Friday, December 23, 2011

Accomplices To Grassroot's Destruction?


   Today will mark the conclusion of my "animal ag producer concerns" case.  Most of my thoughts and questions have been penned and I'm nearing the end of gathering information and connecting dots. From this point forward I will build on the issues previously addressed.
   First of all I want to make one thing clear: animal ag producers and landowners  HAVE ALWAYS been concerned about animal welfare and the succession of a productive environment. The proof is in our perpetual existence. Most days animals and land are given precedence over the welfare of farm and ranching family members. This may sound harsh, but it's true and I'm sure other producers would agree.
   I've aired these concerns from the viewpoint of a 6th generation female rancher. Some of the issues and questions are new, but most of the specific topics covered have bothered and bewildered me for several years.  Our family, along with other ranching families, is being bombarded by them daily.
   Educating and creating public conversation to raise awareness for the protection of fellow family ranchers/ farmers and landowners-Grassroots- was my goal. Hopefully I've stated my thoughts in a logical and understandable way.
   My concerns manifested after a third party audit took place on our ranch, one performed by a company with a gap in knowledge of the motives of extreme animal activists. That day it became apparent that Grassroots must speak up.

   The daily battles Grassroots face include, not only, covert and overt attacks by deceitful extreme animal activists and radical environmentalists, but also a smorgasbord of government overreach.  We are fortunate to have the NCBA,  CBB and other ag organizations working tirelessly to defend us.
                                                            
                                                   The Tail Wagging The Dog
    Somewhere along the way, other burdens have been added to our backs. Certain groups, individuals and companies have jumped on some "extreme pendulum swinging programs" working to satisfy every so-called consumer concern and whim, creating unintended consequences for producers.
      Consumer studies are clear-the majority of consumers don't want to know how to "make a watch" they merely want to "know the time". They don't want video taped slaughter facilities, or facts on hourly rodent disposal, they simply want to be reassured.  Reassured that the food they consume is wholesome, healthy, safe, clean and raised humanely, and to connect a friendly face to that food. In most instances a simple explanation along with a family photo of the place of origin on products at the meat case satisfies consumer concern and curiosity.
  There are legitimate reasons for audits: a small pocket of elite consumers want more in-depth information about the origin of the food they consume, and certain markets are able to pass on premiums to producers which require third party audits.  But I believe anything more... information that obsessively scrutinizes the lives and activities of animal ag producers and processing facilities is playing into the hands of the Extreme.
  Expensive labor and time intensive protocols for these standards cannot become the norm-the precedence Grassroots must follow to produce products for the majority; a majority base that's predicted to reach 9 billion in the near future.

      I believe this over-kill research and the scrutinizing of every aspect of animal ag production, by some of our own, is handing Grassroots unintended consequences in the forms of more business-killing regulations.  This is causing an out of control snowball affect of increased expenditures for producers.
   I believe some of the programs being implemented are putting ranchers and landowners at risk  for more government overreach by asking that ranch gates be opened wider.
   I also believe that other monetary alluring producer programs, which ask that specific personalized animal welfare information be handed over for animal activist's scrutiny (and who knows who else), further jeopardizes Grassroots.
   I believe that jumping on this bandwagon of magnifying and highlighting the minuscule concerns of a few consumers is negatively distorting mainstream consumer's views of animal ag producer's procedures further; raising more questions-perpetuating more consumer uncertainty
  As I stated earlier: We animal ag producers have ALWAYS held animal and land care above anything else. When specifically did this perception all change? When did The Tail Begin Wagging The Dog?
  Can a doctor or lawyer's business be understood through outside observation?  Neither can outside observers understand the complicated issues facing farmers and ranchers. Decisions being made by good intentioned individuals and groups, some who have little or no knowledge of the processes that create a successful farm or ranch is aiding in the development of  these unintended consequences.

   It's time Grassroot's voices be heard concerning decisions being implemented on our behalf. It's true that we have the opportunity to voice our concerns through membership in our ag organizations, but it has become evident that some of those concerns have been mired by distractions: bureaucracy and friction within some of these groups. The issues needing to be addressed from our standpoint can't wait. They need to be addressed today.
  So in that effort I will continue to build on the topics that are posted. If issues arise and information comes out that is pertinent to Grassroots, I will post it.

   Before concluding I want to share a few more thoughts on the carbon sequestration program and Agenda 21. This topic may seem out in left field but the truth is farmers and ranchers in our area were approached several years ago to sign up. I've had many questions about the true motives behind it since.
Listen to the link below, peel away a few more layers and come to your own conclusion.
Connections of ICLEI,, Agenda 21 and the Carbon Sequestration Program



Sunday, December 18, 2011

Refuting 31,000 Scientist

I'm vollying again, but it's all connected.  Today I'm digging deeper to deflect an attack I spoke about earlier, one I said might cause some toe-stepping; one by a "friend"...or are they foe"?
If you've studied Agenda 21 and ICLEI, this group's ultimate goals seem to be to take control of our private property and our lives.
And now the toe stepping, which I will apologize for in advance.
If someone can explain why a government agency is so determined to push an agenda based on false science, please let me know.
Snopes lays the facts on the line...global warming is a fraud; 31,000 scientists can't be wrong.
This additional wrap being put in animal ag's noose, whether innocent or premeditated, contributes to our death sentence.
Producers before you sign up for anything: educate yourselves, scrutinize and ask questions.   

