat, cow, bunny, or pig--they stink. But it isn't anything so terrible to make it unbearable. However, minutes after the additive was put in the smell...<span style="color: magenta;">GONE</span>!</div>
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The additive also ate all the solids in the pits, which is a very good thing especially come pump time. Three years later, without adding anymore into the pits, still no solids and when we pump out the manure the pit walls are clean.</div>
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Basically, what all this boils down to is <span style="color: magenta;">knowing what you do and doing RIGHT</span>. </div>
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Aaron is a <span style="color: magenta;">pig farmer</span> that is <span style="color: magenta;">allergic </span>to pigs and dust. So, he wears a <span style="color: magenta;">mask</span>.</div>
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Pigs produce a lot of <span style="color: magenta;">poop</span>, which has nothing to do with the mask but it is the first place people's minds go. However, that poop is <span style="color: magenta;">essential </span>to our farming operation as a <span style="color: magenta;">fertilizer </span>in our fields.</div>
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Finally, every business produces its own challenges. The key is to identify those challenges and meet them head-on. Through proper management and knowing every aspect of our business, our challenge is turned into a <span style="color: magenta;">renewable</span>, <span style="color: magenta;">essential</span>, <span style="color: magenta;">natural resource </span>that is actually better for the soil than any man-made chemical. </div>
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I encourage anyone who has any concerns, questions, or confusion about farming to ask questions. Ask here in the comments section. Ask a farmer on Facebook or Twitter. Ask a local farmer down the road. </div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">Just ask! </span></div>
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Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07004329603130052077noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247905249912932354.post-62248435449939019372013-02-23T08:37:00.003-06:002013-02-23T08:41:04.831-06:00Tragedy Strikes, Farmers Come TogetherBold headline, I know, but when tragedy strikes farmers, neighbors, and other rural community members really do come together--at least they did this weekend.<br />
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I had a different post lined up for this weekend. I wanted to introduce my Show-Me Ag Matters project but that can wait. Instead, I wanted to tell a little story. A story about a man, a barn, some neighbors, and a whole lot of pigs.<br />
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As many of you are aware, we had a snow storm. Actually, most of the Midwest had a snow storm. This storm dropped a good bit of snow and in our area we got anywhere from 9 inches to more than a foot of snow with drifts 3 to 5 feet deep. This is where the tragedy began.<br />
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Snow is heavy, wet snow is heavier and I think you know where I'm going with this. Yes, that's the place this is heading--a roof collapsed.<br />
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One of our neighbor's roof collapsed on his pig barn. Unfortunately, it was full of pigs.<br />
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No, these are not the actual images of our neighbor's barn but this is very similar to what the damage looks like.<br />
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Fret not, there is good news in this story and a happy ending.<br />
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Fortunately, because this farmer was quick to act, friends, family, neighbors, and fellow farmers were able to rapidly come together. They were also able to save nearly every pig in the barn. As soon as the tragedy happened phones were ringing, trucks were moving, and people were coming together to save those pigs. Grown men were on hands and knees crawling under the collapsed roof trying desperately to get to the trapped pigs and run out as many as they possibly could.<br />
