New Mexico Sportspersons Take Notice

New Mexico Game and Fish Public Input

The New Mexico Game and Fish are accepting comments on trapping regulations from the general public as they consider changes to there current laws. Unfortunately an organization called the Animal Protection Institute has been mass mailing and posting incorrect inflammatory accusations against traps in an effort to inundate the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish with letters to restrict trapping. The accusations include words such as body crushing traps, and also speak about damage inflicted on animals attempting to free themselves. Claims are made that a "study", to which they do not give further reference, stated that for every animal caught ten nontarget animals are also captured. Organizations like this need to be stopped and their message corrected to reveal the true aspects of trapping. It only takes a 4-3 vote for the Game and Fish to pass amendments to the current trapping regulations. We need to help the New Mexico trappers fight the Animal Protection Institute and the message they are sending. I spoke with Jeff Lehmer the President of the New Mexico trappers to see what can be done to help them and he felt that at this point it is a political and numbers game. He felt that the more people we could get to show up at the July 21 meeting in Albuquerque, and the more people that wrote to the Department of Game and Fish expressing the true nature of trapping the better their chances were to defeat any anti-trapping legislation. They could also use information from studies that will refute the information presented by the API group. Below is a list of the Fish and Game commissioners as well as an email to the Division Chief. Please help New Mexico in their fight.

Paula Hamilton , Chair Person , FTA Pro-Active Committee



Mr. Kirkpatrick, Division Chief
New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
P.O. Box 25112
Santa Fe, NM 87504
ATTN: Wildlife Management Division
RJKirkpatrick@state.nm.us



Guy Riordan, Chairman
9514 Kandace Drive NW
Albuquerque, NM 87114

Alfredo Montoya, Vice-Chairman
P.O. Box 856
San Juan Pueblo, NM 87566

David Henderson
P.O. Box 9314
Santa Fe, NM 87504

Jennifer Atchley Montoya
4010 Oleta Drive Apt. A
Las Cruces, NM 88001

Peter Pino
026 Chamisa Drive
Zia Pueblo, NM 87053-6035

Tom Arvas
7905 Spain Northeast
Albuquerque, NM 87109

Leo Sims
P.O. Box 2630
Hobbs, NM 88241-2630

Column written by Rachel Buzzetti, Executive Director Nevada Cattlemen

NEVADA CATTLEMEN'S ASSOCIATION
JULY 2004

This past month I was honored and privileged to represent Nevada on the 25th
Annual Young Cattlemen's Conference Tour hosted by NCBA. Prior to the trip
I asked many who had gone before me, what to expect and what I would learn?
I had high expectations and I must admit my expectations were met, plus
some. It was a phenomenal experience for a native Nevadan who had grown up
in the cow/calf business.

During the trip we were exposed to all segments of the industry, from a pure
bred operation, feedlot, and packing plant; to a hide tannery, purveyor,
foodservice operation and retailer. Young Cattlemen were able to observe and
ask questions during each visit. I have to admit that the 120,000 head
feedlot in Kansas was pretty impressive.

Lastly, we toured the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) and later flew to
Washington, D.C. to lobby our Congressional leaders and governmental
agencies. After speaking with the traders that work at CME, I learned they
all have backgrounds in agriculture or are still active in a particular part
of the beef industry. In my travels for NCA I always hear the complaint,
"Those traders shouldn't be trading cattle or playing in the futures because
they don't know anything about our business." Well, I am here to say, each
of them had experience in agriculture or the beef industry.

I appreciated each operations candidacy and sincerity in answering
questions posed by the group because there were some tough questions asked.
I recognized early on in the trip that this industry is huge and it doesn't
stop when we sell our calves in the fall. I also noticed a lack of trust
between the different segments. This is not news but I had never
experienced it first hand. However, I do feel strongly that this industry
functions somewhat like a wheel and without all of the spokes we are unable
to function efficiently.


Words cannot explain the enthusiasm and excitement I share for being part of
the cattle industry. After traveling on just about every form of
transportation imaginable and sleeping in a different hotel each night I
became well acquainted with cattlemen from different segments of the
industry as well as different parts of the country. These young men and
women come from vast backgrounds and I learned a lot from each of them.

>From my perspective this tour is paramount to many of the things we do in
the cattle industry to educate. While on the tour, I was asked some
questions by a curious woman at an airport. After briefly explaining the
tour she said, "Shouldn't you be putting on one of those tours for people
like me?" I said yes, "However it is important to educate young leaders
within our industry so that they will possess the tools to educate people
like yourself."

I can't stress enough the importance of young people being involved because
as the spokes of the wheel turn and generations evolve the younger
generation must step up to the plate. It will be their turn to prove their
leadership both within their segment of the industry but also on a larger
scale. The beef industry needs young leaders and I think this tour
presented a magnificent opportunity for young people to go back home and
become leaders in their state. I am very proud to be one of them.