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Above All Else Pray

Hopefully this is all beginning to make more sense. "Shhh, That's Only Conspiracy Thinking" thoughts are now making their way into mainstream conversations.  Those of us whose names have been included in sentences containing "Black Helicopters" are now relieved of that. 
If you missed Trent Loos'most recent article, here it is Rice and Beans Anyone?.  HSUS' infiltration is so far reaching the possibility of ever stopping them seems insurmountable, especially when animal ag producers are unaware of the danger. 
Raising awareness, garnering knowledge, and possessing courage to speak up are not options for securing the survival of our agriculture heritage, they're a must.
Above all else, pray for the survival of our God given rights to continue to own land and raise animals for the world's consumption.

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Ruminating

I'm traveling and haven't had access to a computer until this morning.  I'm ready to dig into Agenda 21 and ICLEI-start connecting more dots.  I'm ready to initiate a larger conversation among the less than 2% of agriculture producers who provide food and fiber to 100% of the world-the ones who will be affected by this insane plan, which up until a month ago, I was unaware of.  That was, until my friend Mindy Patterson raised my awareness.
If you're wondering what in the world is going on this explains a lot.
Share this site: Freedom Advocates  Our society (my kids and grandkids; your kids and grandkids) as a whole will be affected.
Is this the future you want for them?  Neither do I, so stand up and do something about it.

Chew On This

...and this


The discovery of Agenda 21 and ICLEI allowed some answers to questions I'd been having about certain environmental/sustainable programs that I am very uncomfortable with.  In our state there is a  big push for landowners to jump on the 'carbon sequestration' and 'lesser prairie chicken' bandwagon.  Several years ago I questioned the leaders of one of  these programs, the carbon sequestration program in particular, asking them how they can promote this idea, and ask landowners to participate, on the basis of unfounded science.
I was assured that it was all science-based. This was before 'Climategate'.
I've pondered this for several years. After reading about Agenda 21, the picture is clearer, but I'm even more uneasy.
Today, the carbon sequestration program is being touted as a success which still leaves me scratching my head and a new push for a "landowner lesser prairie chicken participant" rebate has emerged. I have question after question about these ideas.  But some of those questions were answered when I was introduced to Agenda 21 and the ICLEI.

A Big Thank You To Trent Loos... By some of the comments it's evident folks are still uninformed of HSUS' True Agenda.

Monday, December 5, 2011

Open The Barn Door Wider, Sleep With the Enemy or Stand and Fight?

My dot connecting is nearly complete.  With a sense of urgency Animal Ag Armed was created to inform and educate fellow animal ag producers.
The reason and facts-plain and simple: Several weeks ago my family was on the brink of handing a list of so called "violations" over to HSUS via a GAP audit. Up until this time, I felt that I was fairly informed about HSUS and their tactics.  I soon realized that I didn't know enough.  Threatened with a cease and desist letter from the auditor, our family witnessed first hand the bizarre and frightening realization of the insidious web of deceit and attacks that has crept into our industry-our society-our lives.

In summary I believe there are three arms being used to destroy small businesses, stifle economic growth (energy-coal, oil etc.)  and undermine animal ag- our livelihoods. It is evident these tentacles over-lap and intertwine creating a financial and legal stronghold on our industries and lives.

It was my intent to tell you what I know, what I've witnessed and experienced and distinguish this web.  You might say "our industry" won't be affected.  I can tell you first hand...it is. These groups, acts, programs, individuals and agencies  have cleverly succeeded in finding their way onto our farms and ranches.
We can choose to ignore the facts, or we can educate the remaining few producers and stand and fight.
We can continue to focus solely on the high road, keeping up appearances with a positive message for the consumer, but at some point we must face the fact that there is an evil army engaged in a one-sided battle gaining victory on the low road and many of the defending troops have retreated.  In some instances the allies have even joined in assisting the enemy with programs to open the barn door wider, video taping request, financially damaging producers via  research and development by individuals who don't own an animal or operate a business. I agree that  R&D has benefited the producer in numerous ways, but "unintended consequences" should have been weighed before implementation of some programs and partnerships took place.


As Dave Delaney, V.P and General Manager of King Ranch  stated,  "The producer is the canary in the coal mine."  We all know what happens to a canary when the oxygen is depleted from the mine. Well, the oxygen is getting low, producer population is minute and dwindling and the balance in staying in business is fragile. These attacks cannot be ignored.  It's up to all of us to share stories such as Karen Budd-Falen's EAJA battle, The Smallhouse's Critical Habitat Story, The Valley (San Joaquin) Hope Forgot , The Dollarhite's Nightmare, Eric Davis' on-going WWP battle and I'm sure many, many more.  Connect your own dots, continue to take the high road with positive stories and images from our ranches...just don't forget the silent battle that continues to be waged by these three:


1. Animal Activists 
                                     HSUS   According to their100 Point Agenda they are using:
                                           EPA
                                           USDA
                                           DOJ and other agencies

Ballot Initiatives are the tools they use to complete their goals such as Prop 2 and Prop B.  They also use deceptive fund raising tactics through emotionally charged media images; uninformed, sympathetic viewers are quick to send funds.
  
