Right to Farm Part 6: The Big Take Away

As 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.

Part 1: Does Amendment 1 Protect Corporations or Farmers?
Part 2: Is a Constitutional Amendment Necessary?
Part 3: Is Right to Farm a 'Blank Check?'
Part 4: Does Right to Farm Hurt Small Farmers?
Part 5: Who Supports Right to Farm?


In the final Right to Farm video with Brent Haden, you'll hear his big take away and I couldn't agree more.

If you don't know, read the amendment for yourself, get educated and make your own choice. Check our Missouri Farmers Care to see who supports this amendment and visit Vote No on 1 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!

BIG THANK YOU to Brent Haden for taking the time to talk to me and be part of my little piece of the Interweb.

Right 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? 

Part 1: Does Amendment 1 Support Corporations or Farmers?
Part 2: Is a Constitutional Amendment Necessary?
Part 3: Is Right to Farm a 'Blank Check?'
Part 4: Does Right to Farm Hurt Small Farmers?

Concern: This was created by corporations to try and control more Missouri farmland.

Question: Who created this amendment and who supports it?

Click here to see who supports Amendment 1.

Right to Farm Part 4: Does Right to Farm Hurt Small Farmers?

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.

Part 1: Does Amendment 1 Protect Corporations or Farmers?

Part 2: Is a Constitutional Amendment Necessary?

Part 3: Is Right to Farm a 'Blank Check?'

Concern: If Right to Farm passes it will hurt small family farms and make it more difficult to maintain sustainable practices.

Question: Will this have an impact on small farms and/or organic farms?

Right 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.

Read Part 1: Does Amendment 1 Protect Corporations or Farmers?
Read Part 2: Is a Constitutional Amendment Necessary? 

Concern: Amendment 1 will give corporations and farmers a ‘blank check’ to do whatever they want without repercussion.

Question: How will it affect current or future regulations that protect the environment, animals, water, etc.?

Right to Farm Part 2: Is a Constitutional Amendment Necessary?

Again, we're hearing from Brent Haden, Haden and Byrne, who helped draft Amendment 1, Missouri Right to Farm.

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. 

Read Part 1: Does Amendment 1 Protect Corporations or Farmers?

Concern: Farmers already farm so a constitutional amendment is unnecessary.

Question: Why a sudden need for a constitutional amendment giving people the right to farm in Missouri? 

Right 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.

I have heard many concerns about Right to Farm, so I spoke with Brent Haden 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.

Concern: Right to Farm is merely a curtain for corporations to hide behind.

Question: Does Amendment 1 protect corporations? What does it actually do?

 

Raising Havoc in Hatton

Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking at a community meeting 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.

This meeting was due to a proposed sow facility 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 manure is invaluable to a farmer. It decreases costs, adds valuable organic nutrients to the soil and reduces the use of petroleum chemicals like anhydrous-ammonia.

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.

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?

The moral of this story is simple: 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.

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.

My challenge to you: 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?

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.

VOTE, VOTE, VOTE

GET OUT AND VOTE!!!!!

November 6th is upon us and it is our civic duty to GET OUT AND VOTE!!! I'm not going to go on and on about which way you should or shouldn't vote (I'm sure you've heard enough of that from the campaign ads). We all have an opinion and lets just leave it at that; however, I am going to tell you that if you don't vote then you don't get to complain, whine, sneer, or other wise get snippy about anything that involves the government. Either vote or have your crabby-pants card revoked...that's my rule. 

Polls open at 6am so rise and shine people and lets VOTE!!!!!

Mexico Ledger Pet Contest

So, I entered my Miss Mina in the Mexico Ledger pet contest. I don't generally enter in such contests but I thought what the heck. Mina seemed excited about it and I think she is pretty special so in she went.

She's come such a long way and grown so much. Just seeing what a lovely young lady she has developed into brings a tear to my eye.

If you think Miss Mina is as special as I do you can vote for her in the Mexico Ledger Pet Contest. I know I'll be voting everyday for my pretty girl.

Who's a good girl...Who's a good girl...yes you are...want a treat...some bacon...yes you do...want you bacon treat...

Don't tell me you don't talk like an idiot to your dog, too. Everyone does it and I'm not ashamed.

Double Standards in Animal Care

I have noticed some interesting blog posts, comments, and sentiments about the proper way to care for animals. For example, I recently read a blog post that described the best way to care for a dog is to keep them indoors and insinuated that outdoor dogs can become vicious.

English Shepherd Image by Jo Windmann

Yes, outdoor dogs can become vicious. Just look at this one...she's a real killer. Don't let the lazy attitude fool you, she's primed for the attack.

Image courtesy of Google Images

 This is a kennel I found because according to popular believe dogs should not be allowed to roam free. If they roam free then they could get sick, hurt, attacked, lost, or killed.




English Shepherd Dog by Jo Windmann

Image courtesy Google Images

Yes, let's kennel them or keep them locked in the living room watching TV with us. I'm sure dogs prefer prime time over a romp in the grass anyway. Just look at these two examples above. It is obvious which dog is happier and healthier. Don't you agree?

