Archive for February, 2009
Remember the Titans
Sound familiar? You know it! Remember the Titans: one of the best movies ever! That movie was based on the real life story of students at T.C. Williams High School. On Friday February 27, Aeric Reilly (Executive Director- Montana Wool Growers Association) and I, along with a Congressional agriculture staff assistant spoke to students at T.C. Williams High School.
The event was organized by T.C. Williams High School teacher Ms. Alison Ahearn. Her class has been studying American history and events that have sparked legislative change.
The class had previously discussed animal welfare and humane treatment laws and wanted to know more about the issues surrounding food production in America. Our crew came in and spoke to the class about production agriculture and the humane practices and treatment of animals on farms and ranches across the country. We had some excellent discussion about the differences between hens producing eggs in a “free range” or confined setting. We also had a good discussion about the commitment that livestock producers have in caring for all animals and ensuring they are well fed, healthy, and safe. Our crew was impressed with the types of questions that the students asked and in the fact that they were truly looking for answers to counter the PETA and Humane Society mis-information campaigns.
As you can see from the pictures, we had a lot of fun. I still can’t believe I spent time at T.C. Williams High School…. No, I will never forget the Titans!
Meetings in the city
Today was another action packed day in the Nation’s Capital. This morning, I facilitated a conference call that involved cattle producers, veterinarians, and state department of agriculture officials. The topic was USDA’s plan to update the 840 animal identification numbering (AIN) system and phase out state premises identification numbers. We had some great dialogue that helped shed some light on a confusing issue. A lot of producers and animal health officials alike are worried about USDA moving forward with a program that could weaken existing animal health traceback programs. However, on that same note, folks would like to see uniformity and standardization within existing animal health traceback programs. So obviously, we are not far from a USDA-proposed solution, but concerns linger about what the future holds. The fear of a national mandatory animal ID program resonates and discourages producers from being over-supportive of USDA’s latest plan.
Lunchtime found me with the Montana Wool Growers Executive Director Aeric Reilly and members of the MT Wool Growers Association. We had a good discussion about the latest events affecting Montana sheep producers. During lunch, I spotted my uncle Ervin Schlemmer accompanied by his fellow Montana Sugar Beet growers. I caught up with them after lunch, and we talked a little bit about -– you guessed it —- SUGAR!
I made my way to my office to work on planning meetings for the fly-in. And then, this evening found me talking the latest agriculture issues with American Agri Women leaders Yvonne Erickson and Chris Wilson. This group does great work much like the Women Involved in Farm Economics. Which by the way, I met with their leadership — including Tammy Basil and Shana Baisch — here a few weeks back!
And I wonder why its 1:30 am on Thursday morning, and I am still working away!
Oklahoma Grain and Stocker Producers, EPA, SDARL Conference, and more…
This morning I had breakfast with the Oklahoma Grain and Stocker Producers leadership: Dean Keiffer, David Vontungeln, DVM, and Candace Krebs. The discussion revolved around current agriculture issues here in Washington D.C. The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) requirement that confined feeding operations report “estimated” emissions was a hot topic. We also discussed country of origin labeling and the grain and cattle market outlook. Dean and Dr. Vontungeln are experts in their fields. Dean grows wheat in Oklahoma and Dr. Vontungeln operates a large feedlot. I appreciated getting their first hand insight on how issues in Washington D.C. are affecting their operations. Candace is the veteran leader and press person for this group, and it’s always a pleasure catching up and discussing the latest agriculture news!
Jess Peterson, Dean Keiffer, Dr. Vontugeln
The rest of the day revolved around preparing for the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association fly in. The fly in takes place March 7-12. More details to follow so keep tuning into this blog.
This evening found me spending time with my good friend and Faith livestock market owner Scott Vance. Scott Vance and leaders from across the state of South Dakota are in town this week for the South Dakota Agriculture and Rural Leadership (SDARL) conference. Several members of the delegation and I spent the evening at the hotel lobby cussing and discussing the latest happenings in agriculture. There is nothing better than spending time with good country folks here in DC. South Dakota can be very proud and rest assured of the fact they are truly being represented by the best of the best. This SDARL groups is composed of excellent and informed leaders. Our discussions covered everything from animal welfare, COOL, and animal ID, to beef and dairy product exports.
Each group expressed appreciation for the work being done in Washington D.C. by the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association. Days like this make me realize it’s not always about the pay and hours, it’s about doing something that helps out 1000s of people!
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