2.Environmentalist 
                                     ESA  (declaration of "critical habitat" opportunities)
                                     NEPA
                                     EAJA
                                     WWP
 Guidance and Procedural Law are being  used to reach their goals

3. The Government
                                    USDA (Avalos/ Moran)
                                    EPA (ESA)
                                    APHIS (The Dollarhite's Story, HSUS' Sarah Conant)
                                    
Over-reaching regulation and broadly written rules, all cleverly crafted are being used.  If one avenue fails, another one is pulled from their hat. Remember this administration's regulatory czar, Cass Sunstein believes animals have the right to sue their owners.


Now that the dots have been connected I can move on.  I have had questions for several years...why are these groups so intent on destroying our livelihoods, our ability to feed, heat,fuel and sustain the world?  Last month my friend Mindy Patterson introduced me to Agenda 21 and ICLEI and the reasons for these attacks became perfectly clear. 
Next Time..."NOW it's time to look closer at this global plan."

Sunday, December 4, 2011

WWP's Monstrous Marvel

"To Marvel, it’s clear what’s to blame—the same culprit he sees behind almost every poisoned stream and trampled hillside and denuded landscape west of the Great Plains: cows. Thousands and thousands of cows, eating their way across the range all summer long."

One more post on the Western Watershed Project-a clear view of Good vs Evil. This article shows how this radical group (who possess a lack of logic and disconnect from reality) uses lawsuits to decimate ranchers in the west.  It gives insight into the battles ranchers, such as Eric Davis, have been facing to hold onto their livelihoods.   Western Watershed's Monstrous Marvel

Friday, November 25, 2011

Western Watershed Project, Center For Biological Diversity and Deception

As promised I want to touch on a couple of more acronyms with furtive agendas: WWP and CBD or the Western Watershed Project and Center for Biological Diversity.  These two groups are two of the top tax-exempt environmental groups using EAJA to further their goals.  Below are two great links that explain.
(be sure and click the EAJA link above for yet more clarification on this topic)

WWP and CBD

More...

Next: Summarizing All of The Acronyms and Delving into Agenda 21 and ICLEI

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Thanksgiving Dinner, Blessings and The Western Caucus

Happy Thanksgiving!  Today I'm busy preparing Thanksgiving dinner so want to share only one thing with you: a link to the Western Caucus. I was introduced to this group on a D.C. visit with the The Ranchers last spring.  The Western Caucus website is an excellent resource for understanding issues affecting our lives as producers. Each area of concern is summarized simply. By familiarizing yourselves with these issues you'll have a better understanding of my thoughts on  ICLEI and Agenda 21 and the 'arms' they are attempting to utilize in the implementation of their agenda.

I thank God for allowing my family the opportunity to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal.  The U.S. is the most blessed   nation in the world and I don't take that blessing lightly. The commodities that allow me to prepare this meal are the result of intense labor and stewardship by America's agriculture  producers.  To ensure that our next generation of family members have the same opportunity to celebrate this precious event, it is up to us... the 'now generation'  to make a stand---educate ourselves and secure our children's future.

Next time: The Western Watershed Project

Monday, November 21, 2011

Time Out For A "Nutshell" Summary

After rereading my blog, I asked for some feedback, in particular, from my daughter-the one that told me to write all of this down. Well, she said it was sure a lot of information, and she was a little confused.  I agreed and explained that it was going to be hard to put in "nutshell" form.  So today I will summarize the acronyms into categories; 'The Good, The Bad, The Ugly', and do my best, from now on, to condense my thoughts. 


THE GOOD  (Clearly those who are intent in helping save traditional animal agriculture, hunting rights, private property rights...our way of life.

     NCBA- National Cattlemen's Beef Association- For a near century this group has supported and lobbied  for our beef industry, consistently fighting for our rights to continue our lives in traditional cattle ranching.
     CBB- Cattlemen's Beef Board-They utilize the beef industry's check-off dollars through promotion, consumer education, research and development
     AAA- Animal Ag Alliance- For over 20 years they have helped stop attacks by animal activist's and kept animal owners, and producers aware of the dangers of groups intent on destroying our way of life.
     Humanewatch.org- This site is dedicated to keeping the public informed of HSUS' deceptive plans and progress.
     Western Caucus  This congressional group monitors legislative issues that negatively affect small business, rural issues and our way of life west of the Mississippi
     Western Legacy Alliance  This group tackles issues dealing with  public and private property rights protecting small businesses and other private property against government seizure or unreasonable government interference. 
     USFRA- United States Farmers and Rancher's Alliance  This is a newly formed alliance consisting of a wide range of prominent farmer- and rancher-led organizations and agricultural partners.

THE BAD (These groups-laws-rules and acts are being used to destroy America's future.. Not only animal ag, but destroying our way of life.
     ESA- Endangered Species Act- This act has been used to eliminate private property rights and property use, shut down agriculture and other industries, and as the ESA video to the left shows, halt U.S. security. The Valley Hope Forgot  A MUST WATCH!
    EAJA- Equal Access to Justice Act-not a group, but a means used by animal activists to gain revenue deceptively from taxpayers to further their destructive goals
     CBD- Center For Biological  Diversity This radical environmental group is the largest recipient of EAJA  claims.
     NEPA- National Environmental Policy Act-  Signed into law in 1970, NEPA was established  to create and maintain conditions which man and nature could exist in productive harmony, fulfill social, economic, and other requirements of present and future generations of Americans. Click her for FOIA's Definition.  Today it appears that NEPA, along with ESA, has become the primary vehicle which environmental organizations use to eliminate the use of natural resources on public lands (EAJA fees are often obtained in the process).  Compare the definition above with the following... eliminate use of public lands. The goals don't match up.
     HSUS - This group's ultimate goal is to abolish animal agriculture, hunting, rodeos, circus acts, pet ownership etc.  Leaders in this organization have been quoted as saying they want to become the NRA of the animal right's world. They use ballot initiatives to win issues such as:
           Prop 2- HSUS' poultry, pig and veal victory
           Prop B- HSUS' use of puppy welfare to get their foot in the door of animal ag
           Your Vote Counts- HSUS' newest attempt at Victory in Missouri

and...