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It was a lucky thing that we recently emptied one of our sites and had room to fit all of our neighbor's pigs. However, there was a downside. This particular site has three barns sitting on it, two 1200-head barns and one 2400-head barn, our 2400-head barn was down for repairs. We needed to replace all the gate posts before pigs could come in. But a group of guys came over and got every single one of those gate posts (there were several!) replaced while another group took care of unloading the pigs in the smaller barns. It was a great show of organization and hustle. <br />
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Luck aside, it could not have been done without the help of extraordinary people willing to drop everything and come to aide a farmer and a friend in need. Because these wonderful people came together so quickly they were able to save nearly every pig in the entire barn. The pigs were hungry and thirsty when they came to our barns (due to the feed and water lines busting from the collapse) but otherwise happy and healthy--running, jumping, and inspecting the new facility.<br />
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I want to thank those farmers, friends, and neighbors for caring and dropping everything to help.<br />
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I want to thank our neighbor for acting so quickly and proving that farmers--no matter the size of their operation--care about their animals.<br />
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I want to thank all parties involved for doing the right thing even when they think no one is looking, even when they think no one will ever know of the good deed done. Because guess what guys, I just told on you. But I think in this instance, it's okay to tattle.<br />
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Great job getting those pigs out, guys. Now, everyone reading his, go thank a farmer!Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07004329603130052077noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247905249912932354.post-73121026378239377372013-02-21T11:39:00.000-06:002013-02-21T11:39:06.303-06:00Winter Farming<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Even in the winter months with the ground frozen and nothing growing farmers are still farming. There is a surprising consensuses that farmers get the winter months off but oh the contrary is true. No, we aren't in the fields but there is much, much more to farming than just cruising in the tractors. There is plenty to do on the farm to keep farmers and ranchers busy year round and then some.</div>
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Today in Missouri (and the entire mid-west) we are under a winter weather advisory. In fact, the radio just announced a state of emergency because the sky is layering the ground with an inch of snow every hour and the wind she is a blowing causing whiteout conditions.</div>
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Luckily, Aaron crammed the trucks in the shed and got the tractor and blade ready last night in preparation for today. There is a very good reason why farmers are obsessed with the weather and I am grateful for it, especially today.<br />
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But what about the livestock? Sure, we have tractors for pushing snow complete with cabs, heat, and air-ride seats but how are our pigs faring in this frosty weather?<br />
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Good news! Not only do we have heated cab tractors but we also have heated barns specially made for the pigs. You won't find frosty snouts and frozen hooves on our farm; instead, you'll find warm pigs with plenty of food and water. We didn't even have to break the ice for them to drink!<br />
