It continues to break my heart reading stories of how consumers have lost trust for the way their food is grown. How do we regain this trust?
What is the truth behind "Pink Slime"? What can be done to stop the current onslaught by the media to remove this product from schools and store? From what I understand this will have a large impact on the AG economy all the way back to the producers. This is a safe, wholesome, 100% Beef product, that is lower in fat, and lower in cost. Why is this a problem for so many?
How can we continue to call sea-products/(organic?) I know most "organic growers", often use sea products and many other OMRI sanctioned items but I beg people to remember that our oceans are unregulated and have so very much pollution in them how can we say we are growing organically when we use the products produced from the seas? Also, don't most people realize that many natural and or biological insecticide and or pesticides are still really poison? I support the natural order of things, and I support growing in a healthy good way - for the health of the planet and of our bodies, I just want folks to be honest with themselves about really where it's ALL coming from. I'm just saying..
Do you promote the mandatory labeling of GMO produce (or products containing any GMO)?
Why is there so much resistance to labeling products that contain GMOs? Consumers have the right to know. I believe most do not want to consume GMOs.
I've been hearing some folks in my town arguing against pasteurized milk. Can you explain what pasteurizing does to make milk safe? What are the relevant issues that we need to know about this pasteurized vs. raw milk issue?
Can Holly berries and leaves be used as garnish
How familiar are you with the steps beef producers (from farm to store) take to make sure the beef you eat is safe and wholesome? Please watch the following youtube videos and let us know what other information you would find useful. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AnPKEOjWyo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Fj81Ljx58s http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHFnSU04DFw
Because much of the world rejects gmo's because of health concerns, why doesn't the industry fund a valid study that would put these concerns to rest?
Just peeled and boiled some carrots for a salad. Put them in the fridge over night. Several sticks have developed a string of little lesion-like bumps, about two inches long length-wise on the outer edge of the carrot stalk. The stalks still look otherwise healthy and do not have any untoward smell or taste. What is this? Ever heard of it before? My grocer has not. Lanny Lutz
I just want to ask why many farmers and ranchers support the continuation of the slaughter of our horses for human consumption? I've owned horses for 35 years, and I actually left my native Dallas, Texas and moved to my husband's native Indiana to get away from from Beltex in Ft. Worth and Dallas Crown in Kaufman after one too many ghastly experiences, some of which I mention in my profile. They're both gone now, but they were certainly there in 1992 when I opted OUT. I am certainly not against animal agriculture - or ANY agriculture - but I darn well AM against horse slaughter and will fight to have it banned if it takes the rest of my life. That's why I was so totally shocked to see cattlemen support this horror. It seems SO counter-productive. The European Union - where most of our horse meat goes - is well aware that in the US horses are not considered food animals and thus are not regulated as such. The FDA does not require drug clearance tests for horse products, so there are many substances - both prescription and over-the-counter that are banned for use in food animals, both in the US and the EU. They know their rules are being ignored and circumvented and by 2013 they will require the US to have horses on a system comparable to their passport system or they will not be accepted at EU certified plants in Mexico and Canada. Unfortunately, this indifference - and even rabid support - for the flouting of food safety rules is spilling over into legitimate animal-ag. At a time when cattlemen are pinning their hopes on growing the international market, horse slaughter is giving all our animal-ag/meat industry a black eye. And not only abroad. I hate so see this happening almost as much as I hate horse slaughter. All producers of meat products know how highly regulated the lives of food animals are. They know that an animal must be raised as a food animal from birth and are subject to strict rules and record keeping. Surely you also know that none of this is true for horses. Phenylbutazone - bute - is THE most widely prescribed drug in equine veterinary medicine. I know my own horses have all had bute at one time or another. And bute alone is more than enough reason to end slaughtering our horses for humans to eat. It is extremely dangerous for humans - especially children. I'm sure you all know that. So, again I ask - WHY? I honestly want to know. Thanks.
I asked a question. I have no voice on my computer, it is broken, can you respond to my question by email???
A neighbor gave us baby back ribs to cook for a neighborhook pot luck. When package opened, a strong smell. Are these o.k.to cook and eat?
Eliminate factory farms!! Implement organic community farms across this country; small community farms within the community; implement raising farm fish & clams on these farms; thank you.
Is there a portable or stationary technology in development right now that is close to being able to help immediately be able detect salmonella, e-coli, or campylobactor jejuni that will help farmers? If not, is the USFRA trying to develop a tool or kit that will help farmers with this problem?
Does one meat (chcken, beef, turkey, port) require a lot more money than another to make it safe to raise and keep from getting contaminated on a farm?
Do random health inspections by officials happen on farms or are they scheduled? If there are violations, would the beef, chicken, fruit, or whatever the crop/livestock that was sold be immediately recalled?
why is the food industry generally and the beef industry specifically always defending the wholesomness and safety measures taken while the chicken and pork industries have no such problems? it seems to me that the beef industry has done a poor job of garnering support politically and with the media to have a more positive acceptance in our society -though the product is still very popular
I notice many of the farmers and ranchers saying that they care as much about their animals and crops as do consumers. While this may be true on a family farm, it is demonstrably untrue for large factory farms and the manufacturers of chemical fertilizers and GMO seeds, as has been brought home by numerous studies showing how these substances are not only harming our natural environment, but the health and well being of people all over the world. Why, if this organization says it wants to be a part of the solution, are there NO organizations devoted to growing organically or cleaning up toxins in our environment?