THE UGLY (These groups? Well, I'm not so sure about.  Do they have an agenda? What is their ultimate goal?  Are they friend?  Are they foe? Do they know the devastation they are causing to small businesses, rural economic development and our ranching livelihoods? Are they helping THE BAD attain their goals or are they just misinformed?  I will continue to link more information and let you be the judge.

     FWS The Fish and Wildlife Services- You Be The Judge;  San Pedro
     USDA- Can I trust USDA?  I would like to, but after the Dollarhite story, Senator Moran's video,  Sarah Conant's hire, and a host of other straddles affecting my industry, I don't believe I can.  Do I want USDA certified audits on my ranch? I'm having trouble convincing myself that would be a good idea.
     EPA Environmental Protection Agency- Thanks to NCBA  Strides have been made, but these battles are not going away-CAFO's, Pesticides, Air and Water Quality. EPA is an arm that will be used by HSUS to obtain their goals
     APHIS Animal Plant and Health Inspection Services-Do I trust this arm of the USDA?  After Senator Moran's story and the fact that a former HSUS attorney has been placed in an enforcement role by our Undersecretary of Ag, I can't help but have surmounting questions about that too.
         
 So... if you've not made sense of the past 20 plus post, perhaps this "nutshell" version will help.
If you have, sorry for the repeat.  
     

Destructive Duo: NEPA and ESA

 Before looking further into Agenda 21 and ICLEI , it is important that the actions of  another entity, NEPA,  be understood. It has been referred to as the poster child for environmental change and deals with situations affecting local jobs and economies and rural customs and culture.  They look for ways to get a foot in our door.  The following link will explain the procedures being used and also touches more on ESA.
Karen Budd Falen does a great job explaining in this 2005 document. Pay special attention to the first few paragraphs and the final summary.

Destructive Duo: National Environmental Policy Act and the Endangered Species Act

 Karen Budd Falen's library is full of information, and more info can be viewed at Environmental Law

Next: A Look At The Western Watershed Project. Then, a closer look at  ICLEI and Agenda 21

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Avalos, HSUS, Sarah C. and HOPE

Sorry to keep you hanging again, but I do have another life and duties we're mounting sky high.
Today I want to make some clarifications on Edward Avalos' signing off on the Department of Agriculture's Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) animal welfare scientific forum.
 I have the documents on a pdf file but can't get them to stick to a link, so will direct those in question to  Senator Moran's website and AgriPulse
Just a reminder the persuasion of USDA's new hire, Sarah Conant;   Hidden Agenda?;   "For Instance"; and
On The Fast Track.  This is redundant info, but speaking on my behalf...farmers and ranchers need redundancy-anyway I do.
Honorable Under Secretary of Ag, Edward Avalos, appears to be a very fair person and truly concerned about the livelihoods of farmers and ranchers.  It is my hopes that he would take another look at his decision on the scientific forum.
Since I last posted I've been given a ton of helpful information from a friend and colleague and will be sifting through it so I can share.
I'm afraid Pandora's Box is being opened before our eyes...but... even after all the evils from that box were released, HOPE remained. So, I'll remain hopeful that the lives and jobs of traditional animal agriculturists along with our children and grandchildren's heritage, will be preserved.  While remaining hopeful I'm still going to persuade each and every animal ag producer, hunter and landowner to educate themselves, make their concerns known, and hold their elected official's feet to the fire.

I'm still gathering information on ICLEI and it's ties to our Conservation/Sustainable/ Green/ Environmentally Friendly Programs.  This is going to be a tough one to write as it deals with friends who are in the middle being used as global conduits...perhaps unknowingly?  Some toes will be stepped on, but this information must be laid out to land owners and producers.


Tuesday, November 15, 2011

The Secret World Inside the Animal Rights Agenda

 Lowell E Baier from Boone and Crockett worked with Karen Budd-Falen in the EAJA case, halting environmentalist's fraudulent use of taxpayer's dollars, a huge victory.
The Ranchers sat in on these discussions last March in D.C.  Take some time and look inside Boone and Crocket's View of Animal Activist's Activities.  Pay special attention to the map on page 6 showing encroachment from both coasts towards middle America, and the explanation of the Wildlife Land Trust (WLT) on page 7.   This is a great read, so why not print it off and take time for a good hard look at what we are up against.

Coming Up Soon...More Dots Connecting ICLEI to Sustainable/Green/Environmentally Appropriate/ESA Friendly Projects. Projects That Will Soon Be On Your Doorstep, Packaged as Nice Gift To You...Warning-Don't Open It. 