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These huge furnaces are throughout the barn and work just like a furnace in a house. When the temperature drops the furnace kicks on until the barn reaches the toasty temperature we designate in the computer. We also have brooder heaters for the little pigs but once they are big enough to generate their own heat we take these brooders down. We also have a generator, which Aaron checked on this morning, in case the power goes out.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzDLeGkZcX7V4rXl6lYYZFScbb5_PL47BssJHsY50OW42jrAiHwgX6-jvQNa_UBTRVj178BZBmKXTEYkgphjIEu1ODuseUvw9eAQxdxNS3EKgIX4d-ZyWIleyY_RrTXHMPz2B_YOUN9_-M/s1600/DSCN1332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzDLeGkZcX7V4rXl6lYYZFScbb5_PL47BssJHsY50OW42jrAiHwgX6-jvQNa_UBTRVj178BZBmKXTEYkgphjIEu1ODuseUvw9eAQxdxNS3EKgIX4d-ZyWIleyY_RrTXHMPz2B_YOUN9_-M/s320/DSCN1332.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Despite whiteout conditions, 40-mile-per-hour winds, and freezing temperatures farmers and ranchers are out checking on their herds--both indoor and outdoor. No matter where the herd is raised--climate controlled barns, pastures, or hoop houses--farmers still have to brave the weather to get to their animals every single day. <br />
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What are you doing on this snowy day?</div>
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Off the subject: Is it normal to have thunder and lightening during a snow storm or am I the only one that finds that odd?</div>
Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07004329603130052077noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247905249912932354.post-72232987370362135332013-02-18T16:54:00.000-06:002013-02-18T16:54:33.710-06:00President's Day Meaty Monday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-AgoW-lKZE_enCVxKZBr40bHOHem_jnmyHEAjxt2lob63HN9p0UWzHPEG0zGgotYD4HleN0saA1pSPbRPdhBbFnSsXng7-K69zxkQmSRe5x86xNlf0opMMffXOnDV_rc9seuC48vTIV93/s1600/prez+day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-AgoW-lKZE_enCVxKZBr40bHOHem_jnmyHEAjxt2lob63HN9p0UWzHPEG0zGgotYD4HleN0saA1pSPbRPdhBbFnSsXng7-K69zxkQmSRe5x86xNlf0opMMffXOnDV_rc9seuC48vTIV93/s1600/prez+day.jpg" /></a></div>
In honor of President's Day I decided to take a look at what our former presidents ate, particularly, what meats they favored. I stumbled upon <a href="http://www.foodtimeline.org/presidents.html#washington" target="_blank">The Food Timeline</a>, where our journey begins.<br />
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So, what meat did our first president George Washington enjoy? What about Honest Abe? Did JFK have a taste for a particular morsel of meaty goodness? How about Ronald Reagan?<br />
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Here's the run down of just a few:<br />
<ul>
<li><b>George Washington</b> had simple tastes when it came to food. He liked his meals hardy but plain. However, Washington seemed to favor fish above all other meats.</li>
<li><b>Abraham Lincoln</b> had the appetite of a farm boy, especially, when it came to bacon. He'd fit right in around here!</li>
<li><b>James Garfield</b> reportedly loved milk and squirrel soup but hated oatmeal. Well, each to their own.</li>
<li><b>FDR</b>, while he served hot dogs to the Queen of England, loved rabbit for his Sunday supper but he also enjoyed creamed chipped beef, bacon, sausage, and other traditionally American dishes.</li>
<li><b>JFK </b>was more upscale and swanky then many of his predecessors. He enjoyed a French cuisine often ordering a bowl of vichyssoise and chicken in champagne sauce. No squirrel for the Kennedy's. </li>
<li>The Reagan's were definitely bread eaters but <b>Ronald Reagan</b> loved roast beef. </li>
</ul>
Hungry for a second helping?<br />
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Here's a favorite food list from <a href="http://firstwefeast.com/eat/the-favorite-foods-of-presidents-past-and-present/" target="_blank">The Favorite Foods of Presidents Past</a>:<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Barack Obama</b>: Fran’s Smoked Salt Caramels (buttery caramels coated in milk chocolate and sprinkled with smoked sea salt).</li>
<li><b>George W. Bush</b>: Homemade ‘cheeseburger pizzas’ composed of a cheeseburger on top of a margherita pizza.</li>
<li><b>Bill Clinton</b>: Jalapeño cheeseburgers with lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, pickles, and onions.</li>
<li><b>George Bush</b>: Pork rinds.</li>
<li><b>Ronald Reagan</b>: Jelly beans.</li>
<li><b>Richard Nixon</b>: Cottage cheese and ketchup.</li>
<li><b>Lyndon B. Johnson</b>: Like Warren Buffet, he had a daily hamburger fix.</li>
<li><b>John F. Kennedy</b>: Boston clam chowder and ice cream with hot fudge.</li>
<li><b>Dwight Eisenhower</b>: Beef stew.</li>