How is this a dialogue when none of the answers have received a single response?
How can we take this effort seriously when the advisory panel includes Monsanto and DuPont, arguably two of the companies most responsible for the current deplorable state of our food supply; AND includes not a single organic or non-chemical producer or organization??
Do the antibiotics and hormones used in animal agriculture pose a threat to people?
Why is "Genetically Modified" being pushed as 'the way' to ensure better food supply? How does the USFRA stand on GMO agriculture?
outbreak of listeriosis, a potentially fatal bacterial infection caused by eating contaminated food. Since my daughter aged 19 eat a CANTALOUPE some 12 days ago she has been hurting in the upper stomach and thowing up and diarria do you think it it this desease and if it is how do we get her tested? though she seems a little better after we gave her home remedies. Is there a permanent damage caused by this illness?
This statement was posted on KeepFoodLegal.org by Deb's Place Healthshockdotnet (FB name) "I will jump for joy the day the FDA stops raiding raw and organic food co-ops, you can transport raw milk across state lines legally, and when GMOs are labeled on all foods that are processed." Thoughts or responses?
What practices are farmers and ranchers doing today to keep our food safe?
FROM THE SLATE ON JANUARY 17, 2012
Were you among the thousands who saw last week's Atlantic piece on "The Very Real Danger of Genetically Modified Foods?" Food writer Ari LeVaux sought to use recent research findings on the biology of digesting plant materials to argue for an overhaul of regulations for genetically modified (GM) food in the United States. The scientific misteps in his article and non-existent link between the study he cites and any specific danger from GM foods led a number of science writers to crack knuckles and get to rebutting.
US farmers and ranchers work diligently to produce the most cost efficient, safest and diverse food supply in the world. In addition, they are usually the people who fill key leadership roles in communities across the country.
I wish they understood the medical and health based reasons for many of the procedures and techniques used in food production and processing.
Farmers and ranchers have a huge task; that of feeding a world population expected to be at 9,000,000,000 by 2050 and at the same time responding to a growing interest in locally grown and specialty products. One or the other is not adequate. This can only be done if we appreciate the effort and work to keep all types of producers and operations at the table for discussion. Thoughts?
I have often been asked about the difference between sustainable and organic by those that aren't sure if there is a difference. I want people to understand that sustainable best management practices can be applied to both conventional and organic farming to provide SAFE and HEALTHY food. Likewise, both methods of production can be done in unsafe, unregulated ways. The biggest issue is knowing where our food comes from and being able to trust farmers to be accountable to safe practices and established guidelines.
The food that is produced here in America is a safe, nutritious, wholesome product. Our farmers take pride in producing a quality product. Our families eat and drink the milk we produce and the crops we grow. We aren't going to sell a product that we wouldn't consume ourselves. They can rest assured our products are safe and nutritious. Farming is not just a profession; it is a way of life. A life my family and I are proud to be part of. We don't punch a clock from 9-5; we live our lives 24/7 around our farms. It's a hard life, but a way of life well worth living!
I would like American people to know and understand that the American farmers and ranchers are very concerned about conserving and protecting our environment. We treat our land and livestock with respect and love. We want our food products to be safe because it is the same food we feed to our families and we want nothing but the best for them. We take a lot of pride in what we do. You have our handshake that we always do the best of our ability to ensure quality and safety for our food supply. I would like the average consumer to know that we care more than anyone about the safety and quality of what we deliver to you. We are in a tough job but we love what we do. One has to love farming or ranching to do it. Farmers and ranchers are some of the most business-minded people in the world. The U.S. depends on us and can't survive without us so please lend us your support.
The PEW Charitable Trust is campaigning for tighter restrictions on the use of antibiotics in animals for food production. PEW, along with their “Supermoms”, take Washington D.C. on May 15, to unite parents across America in an effort to speak up against “antibiotic overuse” in farm animals and to preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics for their children and families.
On April 11, The New York Times ran an article stating 48% of chicken in a small sampling had E. Coli. The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, a nonprofit group that advocates a vegetarian diet, looked at 140 samples from 10 major cities. Was this just another attempt to scare consumers?
On April 12, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) released its examination of water pollution created by “poor farming practices.” According the EWG, “The only solution to preserve clean water is to tackle the problem of polluted agricultural runoff at the source.”
A recent New York Times Op-Ed column by Nicholas Kristof claims arsenic is in the chicken consumers eat. Kristof works to pair a study on feather meal (ground feathers) to what may actually be on a person’s plate. However, the column does not include any substantive information to support his claims.
This article shows a factual and well-written perspective from a registered dietician on hormones used in cattle. How do you feel this information compares with other claims you’ve heard about hormones used in milk and beef production?