A Senator's Video, USDA-APHIS Documents and Bad Smells

It may seem like I'm volleying between subjects, but to see the full blown picture, a panoramic view of as much information as possible is needed. 

Just recently the following documents were brought to my attention.  They raise concerns about various USDA actions of late.  First, HSUS has been meeting with USDA officials making numerous recommendations such as establishing an Animal Welfare Advisory Committee and hosting a “scientific conference” on animal welfare – which Under Secretary Edward Avalos has signed off on (Remember Senator Moran's Video?)   The following APHIS AW Scientific Forum memo outlines the recommendations and specifically indicates USDA will seek input from HSUS and other “animal advocacy” groups on topics, issues of concern, speakers, etc. – but does not mention having similar input from the animal use industries.  Second, USDA hired a former HSUS litigator – Sarah Conant – to head its enforcement division for animal cruelty violations. 

In this war against animal agriculture, can you define and distinguish the enemy? Is USDA friend or foe? Enemy or ally? Are they hurting or harming our animal ag industry and the infrastructure of the U.S.?  They wear a familiar name and uniform-so they look a little like us, but do they act like us? Are their goals the same as ours?  Whose best interest is being considered?  Their recent actions reveal those answers.   Does anyone else smell a rat?

Coming Up Next: A Closer Look At ICLEI and local and state government's sustainable-green-environmental projects



ESA-FWS: The Connection

Below is a link to an article written by my friend, attorney Karen Budd-Falen who I've mentioned in previous post.  Karen does an excellent job fighting for our rights to own land.

Recognize any names from HSUS' 100 Point Change Agenda?

Quoting from this article, "On July 12, 2011, the Justice Department and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) announced "an historic agreements" which will require the American taxpayers to pay 206,098,920 to just process the paperwork deciding whether to include over 1000 plants, bugs, worms, and other assorted creatures on the Endangered Species list.  None of the money goes to on-the-ground conservation; this taxpayer funding is just to process petitions filed by only two, out of dozens of radical environmental groups who think newts and moths are more important the the elderly or our children....

If the acronyms cause confusion just keep studying and educating yourselves, pretty soon they will sink in.  Karen's summary in the last paragraph of her article states it very plainly.
http://westernlegacyalliance.org/what-people-are-saying/op-ed-the-206-098-920-endangered-species-act-settlement-agreements-is-all-that-paperwork-worth-it

Monday, November 14, 2011

When The Next Generation Looks Back, What Will They Say About The Decisions We Made On Our Watch?



I hope the dots are beginning to connect.  As I stated earlier, for the past few years I've realized animal ag and small businesses were being targeted for destruction, but could not figure out who...or what motive.  Not until my friend Mindy Patterson from the Cavalry Group pointed out Agenda 21 several weeks ago. Mindy has been instrumental in pushing for animal agriculture throughout the hard fought Prop B issue in Missouri. She is also the president and co-founder of  The Cavalry Group,director of development for United Horsemen, which is a national member-based organization which works to preserve America’s horseback culture and heritage, and to revive the horse industry in order to ‘Build A Better Future For Horses’. Mindy also serves on the board of directors of the Missouri Equine Council, and as communications director for Missouri Federation of Animal Owners. 
 Mindy shared these thoughts about Agenda 21 with me:

"In a nutshell, Agenda 21 is a "global" socialistic plan. Agenda 21 is a two-decade old, grand plan for global ’Sustainable Development,’ brought to you from the United Nations. George H.W. Bush (and 177 other world leaders) agreed to it back in 1992, and in 1995, Bill Clinton signed Executive Order #12858, creating a Presidential Council on ‘Sustainable Development.’ This effectively pushed the UN plan into America’s large, churning government machine without the need for any review or discussion by Congress or the American people.
‘Sustainable Development’ sounds like a nice idea, right?  It sounds nice, until you scratch the surface and find that Agenda 21 and Sustainable Development are really cloaked plans to impose the tenets of Social Justice/Socialism on the world.
At risk from Agenda 21;
  • Private Property ownership
  • Single-Family homes
  • Private car ownership and individual travel choices
  • Privately owned farms
The Agenda 21 plan openly targets private property.  For over thirty-five years the UN has made their stance very clear on the issue of individuals owning land;
Land… cannot be treated as an ordinary asset, controlled by individuals and subject to the pressures and inefficiencies of the market. Private land ownership is also a principal instrument of accumulation and concentration of wealth and therefore contributes to social injustice; if unchecked, it may become a major obstacle in the planning and implementation of development schemes. The provision of decent dwellings and healthy conditions for the people can only be achieved if land is used in the interest of society as a whole."
                                                               For More Information:


The information that Mindy shared put everything into perspective. From Wild Land grabs to government agencies using the Endangered Species Act to gain access to private property (Sage Grouse, Sonora Chub etc.), to activist's fraudulent use of the Equal Access To Justice Act, to USDA's perpetual over-reach, the need to be "animal activists" educated, informed and aware, will continue. 