Have a Happy Fourth of July!

Rachel Buzzetti
Executive Director

Nevada Beef Council
P.O. Box 310
Elko NV 89803
775-738-5776
nca@nevadabeef.org

LOOS LIPS from June 14, 2004

Drop Paul Harvey

For years Paul Harvey has been subtly telling the animal rights story. On April 28, 2003, he praised PETA and Ingred Newkirk for her work. Last week, on June 9, 2004, he went overboard. Click here to link to Loos Tales with the whole story. ADM continues to sponsor this closet animal rights zealot and I am officially calling for that to come to a screeching halt this week with your help.

Send email to info@admworld.com and put "Drop Paul Harvey" in the subject line.

Click on date to listen.

June 14, 2004 - Paul Harvey, Laurie Bauston, Harold Brown, Jim Mason & Howard Lyman. "The Rest Of The Story"? DON'T BET ON IT!

If you don't have time to listen to Loos Tales, here is what he highly recommended schools to present.

Peaceable Kingdom link here.

Don't just say, "that is terrible!" ACT TODAY. Forward this to everyone.

June 4, 2004

PETA Launches Attacks on FFA

Last month, FFA and local agricultural education programs were
publicly denounced by a representative of People for the Ethical Treatment of
Animals (PETA) in connection with several instances of alleged animal
abuse reported recently in the media. By attempting to associate
responsibility for the abuse with FFA, PETA has called for eliminating
the use of animals in schools and in school-sponsored programs.

The attacks were made in an op-ed letter from PETA's education
manager, Jacqueline Domac, printed in the May 23, 2004, edition of The Sun News
of Myrtle Beach, S.C., and posted on the newspaper's website,
MyrtleBeachOnline.com. (A copy of the article is attached.) It was
also posted for a time on PETA's website as an "action alert," but that
appears to have been withdrawn. Excerpts from the article may begin to
appear in other publications.

Ms. Domac also sent correspondence on behalf of PETA to National FFA
Advisor Larry Case, calling for a halt to the use of animals in
agricultural education programs in local schools. Dr. Case has
responded to Ms. Domac, taking issue with PETA's contentions and
characterizations.

PETA's article demonstrates significant misunderstanding of FFA and
agricultural education. Recognizing that these allegations and
misrepresentations may cause concern for state and local programs, we
are providing this alert along with some points to consider in
response.

We suggest this information be forwarded to teachers, state FFA
officers, members, alumni, sponsors and others as appropriate. The
most effective voices to respond in print and online will be drawn from the
local community. We hope this information will help inform those
responses.

Please forward any print articles or electronic postings regarding
this issue to Bill Stagg, National FFA Organization, P.O. Box 68960,
Indianapolis, IN 46268-0960, fax: 317-802-6061, e-mail: bstagg@ffa.org

I. Points in Response to the PETA Article

1. PETA and the FFA have a fundamental
disagreement about the role of animals as a source of food, fiber and nutrition.
PETA opposes this role outright, and that bias is reflected in its
distorted view of agricultural education programs and the experiences FFA
members receive studying animal science in local schools. While FFA respects
the right of PETA to express its opinions, it should do so without
demeaning or misrepresenting the outstanding work done by 11,000 agricultural
education teachers and FFA advisors in providing leadership, personal
growth and career development opportunities to nearly a million
students in 8,000 schools throughout the nation.

2. The National FFA Organization's position on the mistreatment of animals is clear-it does not condone or tolerate abuse or mistreatment of animals in any form in our activities, programs or competitions. The organization actively supports the training and education of FFA members and advisors in the proper ethical behavior
for livestock competitions and in the application of sound and humane
principles of animal husbandry.

3. Contrary to PETA's assertions, FFA believes that providing students with hands-on opportunities to study and work with livestock animals creates greater sensitivity to their health and well-being, not less. PETA offers no evidence to suggest the millions
of students who have participated in agricultural education are more inclined to harm animals. Quite the opposite, we believe our students are less likely to mistreat animals because they have first-hand knowledge and have acquired skills regarding their care.

4. The use of livestock in local schools is neither dictated nor mandated by national FFA programs. School farms and livestock facilities are managed by local agricultural education teachers responsible to the local school system and administration.

5. Ms. Domac's attempts to associate responsibility for instances of animal abuse with the FFA organization and its student members, and to suggest that these events are somehow a direct result of school-based agricultural education programs, are erroneous and dismaying. Her comments portraying FFA as "inherently discriminatory" and her references to "violent FFA programs" are inaccurate, misleading and inflammatory. The attacks on FFA reveal she has little understanding of how local, state and national FFA entities are funded, or how agricultural education teachers and FFA programs are directly accountable to local school systems.

