Cows Love Alfalfa! Innovation Can Provide Benifits to Dairy Farmers, Consumers, & Environment

 

Alfalfa Field

Thank you!　

Docket Number: APHIS-2007-0044

Regulatory Analysis and Development

USDA PPD APHIS Station 3A-03.8

4700 River Road, Unit 118

Riverdale, MD 20737-1238

Docket Number: APHIS-2007-0044

The draft Environmental Impact Study states:

“USDA asserts that all methods of agricultural production (conventional, organic, and the use of genetically engineered varieties) can provide benefits to environment, consumers, and farm income, and they could and should “coexist”. (pg xiii)

This study, based on sound science, says it all, in a nutshell.

Ceasing the use of biotechnology because of “political” bulling that confuses and instills unfounded fears is wrong and immoral.

My husband and I own Tony Martin Dairy in Lemoore California. We are both third generation dairy farmers. We grow our own feed for our animals. We appreciate the innovations that have brought better health and comfort to our animals. We appreciate the innovation of having tools that enable us to feed our precious animals good quality, safe food that provides benefits to the environment.

We have an obligation to feed the people of this world. By halting innovation such as “Round Up Ready Alfalfa” is the beginning of the end. Where do we stop? What other “innovations” will be next? This is especially wrong as their has not been a study to warrant it harmful. We are in America, if we continue to allow those that have private agendas/ideals take over we will only go backward and our momentum to move forward and continued innovations and progress can be squashed. For those that have issues with the “business” part of it…well that should not be dealt with in this manner. It does not “punish” the company as much as ability to improve, grow, and provide.

　

Sincerely,

　

Barbara Martin

Tony Martin Dairy

6240 21^st Ave

Lemoore CA 93245

 

 

 

 

 

My comments to the USDA ban on Round Up Ready Alfalfa. Below is a link to do so online. It takes only a couple of minutes. I urge you to do so.

 

 

http://www.regulations.gov/search/Regs/home.html#submitComment?R=0900006480a6b7a1

Innovation for Cows and Crops IS “Sustainability” for Dairy and all Farmers!

I have just returned from a great meeting with the AFACT leadership meeting in Minneapolis. I was a bit nervous as I am a new member and new to the leadership team. They were a wonderful group. So warm and welcoming. They invited sharing and were great listeners. Their values were very transparent and I was proud to be among them.

Ray Prock giving us a social media lesson!

 The groups goal in a nutshell is to conserve “innovation” in modern agriculture. I prefer the word innovation over technology as I am technology challenged.  Even though I feel challenged, I respect and am grateful for technology. We all have probably asked, What would we do without our phones or computers? That is awesome innovation and it just keeps getting better! What if they wanted to ban computers because a group felt like it was breaking up families? What if they were sure that cell phones gave us brain damage but didn’t have proof? Would we allow them to take it away?

We don’t even think of early technology, like refrigeration, X-rays, Penicillin. What about vaccines that surely have saved many us from all kinds of illness that have killed so many before us?

Now we have “innovation” that helps cows make more milk nothing artificial just a supplement of the hormones they already have. We have weed resistant alfalfa and corn. These are continually under scrutiny . They have been tested over and over but still have no evidence that they are harmful to man or land. Yet there have been bands on “Round up Ready Alfalfa” Because there our groups out there that “say” it is (yet no scientific proof). The irony to me (this was brought up at the AFACT meeting) is that any of us can buy Roundup in our stores and use it at will, without any guidance or regulations. With this weed resistant seed innovation it creates a better yield making opportunities for better prices. More abundance to feed more at better prices to the consumers. It creates less imports and is more efficient farming. Yet without REAL proof the “politics” have taken over and it is in a holding pattern  and the old saying continues and the “squeaky wheel gets the oil”.

That was as close as I got to the Mall of America. (People in Minnesota are so nice...I wish I had more time) "Don cha ya know"

Got Ethics? Dairy Farmers Care for Cows Proves That! Search for the Truth!

I have been feeling hurt as I see these manipulated images of dairy and

Tony Martin Dairy (4th generation still at it)

 farming in the media. Media’s sole survival is to get ratings. To be read and viewed by many. The people feeding the media with these images know this and without conscience they continue to manipulate the media and the public to think this is correct and their ideals are the way to go. They plant doubt, guilt and fear to those that do not know any better. By shocking images and edited footage.