Image courtesy Google Images

Disturbing image that I feel guilty for actually using
I am sorry Mina

This one I love. It is healthier to have a dog in the house and to train it to poop and pee where it lives. After all, you wouldn't want to find a steamy cookie in the yard because it is better to discover that kind of filth in your own home...really?

Wait! You want my dog to do what in my house!? I don't think so.

To summarize: If your dog does not live indoors (and apparently to his business indoors) then you are a bad pet owner.

Now, on to farm animals:

CAFO hog picture by Jo Windmann

Farm animals should be kept outdoors and free to roam on the wide open acres. They should not do their business indoors because that is disgusting and inhumane to make them live in their own filth. Despite the fact that their poo lives in a pit several feet below them not in the pen with them.

To summarize: As farmers, we should not confine our livestock in any way despite the fact that they could get sick, hurt, attacked, lost, or killed by predators.

To further summarize:

There is a serious double standard in animal care. Dogs are seen as people not animals, pigs are seen as animals not livestock, and one should be confined indoors for their own protection and well-being, while the other is considered abused for being kept indoors for their own protection and well-being.

Is anyone else confused?

I have nothing against indoor animals. I have nothing against outdoor animals. I think animals should be cared for according to their own individual needs and the individual preferences of their owners. Period. As for us, we like our piggies inside and our puppies outside. Do either look abused to you?



Precious picture of father and son petting a pig

My baby and my puppy playing in the tall grass

Your Vote Counts but do Rural Votes Count?

The "Your Vote Counts" campaign--backed by HSUS among others--is currently collecting signatures to place a constitutional amendment on the November 2012 ballot that would change the required vote to amend a law to 3/4 votes. This means that out of 197 legislators it would take only 9 to overturn a proposed amendment--a near impossible voting standard. This is another way that HSUS is swinging their pocket book around to buy laws for their own radical pursuits.

Back in 2010, Prop B was passed by a slim margin of 3.2 percent. After the law was passed it was amended to make it a workable law because in its original form it was unrealistic. Now, HSUS is trying yet again to manipulate Missouri voters and gain more control to buy laws and inevitably buy you and their tactics are very sneaky.

Their campaign slogan is "Respect the Will of the People." However, if we take a look at the map from the 2010 Prop B results it begs the question:

Did Missouri respect the will of the people or the will of the money?

Prop B failed in every county except the cities of St. Louis and Kansas City, where HSUS campaigned the heaviest and spent the most money. The amendment made the law workable and realistic, that is not what HSUS wanted. They wanted to shut down dog breeding in Missouri and attack animal agriculture next.

If you recall, the term "pet" was redefined in the original Prop B proposal to a vague description of pretty much any domesticated animal that lives close to the home. This is one thing that the Prop B amendment changed and for good reason. However, other changes were made to make it workable. The point is, Prop B was a "bought law" and since Missouri legislatures actual did listen to Missouri voters (look at the map!) it really ticked off HSUS.

Your vote does count and the amendment of Prop B proves that; however, Pacelle and his posse want their money to count more than your vote. If you want to keep your rights then don't fall victim to the HSUS trap. Don't sign any petition that supports the "Your Vote Counts" initiative!

Prop B & "Your Vote Counts" Campaign

Here we go again! Wayne Pacelle, CEO of HSUS is at it again with another smear campaign to manipulate Missouri voters. As you'll recall, in 2010, HSUS and other animal rights groups like ASPCA spent more than $5 million on the Prop B campaign. However, the bulk of that funding came from outside Missouri. Similarly, HSUS has thus far spent nearly $165,000 on the "Your Vote Counts" campaign of which only $150 came from Missouri supporters. This is a classic case of "bought laws" and "bought legislature."

What does this mean to Missourians? It means that HSUS is buying Missouri legislature and in turn trying to buy you. I'm not for sale and I hope you aren't either. By giving in to these people you are not only helping aide in their efferts to irradicate animal agriculture and sport hunting but you are also allowing them the power to control your civil rights.

Image from HumaneWatch.org

Prop B in its original form was unconstiutional, unreasonable, and unrealistic--just like their new campaign. Prop B was never just thrown out! It was only amended to make it workable and realistic. However, Wayne Pacelle and HSUS supporters will have you think that your vote didn't matter and the law was thrown out, which is UNTRUE! Prop B stands, however, common sense was added by our Missouri elected officials.

The "Your Vote Counts" campaign is an attempt to make a constitutional amendment in Missouri to change the required vote to amend a law from 2/3 to 3/4. This means that out of 197 officials it would take only 9 to overturn any proposed amendments, which is a near impossible voting standard. This proposed amendment also gives groups like HSUS more power to buy laws and piece by piece chip away your constitutional rights in the name of their extremist ideas.