6. The youths involved in the Yakima, Wash., incident of animal abuse were not FFA members or agricultural education students, and no involvement by FFA or agriculture students has been demonstrated or suggested by authorities. Nor are FFA members
responsible for the events in Florida. PETA's article seeks to create
an impression that FFA and agriculture students were involved in attacks
on the animals.

7. PETA's characterization of FFA as "inherently discriminatory since its inception" is inaccurate. FFA was formed in 1928 to meet the needs of what was, at that time, a male, rural farming student population. African-Americans were not barred from membership by the national organization; however, reflecting the discrimination
present in public education at the time, 17 states, primarily in the south, excluded African-Americans from FFA membership. The New Farmers of America (NFA) organization was created to provide agricultural education opportunities to these students. FFA and NFA were merged in 1965, incorporating two outstanding legacies of quality and
contribution to education.

As agricultural education and FFA programs were broadened to address more careers in agriculture, women were formally admitted to national membership in 1969. Despite PETA's suggestions of sinister overtones, FFA is proud of its heritage and the way it has evolved to address the educational needs of all students interested in careers in agriculture, regardless of gender, race, creed or geographic location.

8. Funding for FFA on local, state and national levels comes primarily from members' dues, sales of supplies and merchandise to members, and program fees paid by students and chapters.

FFA and agricultural education are fortunate to receive donations from individuals and from companies, both large and small, through the National FFA Foundation, state FFA foundations and local community sponsors. Funding support comes from companies engaged in a host of industries-automotive, farm equipment, crop protection, food processing,
apparel, banking, retail, recreational, association, educational, philanthropic, pet care, grocery, landscaping, horticultural and advertising, to name a few. These collective funds make available important educational opportunities and award programs-at no cost to taxpayers-that provide incentives for FFA members to further their education and career development. Not surprisingly, FFA receives no funding or support from PETA.

9. As an integral part of agricultural education, FFA programs and activities are administered by teachers hired by, and accountable to, local school boards and administrators. They are not accountable to state FFA associations or the National FFA
Organization. In addition, FFA is not limited to rural education. Some of the
largest FFA chapters and memberships are in suburban and urban schools.

10. PETA's assertions that FFA members who work with animals in schools are "desensitized" and more prone to commit acts of violence against animals are unsupported and contradicted by experience.FFA members and agriculture students are taught to care properly for animals by understanding their biology, health and nutritional needs. There is every reason to believe that familiarizing students with the care and feeding of animals, whether livestock or pets, develops
skills and promotes greater sensitivity to an animal's well-being.

11. FFA agrees that agriculture programs in local schools must provide adequately for the security and health of animals in their care. These responsibilities rest with teachers and administrators in those schools, and if health threats or acts of
violence against animals increase, so, too, must the security and oversight of the facilities.

12. For 75 years, agricultural education and FFA have helped millions of young people become sound stewards of the land and our natural resources. Providing a safe and abundant food supply is one of our highest national priorities, and teaching FFA members how to lead and manage the industry of agriculture has been a vital and
proper role for public education. Having hands-on access to plants and animals in the school setting has proven highly effective in the education of students.

Congratulations for Illinois effort:

From the Illinois Pork Producers Association.

Governor Announces Sales Tax Proposal 'No Longer Under Consideration'

The agricultural community is very pleased to see that the proposal to eliminate the agricultural sales tax exemption for feed, seed, fertilizer and chemicals is no longer under consideration. The Governor announced today that he was no longer pursuing the proposal to eliminate the exemption that was announced during the Governor’s Budget Address. The administration has received considerable information from the agricultural community and support from members of both sides of the aisle in the General Assembly to maintain the current ag input sales tax exemptions. There is a clear recognition by all involved parties that this proposal would have had massive implications on farmers and Illinois agri-business.

We are waiting to see the final budget package and are very thankful that the proposal to eliminate the agricultural sales tax exemption for feed, seed, fertilizer and chemicals is not a part of the final budget. We appreciate the commitments made by the Senate Republican Caucus, the Senate Democrat Caucus, numerous members of the House of Representatives, coupled with the Governor’s announcement, that the sales tax will not be a part of the final budget plan.

"We would like to thank all the members of the General Assembly who supported agriculture on this and thank the Governor and his staff for their willingness to discuss the potential impact of the original proposal," said leaders of the agricultural community.

Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers“Growing Communities…One Farmer at a Time”
Contact: Aaron Putze, APR
515-225-5414 - cell 515-975-4168
aputze@supportiowasfarmers.org
www.supportiowasfarmers.org

EIP REPORT IGNORES THE FACTS AND DOES A DISSERVICE TO IOWA FARM FAMILIES THAT RAISE LIVESTOCK

WEST DES MOINES, IA – May 20, 2004 – Information released May 19 by the Washington D.C.-based Environmental Integrity Project (EIP) critical of Iowa’s livestock farmers ignores the facts and twists reality. It also does a disservice to the vast majority of farm families that care for their families, neighbors, communities and environment, according to the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF).

CSIF is a not-for-profit group formed to help families stay viable on the farm and in their communities by assisting them in managing the rules and regulations covering animal agriculture.

In EIP’s own report titled “Threatening Iowa’s Future,” the group alleged that livestock farmers put profit ahead of environmental stewardship and blamed state officials for allowing it to happen. Members of Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement – including a beekeeper from southwest Iowa– joined the EIP in making claims that farm families raising livestock were not sufficiently regulated and used production practices that threatened air and water quality.

“The carelessness of EIP’s assertions makes it obvious that they are not from Iowa because they do not know how farm families live, work and raise livestock,” said Kendra Gilbert, a sixth-generation farmer from Nashua. “As a livestock producer, I do everything I can to protect the health of my family and neighbors, comply with some of the nation’s most stringent regulations and take great pride in creating jobs and economic benefits for my community.”

Gilbert said the EIP report ignored multiple rounds of regulations passed by the Iowa Legislature since 1995 covering everything from the siting and construction of animal facilities to the storage and application of animal nutrients.

For example, manure management plans filed and paid for by livestock farmers detail where and how much animal nutrients can be used and must be updated annually. Those that apply manure to cropland must be certified to operate state-of-the-art equipment that injects manure six inches underground, reducing odor and protecting water quality.

Using animal nutrients is beneficial to both the environment and the nation’s economy. Nearly 2,400 head of hogs can provide sufficient nutrients to eliminate the need for applying conventional nitrogen on 250 acres of cropland. “Livestock provides farmers with a natural fertilizer that degrades naturally and reduces our dependence on foreign sources of energy,” Gilbert said. “That’s good for farmers, good for the environment and good for Iowa.”

In their report, EIP says that pollution from livestock facilities is generating high nitrate levels in water sources.

Not true, according to Randy Pleima. As general manager of Mahaska Rural Water Systems Inc., Pleima monitors the quality of the water he distributes. Since 1996, nitrate levels have dropped from 1.5 parts per million to .2 (EPA suggests 10 ppm or lower) as overall water quality has improved. Asked why, Pleima doesn’t hesitate. “I think better farming practices being used by farmers is the biggest reason,” including the construction of state-of-the-art livestock facilities and knifing animal nutrients into the ground.

The CSIF questioned the EIP’s motives. One of EIP’s most critical sources of funding is the Rockefeller Family Fund (RFF). According to the Center for Consumer Freedom (CCF), the RFF has assets of more than $56 million and funds dozens of organizations including those critical of specific kinds of farms and farming practices.

Recipients of RFF funding, according to the CCF, include ICCI ($30,000 in 2001) and the Environmental Working Group (nearly $400,000 in 2000-2001). And, from 1998-2000, the EIP contributed $130,000 to Waterkeeper Alliance, a group headed by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that has rallied against livestock farmers around the nation, including Iowa, and threatened to sue farmers out of business. “We have the attorneys now who have money and they know what they’re doing,” says Kennedy. “They are the best in the country and we are going to put an end to this (pork) industry.”
“Research conducted last year found that nearly 80 percent of Iowans not directly involved in agriculture hold a positive view of animal production in the state,” said Tim Niess, CSIF Executive Director. “Farm families look forward to continuing to build upon this strong consumer support while protecting the environment and providing jobs for nearly 140,000 Iowans.”


-30-

The CSIF was launched May 11, 2004. Its mission is to grow Iowa communities one farmer at a time. Six prominent farm groups founded the organization: Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, Iowa Corn Growers Association; Iowa Farm Bureau, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Poultry Association and Iowa Soybean Association. For more information about the CSIF, the importance of livestock production and the truth behind activist groups operating in Iowa, log on to www.supportiowasfarmers.org.

May, 2004

Animal Agriculture: At Home in Iowa


1. Iowa’s livestock farmers contribute more than $5 billion to Iowa’s
$91 billion economy (measured in Gross State Product). That means animal agriculture is responsible for nearly 5 percent of the state’s economy.
"Economic Importance of Iowa's Cattle Industry", Dr. John Lawrence, ISU Professor, Dr. Daniel Otto, ISU Professor, 2000,
"The Economic Importance of the Iowa Pork Industry", Dr. Daniel Otto, ISU Professor, Dr. James Kliebenstein, ISU Professor, 2000.