So here I am, a dairy farmer with a new purpose. To help those confused and fearful and believe the images they see. Every dairy farmer is feeling wounded and hurt at the images we have seen on TV. Most know that we need to get out and spread our true farming practices. We have to dispel the horrible images portrayed in the media.

I love the little ones!

Unfortunately, good farm practices is not news breaking material. As with most good news…we see very little of it in media.

I have always considered myself a “tolerant” person. I have always worked on being non judgmental. I know I have a weakness of speaking my opinion, but not in judgment, only in opinion. There are many people I like that I agree to disagree with. I have considered myself open minded not putting down others even though theirs was not a practice I believed in. Now being under fire it would be easy to get mad. I just remind myself that it is not the norm those with “agenda” are not the majority (they are just very noisy). I am speaking out to share, not to defend myself. I know how hard we work for the best interest of our cows comfort and welfare.

Tara and AJ Feeding Calves

As I was connecting in Phoenix I quickly saw a book called “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.” It caught my eye because of the Guernsey in the title (Guernsey’s are dairy cattle I am not very familiar with). It turns out that it’s about Guernsey in the British Isles (little writing of the cows themselves). It turns out to be a lovely book that I have had a hard time putting down.

Calves are our future

I read a moving passage in the book that was originally written by Thomas Carlyle and it goes like this:

 

 

Does it ever give thee pause, that men used to have a soul-not be hearsay alone, or as a figure of speech; but as a truth that they knew, and acted upon! Verily it was another world then…but yet it is a pity we have lost the tidings of our souls…we shall have to go in search of them again, or worse in all ways shall befall us.

Now, I am not referring that most people are without souls! Quite the contrary! I do believe that we have to continually search for what is right and true. We have to work at searching the truth and not just depend on the images of the media or the writings and claims of others that manipulate emotions to bring you into their agendas and grant them power. We must continue to search for the truth. We can not rely on tidbits of distortion as fact. We can not grab on to the souls of others to feel good. We must find the “tidings” of our own soul and live in truth of your soul, not one that sounds and feels good on the outside but one that is truly good on the inside.

A 4th Generation in the Making!

Not everyone is perfect and mistakes happen. An industry or person should not be judged by the action of a few. I often look at the images of abused children and am grateful that not all parents are considered “bad” because of the acts of those minorities. So I ask you to reach out and get to know dairy farmers and their practices. Ask questions. Get to know our souls. To know us it to love us! Really!

Here are some resources to help you understand dairy and dairy farmers! Don’t be afraid to ask! We are all there to help you find the “tidings” of our own soul J

 

 

 

Also you can find lots of information by searching for dairy families in any state (I have had the blessing of meeting many dairy farmers from other states…what a treat) They might have a different accent…but values are the same! It really is easy to get to know us!

Facebook and Twitter is another great search ( #agchat #dairy for Twitter)

www.realcaliforniamilk.com (family documentaries)

 

 

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hanna-IN/Troxel-Dairy-Farm/300640585611 (My friend in Indiana, her husband is a Vet. She is a wonderful example of true dairy life.

 

 

　

You can always ask questions on my blog or find me at Dairygoddess on Facebook or Twitter.

http://gilmerdairyfarm.com/ Just a great young dairy farmer from the south…and he sings too!

Dairy Goddess is Sad to Report that Chica had a Miscarriage!

  Today after a tough Friday (I was admitted to emergency to have an abscess lanced due to a MRCS (staph) infection.

Tony came in and told me that Chica had a miscarriage (aborted). She lost her calf at nearly 7 months. He said that she was in the “hospital” pen. She was doing well and eating. He said that our employee, Jaime, told him that “I am sad for Patrona, she is not good today….”  These things happen but we are always saddened.

I could not stay in when I knew Chica was in the hospital pen. Cows are creatures of habit and this was a new area. I didn’t want her to be  nervous. Chica though, is a very tolerant cow. As I hobbled up to her she galloped on over. She was happy to see me. She was even patient for this video.

Chica is a young cow.  She will have some rest time and then we will try again.

National Cheese Day! Support Dairy Farmers and Celebrate the Day!

National Cheese Day!

Today is National Cheese Day! On this day I am proud of our dairy and the hard work that goes into such a good and nutritious product.