Mindy Patterson will be able to proudly say that she gave it her all.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

I Assure You..."This Audit is Completely Voluntary"

Beware That Statement.
Recall  HSUS' 100 Point Change Agenda?  What are the entities they will use to accomplish their goals?   Meet rabbit producers, Judy and John Dollarhite, their story portrays the lives of many being targeted.
Following is a quote from "Family Facing 4 Million in Fines For Selling Bunnies" (full article below)


"During the course of the spot inspection, John said, the inspector asked his wife if she and John would like to have their operation certified by USDA.  Judy said she wasn’t sure and asked what certification would entail and if it would help them sell more rabbits.  The inspector responded, telling her it would involve monthly inspections and was completely voluntary.  The inspection ended with the inspector telling Judy that the Dollarhites rabbits looked healthy and well-cared for. "


Yes, I've heard the same words the Dollarhites heard;  from a trusted auditor.   We were reassured several times, "this audit is completely voluntary".  The GAP audit is voluntary, but what are the consequences of sharing your animal ag procedures with HSUS?  

As animal ag producers/ pet owners/ hunters/ etc. it is imperative that we ask questions, be alert, be aware and educate ourselves.  Today the enemy may be wearing recognizable uniforms that look like ours, so they must be "one of us"--- our friend, our buddy.  Don't count on it.  Don't Let Your Guard Down.

http://bobmccarty.com/2011/05/19/family-facing-4-million-in-fines-for-selling-bunnies/

http://bobmccarty.com/2011/06/27/animal-rights-activism-fuels-usda-rabbit-chase/

I know I promised more on Agenda 21 today, but the Dollarhite's won out.   It was such a compelling story and could happen to any of us...too close to home for me.
  Please share

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Another Look At Prop B

 If you are still fuzzy on Prop B here is an excellent video explaining it.  Missouri is "Showing Us" the way to win.
Prop B Explained In Detail

Don't Miss Next Time...A Closer Look at Agenda 21 and ICLEI

Friday, November 11, 2011

Thank You Senator Moran

Today I want to share only one thing...the video below which helps connect  HSUS' 100 Point  Change Agenda,   Agenda 21,  and  ICLEI.  If you have taken time to read  the Change Agenda it states USDA will be used to accomplish animal activist's goals.  Systematically these steps are attempting to be carried out by a network of animal activists and government agencies disguised as "sustainability" and "conservation of the environment" by un-elected elites. At this moment there are individuals working relentlessly to accomplish their goal.  As land owners and animal ag producers it is up to us to support the individuals who are speaking out for us and educate ourselves and others.
Senator Jerry Moran Voices Concern Over USDA Forum
 In researching the two organizations at the table with HSUS at the pre-planning meeting  Animal Care and Vet Services was mentioned.  Take a look... Is the deck double stacked?
We should all express our thanks to Senator Moran.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Meet Karen Budd-Falen

Today more "dot connecting".  This is taking a while to tell but I wanted to do it in segments.  It took me 8 years to gather and absorb this information and I'm trying, to the best of my ability, to make a nice reduction (been watching the Food Channel:)).
 Meet Karen Budd-Falen lawyer, mother, animal ag advocate, one smart lady and  my hero.  I serve with Karen on another group, "The Ranchers".  It was through my connections from the American National Cattlewomen Association and the formation of  "The Ranchers" group that I've come to know and respect this awesome lady who not only talks the talk but is walking the walk and WINNING.
The issues she is fighting are complicated and will take some reading for you to fully understand, anyway it did me. These events though, all tie into the "Big Picture" of what is happening to our ranches and rural way of life. It fits snugly between the stories I've shared previously, HSUS' 100 Point Change Agenda, Prop B, Prop 2, and Agenda 21 and ICLEI as we'll soon see when the dots are finally all connected.

This article below explains the issues that Karen and others "brought to light", and through precise actions and tireless efforts, "fixed".
http://washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/editorials/2011/04/secrecy-hides-taxpayer-dollars-used-big-green-lawsuits   


A quote from the following article below...
 "It was Budd-Falen’s research on behalf of WLA that uncovered the literally tens of millions of dollars that have been pouring into the coffers of multi-millionaire groups like the Sierra Club, the Defenders of Wildlife, the Center for Biological Diversity and countless others." 
 Read more...
Karen Budd-Falen's Victory


Below is another "crazy" issue  Karen made us aware of.  She keeps us updated on important issues that will eventually affect our way of life.
"There is a new policy being pushed in the U.S. and being adopted by some local governments, to determine natural resource use, not by measuring the gross national product, but the "gross national happiness"  Only using gross national happiness can we achieve ecological sustainability.
This sounds crazy, but it's happening...right under our noses
http://www.gnhusa.org/


Karen Budd-Falen is my hero. I still haven't figured out how she gets everything done, two teenagers, lives on a ranch miles from town, is active in her Wyoming community and school and is saving our rancher's livelihoods.  Thanks Karen!

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Federal Agitators, Idiots and a Rancher Advocate

I have been busy the last two days attending the US Farmer’s and Rancher’s Alliance (USFRA) meeting in Kansas City, so apologize for leaving you hanging.

As I stated in my first post I will be connecting dots: encounters, incidences and problems that brought me to the place of “agvocate”…the reasons I am adamant and relentless in educating my fellow animal ag producers. Today I'll attempt to make more connections, add some more pieces to the puzzle.