2. Nearly 140,000 Iowans are directly and indirectly employed because of livestock production. This is equal to nearly 7 percent of the state’s workforce (1.93 million workers) and nearly the populations of Ft. Dodge, Ottumwa, Iowa City and Cedar Falls…combined!
"Economic Importance of Iowa's Cattle Industry", Dr. John Lawrence, ISU Professor, Dr. Daniel Otto, ISU Professor, 2000,
"The Economic Importance of the Iowa Pork Industry", Dr. Daniel Otto, ISU Professor, Dr. James Kliebenstein, ISU Professor, 2000.


3. The cattle and pork industry collectively provide over $3 billion in personal income to working Iowans.
"Economic Importance of Iowa's Cattle Industry", Dr. John Lawrence, ISU Professor, Dr. Daniel Otto, ISU Professor, 2000,
"The Economic Importance of the Iowa Pork Industry", Dr. Daniel Otto, ISU Professor, Dr. James Kliebenstein, ISU Professor, 2000.


4. Livestock production provides more than $77 million in county/local government revenues and more than $400 million in state government revenue resources.
"Economic Importance of Iowa's Cattle Industry", Dr. John Lawrence, ISU Professor, Dr. Daniel Otto, ISU Professor, 2000;
"The Economic Importance of the Iowa Pork Industry", Dr. Daniel Otto, ISU Professor, Dr. James Kliebenstein, ISU Professor, 2000;
Regional Economic Models, Incorporated (REMI), Version 5.2, 2003.


5. Livestock and poultry consume 33 percent of Iowa’s annual corn crop (650 million of
2 billion bushels).
1997 Census of Agriculture, USDA; Analysis conducted by Dr. John Lawrence, ISU Professor, 2003;
Analysis conducted by Dave Miller, IFBF Director of Commodities, 2003.


6. Livestock and poultry consume 26 percent of Iowa’s annual soybean crop (130 million of 500 million bushels).
1997 Census of Agriculture, USDA; Analysis conducted by Dr. John Lawrence, ISU Professor, 2003;
Analysis conducted by Dave Miller, IFBF Director of Commodities, 2003.


- continued on next page -






7. Iowa’s pork industry supports 87,000 jobs while Iowa’s cattle industry supports 49,900 jobs.
"Economic Importance of Iowa's Cattle Industry", Dr. John Lawrence, ISU Professor, Dr. Daniel Otto, ISU Professor, 2000,
"The Economic Importance of the Iowa Pork Industry", Dr. Daniel Otto, ISU Professor, Dr. James Kliebenstein, ISU Professor, 2000.


8. There is a significant correlation between the 54 percent decline in Iowa’s cattle inventory in the last 30 years and the decline in rural k-12 school enrollment in the last 20 years.
National Agriculture Statistics Service (NASS), http://www.usda.gov/nass/; "Iowa's Counties: Selected Population Trends,
Vital Statistics and Socioeconomic Data", 1990 – 2001; Microsoft Excel, Office 2000.


9. Simply doubling Iowa’s January 1 cattle on feed (from 955,000 to 1.9 million) would add $33 million to Iowa’s annual corn crop and create over 3,200 new jobs in Iowa!
National Agriculture Statistics Service (NASS), http://www.usda.gov/nass/;
Regional Economic Models, Incorporated (REMI), Version 5.2, 2003





For more information, log on to www.supportiowasfarmers.org


















Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers
Growing Communities… One Farmer at a Time

The following was written by Darcy LaTourette, Wichita, KS who is a conservative with a ranching background and writes political commentary in her spare time.

Ted Turner is opening a restaurant in Wichita. As enticing as the menu at Ted’s Montana Grill may be, the man behind the restaurant is as unpalatable as they come.

Jane Fonda’s ex husband, for those of you who have forgotten, is the man who, at a speech to Brown University graduates in 2001, praised Fidel Castro, stated that the 9-11 attackers were “brave, at the very least” and that “the reason that the world trade center got hit is because there are a lot of people living in abject poverty out there,” and said that Americans “lack an understanding of a willingness to die for one’s country.”

As heinous and irresponsible as these comments are, one would think that the founder of CNN would have done his homework. The majority of the attackers were from Saudi Arabia, one of the richest nations on the planet, and they were funded by Osama bin Laden, who, last time I checked, hardly qualified as a poverty-stricken man. Lest we forget, Turner’s brainchild, CNN, also contracted with that bastion of religious tolerance Al Jazeera at the beginning of the war in Afghanistan so that CNN could achieve better battlefield coverage of the war. This from a man who called his rival Rupert Murdoch, whose company owns Fox New Channel, a “warmonger.”