<li><b>Harry S. Truman</b>: His mama’s fried chicken and custard pie; his wife’s chocolate cake, as well as chicken and dumplings.</li>
<li><b>Franklin D. Roosevelt</b>: Grilled cheese sandwich, scrambled eggs, fish chowder, hot dogs, and fruitcake.</li>
<li><b>Warren G.</b> <b>Harding</b>: Men’s-only dinners featuring saurkraut and knockwurst.</li>
<li><b>Theodore Roosevelt</b>: Fried chicken smothered in white gravy.</li>
<li><b>Abraham Lincoln</b>: His mother’s gingerbread.</li>
<li><b>Andrew Jackson</b>: Cheddar cheese. A 1,400-pound wheel of it.</li>
<li><b>Thomas Jefferson</b>: Expensive red wine.</li>
<li><b>John Adams</b>: New England cheese, bacon, white potatoes, and cider.</li>
<li><b>Georgia Washington</b>: Nuts, so much so that he had dental issues from cracking them with his teeth so much.</li>
</ul>
It is interesting to see that each president's tastes are as different as our own. Some people swear by pork or poultry, others are all beef all the time. Yet others prefer to just veg out with no meat in sight. The amazing thing is that we each have that choice to make. Just as every president has certain preferences, ideas, and agendas so too does every person.<br />
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As a society we need to be understanding of our differences and respectful of individual choices.<br />
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That's enough insight for one day. Enjoy President's Day, everybody! Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07004329603130052077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247905249912932354.post-63958742458926357542013-02-16T14:14:00.003-06:002013-02-16T14:17:14.597-06:00Pork Proud 31 BagsWho could have imagined that <a href="http://thirtyonegifts.com/" target="_blank">31 Bags</a> would join the Pork Proud bandwagon? Check out my new porktastic gear!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl_h7QfNU05b-2QyrDL79f4BAiY4OS8NBl1pbEVNQ-GWD6H5sPSKVqCLUE7nbIU_3IIN3iGlMl71KWg44BedOemeUsX0gPflNJuzsB2O4Gp6zAYEr2CgU6MK_nwwJMWf1dgvsdtfbVg5R_/s1600/DSCN1412.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl_h7QfNU05b-2QyrDL79f4BAiY4OS8NBl1pbEVNQ-GWD6H5sPSKVqCLUE7nbIU_3IIN3iGlMl71KWg44BedOemeUsX0gPflNJuzsB2O4Gp6zAYEr2CgU6MK_nwwJMWf1dgvsdtfbVg5R_/s1600/DSCN1412.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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My new camera/gear bag complete with the cutest little pig coin purse I've ever seen.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8nFAysRIvSguy0MPxZHOcnmRbShjzwaU127ozK8hnPpTgWTSIRU2mZXz83y9WeIyPQHOFdFWbiXfA41qVtK2zMta_x00Jcou_Fy2lAh2DaQC_jtMs-D3PxDGm7W82ZH8j8za8HHe5cEC/s1600/DSCN1411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8nFAysRIvSguy0MPxZHOcnmRbShjzwaU127ozK8hnPpTgWTSIRU2mZXz83y9WeIyPQHOFdFWbiXfA41qVtK2zMta_x00Jcou_Fy2lAh2DaQC_jtMs-D3PxDGm7W82ZH8j8za8HHe5cEC/s320/DSCN1411.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Too cute...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ibJFlBI7O6-Ud8r3HaPYKbU7nY8t3cD0jMUgw4XSSNVyKNF4b7WVRcV8S5kzThDLyF8i_SJqG0bBEQyg5mRM-zb1TtLp71PsOH5x91mRD0WlTQM7GoK0ZL91GMtxF6nGxpGlNOUJta-_/s1600/DSCN1414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ibJFlBI7O6-Ud8r3HaPYKbU7nY8t3cD0jMUgw4XSSNVyKNF4b7WVRcV8S5kzThDLyF8i_SJqG0bBEQyg5mRM-zb1TtLp71PsOH5x91mRD0WlTQM7GoK0ZL91GMtxF6nGxpGlNOUJta-_/s320/DSCN1414.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Now, if only I could afford a new camera and laptop I'd be set. Oh well. Baby steps, baby steps.</div>
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So, whataya think?</div>
Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07004329603130052077noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247905249912932354.post-53858593915423769002013-02-12T12:17:00.001-06:002013-02-12T12:34:27.820-06:00101 in 1001...Oh, boy!While this was first created by the <a href="http://dayzeroproject.com/about/" target="_blank">Day Zero Project</a> I first saw this challenge on a lovely blog that I follow (and think you should follow it too) called <a href="http://www.crystalcattle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">CrystalCattle</a><b>. </b>A quick thank you to her for the inspiration.<br />
<br />
So, what is this Day Zero Project? Here is the rundown:<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>The Challenge:</b>
<br />
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.