Let me introduce you to Jim Keen, award winning photographer and filmmaker who describes himself as a “California beach boy turned ranch spokesperson”.   We met Jim during his work on Great Ranches of the West in 2002.  Our ranch was one of the thirty he would feature.  Along the journey, Jim became a spokesperson for family ranchers. Following are several stories from the ranches he visited.  With each new ranch visit a common compelling story unfolded: government overreach was common resulting in costly lawsuits and outrageous regulations.  Jim finally came to the conclusion that ranchers need a spokesman.  He has since spent countless hours as a spokesperson for our country’s dying ranching heritage.  I’m sure Jim won’t mind a little plug---To purchase this great masterpiece go to About Keen Media and purchase your own copy (they make great gifts!)
When I heard Jim’s stories they fit snugly between the ones I was hearing from fellow cattle producers around the U.S.  Along with government overreach, animal activists and environmentalists were creating havoc to ranching operations.

Following are several quotes from this great book reflecting Jim’s thoughts.

“Towns are dying across rural America today. In 1993 there were nearly 900,000 cattle producing ranches in the country.  By 2004, that number had dropped to approximately 750,000.  When a ranch fails it has a ripple effect on its geographic area.  The next thing to go is the local hardware store, followed by other small family-run businesses and the local school.  Soon you have a modern day ghost town.
In addition, America’s strong, positive, agricultural trade balance is eroding. More and more food is coming from other countries and this growing trend has serious national security implications.  All of us experience the consequences of our country’s dependence on foreign oil, but how much more serious would our situation be if we had a similar dependence on foreign food sources.  “We, the people” ought to urge our elected officials and public servants to give due diligence to these matters.”

Following is a story from the Zz Cattle Corporation also known as the Bell Ranch from Arizona.

Some years ago a biologist discovered a small fish in one of the streams on the Bell property; The Sonora Chub is prevalent in Mexico but isn’t found anywhere north of the border except on the Bell Ranch.  Therefore the United States included the fish on its list of endangered species. “The government ordered the Bells To keep their cattle out of the stream and started building a substantial bridge over the water at great expense.  Most of the cost lay in the challenge of constructing the bridge in pieces off site and then hauling it to the ranch for placement so as not to disturb the fish’s habitat.
Dan bell is widely recognized in Arizona for his expertise in renewable natural resources.  He holds a degree in range management from the University of Arizona and cares passionately about preserving the environment of his family’s ranch.  So he advised the biologists and bridge design teams that if his cattle were not allowed to eat down the willow shoots around the stream, willow trees would flourish and soak up the limited flow of water, resulting in no stream and no more Sonora Chub.
He was right.  Today, several years later, I marveled at the stand of willow trees towering over the bridge on all sides---and there is no stream.

And another story from the Pine Creek Ranch in Nevada

“A year after Wayne Sr., purchased Pine Creek Ranch (1978) there was a knock at the door---the U.S. Forest Service was calling to try to purchase the ranch and the water rights.  The price they offered was half what the Hages had just paid for it.  Wayne’s refusal to sell brought the full force of the government’s eminent-domain policies against Pine Creek Ranch.  But the bureaucrats had squared off with one tough cowboy.  Years of legal battles raged, and Wayne Hage’s meticulous research on the rights of property owners resulted in the unsettling account of the fight in his 1989 book, Storm Over Rangelands.  During the 90’s Wayne Sr. became one of the country’s leading advocates for private property rights.
“The physical and emotional impact on the Hage family however, was immense.  Some family members believe the stress contributed to Jean’s (Wayne’s wife) heart attack and early death.  In 1999, Wayne Sr. married Helen Chenoweth, a highly regarded congresswoman from Idaho.  Although he suffered from cancer, Wayne traveled the country with Helen to speak and advise on private property rights.  Just two months before my visit here to Pine creek, Wayne Hage Sr. succumbed to the disease.”

These are only two of the many, many stories that I would hear about over the years as I  visited and formed relationships with other ranching families.  Stories such as my friend in Washington state who had federal agents on their ranch threatening $10,000.00 a day fines over a water issue,  to a story of a young 7th generation ranch family working tirelessly to keep activists off of their property which had been "presumed" the habitat to some 50 plus endangered species. Environmentalists, animal activists and government officials had tried continually to get on their land and declare a sanctuary for endangered species.  The only thing keeping them from doing this was the state's "no trespassing law".  This young couple was bewildered, had been fighting the issue for the duration of their young married lives and had made repeated visits to D.C. to battle the issue.

Next time...More Friends, More Stories, More Dot Connecting. I will introduce you to my friend, Karen-Budd- Fallen an Ag Advocate with determination and drive and victories under her belt.

Monday, November 7, 2011

Education, GAP and Big Picture Thinking

 "First they came for the Jews
and I did not speak out
because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for the Communists
and I did not speak out
because I was not a Communist.
Then they came for the trade unionists
and I did not speak out
because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for me
and there was no one left
to speak out for me"
Martin Niemoller

I hope if you're following this blog and you are a producer who was confused about Prop 2, Prop B, and Ballot Initiatives a clearer picture is now forming. It is imperative that ALL animal ag producers, hunters, land owners, fur producers, pretty much anyone involved with animal and land ownership understand the "big picture".  I will continue to make references to Prop 2, Prop B, and Ballot Initiatives, as they directly relate to the overall plan animal activists and "others" have put in place to obtain their ultimate goal: to abolish animal agriculture.

I also want to take today to express my appreciation to my industry's programs and leaders. As a beef producer I rely on the National Cattlemen's Beef Association along with the Cattlemen's Beef Board to protect producers from onerous rules and regulations and promote our product. Without these leaders and programs our beef industry would have limited export markets, be overrun by government regulations and unable to spread the positive word about beef. 
  