I am also proud to share the press release from Cooperatives Working Together, and their generous donation to Haiti!

I thank them to stepping up and representing Dairies and Dairy Products and showing support to help the people of Haiti.

COOPERATIVES WORKING TOGETHER CONTRIBUTES $100,000 ON BEHALF

OF U.S. DAIRY FARMERS TO HELP VICTIMS OF HAITIAN EARTHQUAKE

Money Will Be Donated to Red Cross to Assist in Recovery Efforts

ARLINGTON, VA – In conjunction with the National Milk Producers Federation, Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) announced today that it is donating $100,000 to the American Red Cross to assist in the aid and recovery effort in Haiti.

“This is a time for the U.S. dairy producer community to step up to the plate and help, in a coordinated way, to address an enormous humanitarian crisis close to home,” said Jerry Kozak, President and CEO of NMPF, which manages CWT. “Dairy producers have given generously in the past to help with other international and domestic relief efforts. In this tragic situation, a cash donation to the Red Cross is the most effect and expeditious method to help people in Haiti.”

With tens of thousands of people feared dead in Haiti, little or no functioning infrastructure, and absent a strong governmental response, CWT is making a cash contribution to the Red Cross’s specific Haiti relief fund to best assist the people of that nation. Kozak said that CWT’s monetary contribution will be used to provide dairy products and other foods, along with water, fuel, medicine, shelter, or whatever services are most critically needed.

Haiti is one of dozens of countries that has, in the past, been a commercial market for U.S. dairy products sold through CWT’s Export Assistance program.

NMPF Chairman Randy Mooney, a dairy farmer from Rogersville, MO, said that “CWT can play a positive role in helping needy people deal with this devastating disaster.” He urged cooperatives not participating in CWT, along with individual dairy farmers not involved in the organization, to consider contributing to the Red Cross Haitian relief efforts.

Cooperatives contributing to CWT include the following organizations. More than 500 individual dairy farmers also support CWT with their membership contribution:

Agri-Mark Inc.

Arkansas Dairy Cooperative Association

California Dairies Inc.

Conesus Milk Producers Cooperative

Continental Dairy Products, Inc.

Cooperative Milk Producers Association, Inc.

Cortland Bulk Milk Producers Cooperative

Dairy Farmers of America

Dairylea Cooperative Inc.

Empire Keystone Cooperative

Farmers Cooperative Creamery

Foremost Farms USA

Jefferson Bulk Milk Cooperative

Just Jersey Cooperative, Inc.

Land O’ Lakes, Inc.

Lone Star Milk Producers

Lowville Producers Dairy Cooperative Inc.

Manitowoc Milk Producers Cooperative

Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Association

Massachusetts Cooperative Milk Producers Federation Inc.

Michigan Milk Producers Association

Mount Joy Farmers Cooperative Association

National Farmers Organization

Northwest Dairy Association

Oneida-Madison Milk Producers Cooperative

Preble Cooperative

St. Albans Cooperative Creamery, Inc.

Schoharie County Cooperative Dairies

Select Milk Producers, Inc.

Snake River Dairyman Association Inc.

South New Berlin Milk Cooperative, Inc.

United Dairy Cooperative Services, Inc.

United Dairymen of Arizona

Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc.

Western Tier Milk Producers Cooperative

Zia Milk Producers

Cooperatives Working Together is being funded by dairy cooperatives and individual dairy farmers, who are contributing 10 cents per hundredweight assessment on their milk production through December 2010. The money raised by CWT’s investment is being apportioned between two supply management programs that strengthen and stabilize the national all milk price. For more on CWT’s activities, visit www.cwt.coop.

Dairy Farmers of America send Milk based “Sport Shake” to Haiti

                                                                      

54,000 Cans Being Sent for Relief Effort in Haiti

I think we have all been watching the news and images from Haiti after the massive earthquake that has devastated the country on Tuesday, January 12, 2010. My heart breaks for those people. How can one not feel the sorrow for the young children who are now orphans? I even grieve over the animals that are lost and suffering.

 

         I have had a heavy heart of helplessness! What can “I” do? I mean, we can give to Red Cross and other good organizations, but it seems so “little”.