As if that weren’t reason enough to turn your stomach, Ted Turner is also the man who in 2001 called Catholics celebrating Ash Wednesday in the CNN newsroom “a bunch of Jesus freaks;” who called Christians “losers” and “bozos” (Citizen Turner: The Rise of An American Tycoon, 1995), and referred to Christianity as “an intolerant religion.” Pardon me, Ted, but as I recall, the majority of terror attacks committed in the world today are committed by Islamic fundamentalists, not Christians.

His liberal peace-loving sensibilities motivated him to ridicule the Pope at a pro-abortion conference in Washington DC, during which he said that if he met the Pontiff, he would tell him to “get with it,” while in the next breath calling the Ten Commandments “obsolete” and saying “if you are only going to have ten rules, I don’t know if (a rule against) adultery should be one of them.” He went on with a vulgar joke concerning Polish soldiers using their feet to clear land mines, asking the audience if they had “ever seen a Polish mine detector.”

Turner also seems to have anti-Semitic views. He is reported as having said, "I have other reasons for disliking him other than he wears full-length coats and is a Jew.” Turner was quoted by the Guardian of London in June 2002 as saying, “The Palestinians are fighting with human suicide bombers, that's all they have. The Israelis ... they've got one of the most powerful military machines in the world. The Palestinians have nothing. So who are the terrorists?” Ever consistent, he argued that poverty and desperation are the root cause of Palestinian suicide bombings.

Ted Turner wants you to eat at his restaurant, but do you know what he really thinks of you? At a speech to a CNN sponsored forum for foreign journalists in 1996, Turner called his fellow Americans ignorant, stating "The United States has got some of the dumbest people in the world. I want you to know that. We know that. It's a disgrace.” (Reuters, May 10, 1996).

According to Reuters, in July of 1997, Ted called for a national vote on replacing Francis Scott Key’s Star Spangled Banner with a “less warlike” anthem, because in his own words, “we believe in democracy and liberty.” In an interview with emagazine.com in February 1999, Turner said, “We can't even get this country to pay the back dues that we legally owe the United Nations. We're doing a lot of things wrong. The United States is withdrawing from international involvement at a time when we're the only superpower. We can't do that. If we do, it's at our own peril. Basically, if we keep doing dumb, short-sighted, nationalistic things, rather than be thinking what's best for the whole planet and thinking long-term, then we're going to become just as extinct as the dodo.” Turner’s philosophy of environmental management, in his own words, is “just to leave the environment alone and try to get the introduced species out of there. Cattle came from Europe, while bison evolved on the Great Plains, and they're the right animals to be there.” Hear that? Ted wants you to get rid of your cattle and raise buffalo.

Turner claims to be a staunch environmentalist, yet he recently signed a contract to DOUBLE the number of gas wells on his wilderness ranch in New Mexico. This from a man who is vocally opposed to drilling for oil in Alaska…he must not own enough property there!
Ted is also a vocal supporter of population control. The father of five takes a simplistic and simple-minded approach to population control, suggesting that “if every woman in the world voluntarily stepped up and said, 'I'll only have one child,' and if we did that for the next 80 to 100 years, that would reduce the kind of suffering we're having…We could have 10 billion people living below the poverty line, or we could have two billion people living well and having color TVs and an automobile.” His support for population control, and his billion dollar donation to the UN, supported such population control methods in China as a program in which “births must be approved by the government, involuntary sterilization is routine for any woman with two children, and enforcement includes sending officials into the countryside to check on compliance,” according to former enforcer Gao Xia Duan, in testimony before the US House International Relations Committee. Turner’s comment? "People who abhor the China one-child policy are dumb-dumbs, because if China hadn't had that policy, there would be 300 million more people in China right now."

I don’t know about you, but I’ve lost my appetite.

© 2004 D. LaTourette
Wichita, KS

The following paper received a 100% score for Lanae Koons, student Kansas State University.