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<b>The Criteria:</b>
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Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either
measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie.
represent some amount of work on your part).<br />
<br />
We are working up a list and could use some help! Suggestions would be helpful! Please suggest something, anything.<br />
<br />
This is what we've come up with so far:<br />
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<a href="http://www.porkproud.com/p/team-bacon-blogger-goals-finish-school.html" target="_blank">Team Bacon Blogger Goals</a>:<br />
<ol>
<li>Finish School with my BA in Eng/Lit</li>
<li>Finish creating my agriculture education newsletters</li>
<li>Make my newsletters into PDF's available on the blog</li>
<li>Post on the blog 6 days a week (without fail) for 3 months</li>
<li>Write/Rewrite 9 Show-Me Ag Matters Easy Readers</li>
<li>Write 6 There's a Farm in my Food books</li>
<li>Publish/Self-publish Show-Me Ag Matters Easy Readers</li>
<li>Speak to at least 5 schools about agriculture</li>
<li>Become part of Operation Main Street</li>
<li>Participate in 10 AgChats (actually tweet) </li>
<li>Volunteer for AgChat</li>
<li>Get more involved with USFRA</li>
<li>Create Swine Swag</li>
<li>Offer Swine Swag for sale on blog and donate portion to at least 3 different Ag Foundations</li>
<li>Make 5 more YouTube videos for BaconCam</li>
<li>Update web appearance </li>
<li>Attend a blogger conference </li>
<li>Meet one online peep in person </li>
<li>Blog a series on building hog barns</li>
<li>Tour a packing plant and blog about it</li>
<li>Tour a rendering plant (with nose plugs) and blog about it</li>
<li>Blog a series on our new drag line equipment</li>
<li>Triple the likes on The Bacon Blogger's Facebook page </li>
<li>Start a "New Appliance" savings fund </li>
<li>Go to church once a month for 6 months </li>
<li>Become a room mom</li>
<li>Buy a new camera (Nikon D3200)</li>
<li>Buy a new computer (Lenovo Yoga)</li>
<li>Send 10 Thank You cards for random acts of kindness and appreciation </li>
<li>Workout 3 times a week for 3 months solid</li>
<li>Get a manicure (I've never had one)</li>
<li>Fly to New Hampshire for the commencement ceremony</li>
<li>Actually post pics to my Flickr account (if I can remember how to sign into it)</li>
<li>Update linked in at least twice a month</li>
<li>Send cards to friends and family on every holiday (that I choose to recognize) for 1 year </li>
<li>Spend 2 hours a week during winter months just throwing the ball for Miss Mina</li>
<li>Pin 50 thinks to Pinterest (they have to be things I actually like, random pinning does not count)</li>
<li>Read 4 fun books (fiction only, no association with school or work)</li>
<li>Build a garden shelter</li>
<li>Attempt a winter garden </li>
<li>Try 10 new recipes </li>
<li>Buy a myself a gun (Taurus Slim 9)</li>
<li>Get my conceal and carry</li>
<li>Take my mom-in-law on an Amtrak train</li>
<li>Focus on picture portfolio at least 3 times during every season</li>
<li>Chaperone every one of Kylee's high school dances</li>
<li>Buy a NICE pair of boots</li>
<li>Finish the paint and trim work upstairs</li>
<li>Get a 4-wheeler for sprayer use </li>
<li>Win the Missouri Lottery (I told him it was a long shot but he doesn't care)</li>
<li>Buy a loader for the tractor</li>
<li>Replace back deck</li>
<li>Build a shop</li>
<li>Buy a NICE pair of boots (Aaron disagrees but he needs a new pair)</li>
<li>Start anniversary tattoos again</li>
<li>Finish landscaping the yard</li>
<li>Finish disk 1 of Rosetta Stone</li>
<li>Start disk 2 of Rosetta Stone </li>
<li>Buy an RV </li>
<li>Make another list after this one</li>
<li>Complete at least 60% of this list</li>
<li>Schedule a date night once a quarter (no kids, no computers, no distractions, just us) </li>
<li> Stand on the Gettysburg field at night during the anniversary</li>
<li>Never miss a track meet </li>
<li>Take the kids to see the ocean</li>
<li>24 hours with family and NO technology of any kind</li>
<li>Update family photos</li>
<li>Actually hang up the family photos this time</li>
<li>Teach Waylon to swim</li>
<li>Take kids on a movie date night</li>
<li>Take kids bowling</li>
<li>Visit 3 new states (layovers don't count)</li>
<li>Build a new dog house for Miss Mina</li>
<li>Let Kylee make supper one night for the family</li>
<li>Make sure Waylon gets in shooting practice 3 times a week during the summer </li>
<li>Buy Kylee a car (turns 15 this year!)</li>
<li>Invite someone (friend or family) over for supper (we don't have company...ever and Kylee's friends don't count)</li>