 

        I thought I would try to encourage “National Milk Producers Federation” (a group that is funded by the nations dairy farmers). They have contacts with the processors and key people who can really make a difference and send  much-needed nourishment to Haiti. I also thought that some of that money the we dairy farmers invest could help with the cost to acquire product. I contact them on Wednesday morning by email. I did not get a response of any kind.

 

         On Thursday I contacted my Western Area Sales rep. for Dairy Farmers of American, (my co-op) Glenn Wallace by email. Also in that email I attached my contacts at National Milk Producers Federation. Glenn Wallace from DFA got back to me almost immediately and told me that DFA was working on something already. I felt very proud that my co-op had already been working on that and the wheels were in motion. I had asked him to keep me updated. On Friday he confirmed to me the 54,000 cans of “Sports Shake” was donated by DFA (Dairy Farmers of America). It was picked up in Springfield Missouri on Friday to be sent to Haiti.  I had also heard that Western United Dairymen had also urged Secretary Vilsack to include dairy products as part of the relief that our government was sending to Haiti.

A bit of information on “Sports Shake”:

 

Drink Sport Shake® any time for:

• Energy source
• Pre/Post Workout
• Delicious snack or meal replacement
• Nutritional weight management

Sport Shake’s great milkshake taste is available in three rich, thick, delicious flavors:  Chocolate, Vanilla and Strawberry.

So my gratitude to DFA for this donation to Haiti. There are many companies and people giving huge amounts for relief in Haiti. I have included a list compiled by one of my “Tweets” Natural Specialty Foods. You can see their regularly updated list at http://tinyurl.com/yftpu3f

 

Also “Heifer International” is another great source of relief and you can contact them at www.heifer.org  as well as the American Red Cross http://www.redcross.org/ 

 

May God bless the people of Haiti. May God bless all those that are helping in relief efforts to help the people of Haiti in rebuilding their country and spirits.

 

P.S. Even with a second email to National Milk Producers Federation, I still did not get any type of response back. None whatsoever!

Dairy Farmers Are There For Their Cows….24/7 !

   

Most people probably consider Sundays as “easy”! Enjoying a day off. Going to church. Sharing a meal. Watching football.  

On our dairy farm we do what is necessary for the care of our cows on Sundays but save the extra work for the other days of the week.

 Sometimes it just doesn’t work out as planned. 

 In this video blog I had to feed the calves at the last-minute on a cold Sunday morning due to  our employee not showing up. I want to show you a life of a dairy farmer.

I want to give consumers confidence in every dairy product they buy and to help clarify our practices.

 I want to share with you all the hard work and dedication that goes to the care and well-being of our cows to bring you nutritious dairy products!

                                          Thanks for giving it a look!

Cows on our Dairy Farm are “Comfy”: A City Girls Impression!

      We really enjoyed having Mike and Lisa visiting our dairy farm. While showing them around it was really nice hearing their positive comments about how “happy” the cows looked. They were impressed with all of the hard work and dedication that goes to caring for cows.  I our milk barn I asked Lisa “impromptu”, what she thought! Her words say it perfectly! Enjoy!

How Do You Milk A Cow? Dairy Goddess Shows You How!

  This is my first post of 2010! I am planning to answer any cow or dairy questions that come my way to help educate those that are not familiar with dairy life. One of my New Years resolutions is to take better quality videos and to learn how to “edit” better! I promise I will try! In the mean time….patience please!

As a dairy farmer I have to admit I get a kick out of “city folk” visiting a dairy farm. You can instantly see their “wonderment” and child-like curiosity in their eyes. I also swell with pride when I see how impressed they are when they see the care and quality that we work so hard to give to our cows.

A special thank you to our very dear friends Mike and Lisa DiCesaris from Brea, Ca. They were great sports! (I will be posting more of their visit in later posts).

Also to Michelle Ferreira, she is daughter to our very good friends Pete and Debbie Ferreira from Artesia, Ca. Michelle is a city girl who is country at heart. I am proud to share her question with you!   

Michelle Ferreira enjoying farm life this summer!

Please send me your question! Me and my new FLIP camera would love to answer them with the help of “Chica” too!

Happy New Year- Barbara AKA Dairy Goddess

From Our Dairy Farm To You – Merry Christmas! Don’t Forget That Glass of Milk for Santa!

Merry Christmas From The Martin Family

Luke 2:1-14(15-20)

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see– I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,

and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”