Trent Loos, a 6th generation farmer/rancher originally from Quincy, Illinois, is an Agricultural Activist. Mr. Loos was born into the farming and ranching business, with a background in the production of hogs and cattle, a tradition he still continues today. He believes that farming and ranching is the backbone of the country and hopes to see other youth continue this heritage. He did not attend college and believes that not doing so benefited him, so that he did not become the conformist college teaches young minds to be. Four years ago he decided that he wanted to become a spokesman for agriculture, educating those on food and livestock production. He currently has his own radio show, which airs on an average of 100 stations daily and writes columns for 4 papers on a weekly basis.
When asked how he views agriculture, “it’s a way of life, we have long been coached to organize it as a business; however if it were a true business there would be fewer people left due to the absence of monetary gain, one must be aware that provided there is no monetary gain, there is a great sense of family atmosphere, pride and a sense of accomplishment.”
He feels that ethics plays a tremendous role in agriculture, though its perception has changed. In the 1930’s a graduate from Kansas State University would have received their degree in animal husbandry, however today, college graduates are receiving degrees in animal sciences. He feels that we need better spokesmen for our ever changing agriculture industry, an industry that is ever leading to the corporate side. The perception of “for the betterment of animals” is no longer present it seems. When he himself must make ethical decisions he bases that on personal experience and the science that is given from universities such as Kansas State University.
In the future he sees that some decisions are not to implement unnecessary burdens, but to enact laws to protect a vocal minority every resource industry has seen, from fisherman to loggers. Agriculture must stand up so that it does not happen to them. Some activist groups may not think this pertains to them but it pertains to everyone who eats, and that IS everyone. He intends on creating changes that the agricultural industry has waited too long to do. He wants to create a better environment and situation for people and animals alike.
Mr. Loos currently benefits the agricultural sector by motivating people to get involved within the industry, mainly those whom have never thought about running for an office, or by bringing awareness to student campuses. He brings to light issues that are current, and empowers people with the tools and knowledge to get involved in the process in which they are interested in seeing a change.
He works with other trade organizations representing membership groups with a common goal in the agriculture industry. He also works with farmers and ranchers to do what they do best, which is supplying a cheap abundant food supply to the world. It is also felt that the people who are most affected should be the ones to make decisions. On a local level, agriculture needs more “grass roots” representatives to be the decision makers, instead of someone on a national level whom was not raised in agriculture, or has no real understanding of it.
When asked what the biggest international issue is he replied, “ one world, one government; if we want to globalize we must equalize across the board in all societies; the standard of living which the Untied State has strived so hard to obtain will be diminished, so that we can increase the standard for thirds world countries. Why would we build such a great and prosperous nation and then let it diminish for a standard?”
For us, as a country to save rural America; we must quit telling our kids there is no opportunity there. His advice for those entering the work force is to follow your passion. Do not allow others to talk you into going into production if you do not want to. The average age of the farmer is older than a Florida retirement community, which means that many farmers want and desperately need a younger generation to take over their operation. However, so many have been convinced that there is nothing in it to benefit them, they go on to suffice their monetary wants and needs. Follow your passion.

Lanae Koons
12305 Elm Slough Rd.
St. George, KS 66535

"If you want something bad enough, you can make anything happen!"

April 28, 2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Trent Loos
Faces of Agriculture
(970) 481-1389
trent@loostales.com


Illinois budget cuts putting local farm families in jeopardy

Springfield, Ill. – Drivers in the Springfield area can now see a mobile, visual reminder that their state’s largest industry -- and the people responsible for feeding this country -- faces serious jeopardy at the hands of their government leaders.

Faces of Agriculture, a national non-profit organization, has purchased one of 12 rotating billboards on the innovative Gotcha Mobile Media Truck, which travels Springfield’s streets reminding residents of the importance of food production in Illinois.

Agriculture is a multi-billion dollar industry in Illinois that employs one out of four workers statewide, and Faces of Agriculture’s mural displays a farm scene, the group’s Web site (www.facesofag.com) and slogan, “Securing our future in food production.”

“My family has farmed in Illinois since 1852, but that may be coming to an end,” said Trent Loos, Faces of Ag founder. “Consumers need to realize the value of having their food grown right here in Illinois. If we have to rely on imported food someday, the quality and safety of our food supply could be compromised.”

Loos noted that Illinois farmers have traditionally passed their land and their lifestyle to the next generation. However, the ability of future generations to feed the world from Illinois farmland is in danger, thanks to Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s proposed budget cuts, which include dissolving the Illinois Council on Food and Agricultural Research and eliminating tax breaks for farm machinery fuel.

The impact of such cuts could end up eliminating entire farms in Illinois, Loos said, forcing consumers to rely more on imported foods, which are not produced under the quality control standards required by the FDA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Springfield area residents are urged to contact their legislators and Gov. Blagojevich to protect an industry that is a mainstay in the state and essential for U.S. national security.

For more information, visit www.FacesofAg.com or call (970) 481-1389. For more information about Gotcha Mobile Media, contact Rob Tedrow at (217) 753-2000.

-30-

Faces of Agriculture is a non-profit organization with the mission of returning the human element to food production in America.

This was submitted to me by C.S. Elliott for printing in Loos Lips.

American Farmer

Before heading home the farmer takes one last look at the
green and brown patchwork fields laid out like a quilt
covering mother earth and then directs his gaze toward the
shy and says thank you Lord, for another good day.
A big old yellow dog slowly wags his tail as he waits
impatiently watching for the combine to come home and park in
the lean-to. Soon the wagging tail stops then speeds up as
the combine comes round the bend and into view.
The dog spots the old familiar weathered hand of the farmer
grasping the bar to swing down from the great machine that
plucks food from the earth. After many years of working the
land the farmers hand has taken on the characteristics of the
hard dry soil.