Please keep in mind that HSUS is a propaganda machine and only gives 1 percent of that $19 a month that they beg for with their simpathetic ads. Their millions do not go toward shelters, they line the pockets of people like Wayne Pacelle and buy radical laws. If you really want to support animals then support your local shelter NOT HSUS! Put that $19 a month toward the shelter in your county, give a few bags of dog food every month to the shelter in your town, or volunteer to help every month. HSUS is not about helping animals, they are about propaganda and animal rights, which is NOT the same as animal welfare. Farmers, breeders, veteranarians, and pet owners are the real animal welfare advocates NOT HSUS supporters.

Vote for common sense not extremists' propaganda. Please do NOT sign any patition relating to the "Your Vote Counts" campaign and if it makes it to the ballot please VOTE NO!

Garden Harvest

Gardening, like farming, is a family affair. We all get involved and enjoy every minute of it. We've been harvesting our treasures for weeks and it is time to share some of the bounty with you.

The radishes, though fully picked and no longer in the garden, came in droves and we nearly couldn't keep up with them.

Green is one of our families favorite colors. Not only is it the best color for a tractor but it is esthetically pleasing on food, as well.

This zucchini was a mammoth. It was as long as my forearm and hand and every bit as big around. We immediately breaded and fried it and it was d-e-l-i-c-i-o-u-s. We have another one every bit as big and it will get the same treatment. Fried zucchini is one of the best foods on earth. If you've never had it, you are missing out.

Green beans. Big, thick, beautiful, juicy, delicious green beans.

Miss Kylee helps in the garden and does a wonderful job picking the green beans. She has saved my back pain and discomfort many a times and I love her for it.

Mr Waylon helped me snap beans. We had great fun throwing the bean ends at Mina and watching them stick to her fur. She ate the ones that didn't stick. Mina loves green beans.

She also loves Waylon and gave him a kiss for all the yummy beans thrown her way.

Just think, this was only one patch of green beans. Good gravy, we're going to have a whole lot of beans.

The carrots are almost ready. A few more days and this little beauties brothers and sisters will double in size. Can't wait! Loves me some fresh garden carrots. Yum!

Finally, we have Kylee's pumpkins. This is one of many and she is looking forward to selling them once they are big, bright, and orange. Looking forward to it myself.

I love gardening. How about you?

4-H Fair Results

And the winner is........................................................

Kylee!!!

Here it is, the Grand Champion ham. Ain't it a bute! I am so proud of my baby girl. Her first year of 4-H and she walks away Grand Champion. Look out Sedalia because the we are going to State.

This is the bookshelf Miss Kylee made for her woodworking project. She didn't make state but she did earn a blue ribbon. She did such a good job.

Poo-Boy got into the action, too. He won first place in the pedal tractor pull.

He gave it his all, pedaled his little heart out and pulled a whopping 35 feet.

He won a gold metal and he is still wearing it. He'll probably go to bed with that metal around his neck. Now that the kiddos have had a taste of victory they are hard core 4-H'ers. They can't wait until next year and neither can I.

Prayers to Joplin

While watching the news yesterday morning and seeing the devastating images from a town flattened by an EF-4 tornado. It's horribly to think that not only did a vast amount of people lose their homes but 116 of them lost their lives. Many prayers go out to all those in Joplin.

If you would like to help either by donation or through volunteer work KOMU Channel 8 news has a list of ways to help, websites, and phone numbers as does abc Channel 17 news. You can also visit your local Red Cross to donate anything from money to bottled water and blankets, or you can donate your time.

Please pray for those in Joplin and all those affected by the many

tornadoes that have devastated city after city this month.

All images from Columbia Tribune.

Missouri Standing Up Against HSUS

Farmers, dog breeders, FFA members, concerned dog owners, and a swarm of others came out in an impressive show of support for SB 113, the bill that would make common sense changes to Prop B and allow it to actually do the job originally intended. That is, if the true intent was to protect dogs. But for some unknown reason, HSUS is fighting these common sense changes that would create funds for more inspectors, would require more inspections, and specifies the term "pet" to mean canine. SB 113 would also lift the 50-dog limit (which it is unconstitutional to limit a business in such a way) and would increase the penalties.

I really don't see the problem and many Missourians don't see the problem with SB 113's common sense changes either. So far the head count has been estimated at over 1,500! On the opposing side...a mere 150. Wah, wah, wahhh. Too bad HSUS, I guess the word is getting out and the truth is shining through.

What a great turn out!

Dog lovers support SB 113.Texas County supports SB 113.

Missouri supports SB 113.

More importantly, this adorable little girl and her puppy support SB 113.

Here are some podium shots...

Senator Mike Parson.

Senator Brian Munzlinger

Chris Chinn, 5th generation family farmer and agvocate.

Don Nikodim with the Missouri Pork Association

Dr. Jon Hagler, Missouri Director of Agriculture

Alan Wessler, DVM

All the above spoke in favor of SB 113 and not a one of them are animal abusers, dog haters, or any other ridiculous name you want to call them. They are all common sense people that care more about animals than propaganda. HSUS is all about the money and as long as we allow them to invade our government their wallets get fatter while YOU pay the price.

Tell HSUS to GET OUT OF MISSOURI.

A BIG thank you to Mindy Patterson for all the photos. Thanks Mindy!