</ol>
Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07004329603130052077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247905249912932354.post-42559596983969848462013-02-06T16:50:00.000-06:002013-02-06T16:58:48.882-06:00Wordless Wednesday: God made a farmer...and it was good!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='400' height='346' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/AMpZ0TGjbWE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07004329603130052077noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247905249912932354.post-45098052625508428962013-02-05T11:26:00.000-06:002013-02-05T11:26:50.492-06:00Farm Welcomes New Arrivals <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGbpX-SwRN2kAAs_fy9cheX3s2XK3zCG-kxS-mW4VQo70j1-nmLeew1qJMcxWIL1B8Q1tfl7Oon9MpTBfaMt0xni1KTdtJFHrA036w1Knkn-RLJfo3OsR6b_2yB-eYeiOMTh0dTYPUF2Pf/s1600/DSCN1311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGbpX-SwRN2kAAs_fy9cheX3s2XK3zCG-kxS-mW4VQo70j1-nmLeew1qJMcxWIL1B8Q1tfl7Oon9MpTBfaMt0xni1KTdtJFHrA036w1Knkn-RLJfo3OsR6b_2yB-eYeiOMTh0dTYPUF2Pf/s320/DSCN1311.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
It is always exciting when we get a new batch of pigs to raise. You never know quite what you are going to get. I imagine it is like how teachers feel at the beginning of each school year. It is fun to see the new little arrivals walk into their new home and check it out. We let them roam the alley way for a minute before we escort them to their new room in an effort to reduce stress. We don't like to rush the babies. <br />
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This go-round we are excited to be receiving weaner pigs.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvggnGNSJIG6t5M81T9aovPfyioBTPMJjeBf_pBXIqD7jXTada0pDfaAept1qH05EDKUVVSYaq9itISXPPLC-2gsjRQDTwJequi3tmCt2KWP_vuucCZ308LI18XKXb3s-MN_DWjmxxCmvq/s1600/pig_bun.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvggnGNSJIG6t5M81T9aovPfyioBTPMJjeBf_pBXIqD7jXTada0pDfaAept1qH05EDKUVVSYaq9itISXPPLC-2gsjRQDTwJequi3tmCt2KWP_vuucCZ308LI18XKXb3s-MN_DWjmxxCmvq/s1600/pig_bun.gif" /></a>So, what's a weaner pig? <br />
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It's a pig in a bun...duh!<br />
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But seriously, a weaner pig is a piglet freshly weaned from his/her momma. They are just little guys and gals. They are also very, very cute!<br />
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From the truck they go directly into the building, down a short hallway, and into the barn where they will grow...and grow...and grow...and grow until market weight.<br />
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We just sit back and let the pigs naturally flow in and check out their new environment. We don't want to rush them or stress them. Relaxed movement, that's the key when they are still so young.<br /><br />
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More and more file in and roam around the alley way. They sniff, snort, and get acquainted. <br />
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Once they've had a chance to get use to the barn we move them into their very own pig pen where they get to know their roommates. <br />
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We get to know them too.<br />
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As you can see, they are very curious...especially when you give them something to chew on like your rubber boots, pant legs, or a nice soft leather glove...with your finger still in it. They're cute but they bite! That's okay, though, we're use to it.<br />
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Aaron's a sucker for a baby pig, especially the ones with a bit of color to them. What is funnier than seeing a manly farmer walk around holding and petting a baby pig is listening to the baby talk coming out of his mouth. But you didn't hear that from me!<br />
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This group of snouts will be with us for the next six months or so and we will raise them to a fat and sassy 280-300 pounds, approximately. It is a fun adventure and rewarding to know that these guys and gals will go on to feed thousands and thousands of people--including my family.<br />
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What would you like to know about pig farming or farmers in general?<br />
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<br />Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07004329603130052077noreply@blogger.com0