The soil that has become a part of him just like a vital
organ. But now his old tired bones ache from the long days
ride and he stretches his back as he descends the great
machine to place his foot firmly upon the earth. One small
step for man, one giant leap for mankind.
He pats his awaiting companion on the head while
murmuring "We got another field done old boy, now lets go see
what's cooking".

Together they slowly drift towards the kitchen light like a
moth drawn to a flane, they inhale deeply as the door comes
nearer. The smell attacks their nostrils, makes their mouths
water and reminds them how the day is long.
Shedding all his worries with the old worn boots at the back
door the farmer makes his way to the bathroom to wash off
some of the corn dust and sunshine.

Across the supper table he sees his wifes' smiling face, the
nourishing food that he grew and his spirit begins to renew
itself. For with the rooster crow comes a new day and the
opportunity to feed and clothe America. And the farmers feels
the pride in his work and is glad to be an American farmer.
The end.
by C.S. Elliott

Ken Midkiff has a long history with the Sierra Club. On April 2, 2004 he wrote this fairy tale.

Agribusiness PR pawn points finger at ‘radicals’ (more)
By KEN MIDKIFF

To which Craig Henkel a 4th generation farmer from Nebraska responded. Thank you Craig.

Ken, thanks for your reply!
In the third paragraph of your comments you state
"small farms are perfectly capable of feeding this
nation..." I think you might be right on the button
there, the problem is that the "small farms" that
might feed the U.S. one day, will be from another
country.
Let's look at the rest of the comments...
In the first paragraph it looks as if you've been
digging pretty deep to get some dirt on Trent. Haven't
you ever made a mistake?
In the second paragraph you state that "modern
agriculture" has nothing to do with quality or even
quantity. How do you come up with that? Ever heard of
"supply and demand"?
If you've toured some of the large livestock
operations, did you see animal abuse? Were the animals
fed and watered, with a dry place to live?
I raise livestock and I know that an unhappy,
unhealthy, uncared for animal is an unprofitable one.
There is no room for error when dealing with
livestock, if you abuse or neglect them and their
needs...you pay for it.
You state that small farms make small messes and
large farms make large messes, that is true. But do we
keep track of the small farms and their messes? Do we
make them pay through the nose when an accident
happens? How many small farms have accidents? Are
their enough environmental accidents on small farms to
actually make a greater negative impact on our
environment than the accidents on large scale farms
who are required to clean up the accidents?
"Feeding the World"?? That's such a laugh!!
We've been told how we will need to do that for such a
long time!!
What's the "Green Revolution"?
You grew up on a farm...why and when did you leave?
Why am I not a REAL farmer, you don't even know
anything about me. (I don't toil in a cubicle)
What is BigAg?
Tell me more about "free range".
Antibiotic/hormone-free products???? Didn't you
know that every living organism needs hormones to
function and we all produce our own? Did you know that
a serving of certain vegetables has many times more
hormones in it than implanted beef? Did you know that
there has never been ANY scientific link between use
of antibiotics in food animals and resistance to
antibiotics in humans? Did you know that antibiotic
use in food animals actually makes a safer end
product? What percentage of meat eaten today actually
has had any contact whatsoever with antibiotics? I
would assure you, it's a very small percentage. I know
that the only time I use antibiotics, is when I have a
sick animal. It doesn't happen very often, but when
one does become sick, it is imperative to treat it
right away to completely cure the sickness.
Having to treat an animal is a no-win situation.
First the animal is not feeling well so it's not
eating. That means it is not gaining weight or taking
care of it's young, or producing milk. Second, sorting
a sick animal out of a pen is stressful for all
animals involved. There is risk that an animal could
become injured during sorting or even injure me. Then
there is the expense of the antibiotic and labor
necessary to treat the animal. Keeping the animals
happy and healthy is absolutely necessary, whether in
a large or small operation. Dead or sick animals =
dead or sick operations.
"Locally grown" kinda makes sense to me. The only
problem is that I like orange juice in the morning, it
comes from Florida. My oatmeal was grown in Canada. I
don't know any farmers (small or large) who raise
coffee beans in the U.S..
I am a fourth generation family farmer, is that
sustainable enough for you?
What exactly is a "family farm"?
What is your idea of a perfect farm? Give me some
figures as to...number of acres. number of animals.
What size of tractors could we find on a "family
farm". Maybe we shouldn't have tractors at all? All
hand labor, or maybe horse drawn equipment?
Having come from a farm background, maybe you could
put together somekind of budget so I can see how this
small family farm is going to survive and thrive. If
the numbers look good enough, I will try it!
What are we going to raise, and who is going to
process and package it for us?
Please reply!
Craig Henkel