If you've been following my blogs and posts you may conclude that I'm not a real deep thinker (anyway I probably don't appear to be), I have a sense of humor and I like to have  a little fun.  But on the flip-side I'm a serious mom, grandmother, women rancher working to protect my family and ranch. So I have vocally shared my staunch conservatism, not only politically, but agriculturally as well.  This next sentence is hard for me to write. But I must.   In the next few days I am going to attempt to explain Agenda 21 and  ICLL, world-wide programs already set in place to push a socialistic agenda. There I said it.  We are in the midst of a socialistic movement that's happening under our noses.  I could sense that we were being taken over gradually and systematically but couldn't put my finger on it.  Not until last week when my friend and colleague brought Agenda 21 to my attention.  I shared with her some things that had happen on our ranch and after our conversation, the events that are happening throughout the U.S. in our rural areas became perfectly clear.

If I appear to be emitting a sense of urgency, I AM.  The events I shared with my friend had to do with a third party auditor (companies that audit your livestock, handling of animals, facilities, etc.in return for a sale premium if certain guidelines are met).  Participating ranches or farms are audited periodically to verify compliance. Our particular audit was with someone we trusted.  We would later find out that the information gleaned for the program, Global Animal Partnership or GAP, would be information that would ultimately be in the hands of animal activists.  Wayne Pacelle and Miyun Park sit on the board of GAP.
Our family was on the brink of allowing  information from our ranch to be handed over for HSUS scrutiny. It was by having a little knowledge of the covert attacks that HSUS uses that I recognized red flags during the audit. As soon as some questions were asked on our part, we terminated the audit.  My goal is to make sure this does not happen to another animal ag producer.
Our family, as beef producers, has taken advantage of premiums such as All Natural and NHTC (Non Hormone Treated Compliant) and have felt very fortunate to have these choices. BUT a program such as GAP must be scrutinized closely before entering into a contract.

Coming up next time. A more in depth look at the stories that connect the dots in the ongoing push for destruction of traditional animal agriculture: Jim Keene author of "Great Ranches of the West",  The Expansion of National Monuments and more.

P.S.  If you are already getting the "big picture" and know where I'm going with this information...move right on along and share it with other animal ag producers.  We are in a fight for our children and grandchildren's livelihoods.

Friday, November 4, 2011

Ballot Initiatives: Animal Activist's Success Tool

If the term Ballot Initiative sounds familiar, and you're confused about its meaning, here's an explanation I hope will make it easier to understand. 
Ballot Initiative Defined:
"A piece of legislation or constitutional amendment appearing on a ballot for citizens to vote on".
"Means by which a petition is signed by a certain minimum number of registered voters forcing a public vote."


Ballot Initiatives are being used by animal activists to get their agenda on a ballot and before the people for a vote.  Remember that voters from many ballot initiative states (24) are from large urban areas and can be easily swayed to sign a petition that is skewed to their agenda using signatures of the sympathetic ("Don't you want to save abused puppies?") as a tool.

HSUS Quote: "The Humane Society of the United States, the nation's largest animal protection organization, supports the use of citizens’ ballot initiatives after more traditional forms of policy reform have been exhausted, and when politicians and state regulators are unresponsive to citizens’ concerns".


The Statement Below From an Animal Ag Alliance Report on TAFA (Take Action For Animals) Shows The Power Ballot Initiatives Have In Getting Animal Activist's Agenda Passed.
"The new agreement between HSUS and United Egg Producers to seek federal legislation for housing standards for egg laying hens was also discussed at both conferences. Audience members seemed upset about the agreement, noting HSUS "caved" by giving up its cage-free campaign. Others were frustrated because they had devoted time and energy to collecting signatures for the ballot. Kitty Jones, a 17-year-old student, was praised for her individual work of collecting more than 10,000 signatures for the proposed Washington state ballot initiative campaign. On the other hand, some of the activist groups viewed the agreement as a "monumental victory" for HSUS, although some attendees were wary of working with the agriculture industry. HSUS staff asserted that the biggest hurdle would be agricultural lawmakers in Congress".

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Connecting The Dots and A Look At Prop 2

Some of this information may be redundant to many of you, but connecting  the dots requires a solid understanding of what HSUS is ultimately trying to accomplish-what they have accomplished, how they have accomplished it and an understanding of who their accomplices are.  A past article from Beef Magazine explains What Prop 2 Really Means To Ag?.   Also Chris Chinn's Explanation of Prop 2 and Prop B is excellent and understandable:

 Countering Farming Myths

Kevin and Chris Chinn felt strongly that the hog farm environment got a bad rap from activists, so three years ago they decided to build their new home within 100 yards of the swine lagoon adjacent to Chinn Hog Farm.
“We built our home next to the lagoon to show that we are not afraid to live there, and it is not a bad place to raise your family. We drink the same water and we breathe the same air as our neighbors,” she says.
The Chinn family also produced its own YouTube video, which has been active online for nearly two years now. “The Truth about Modern Pork Production” is a virtual tour of the family's hog farm, Chris says. It has resulted in more than 28,000 views.
“But because it shows a different side of the story and the truth about what a family farm really looks like, activists have complained that it is inappropriate content,” Chris adds. Now, to access the video, viewers must be over 18 years old and create a YouTube account.
“I want people to see what a normal farmer looks like, what an average day on the farm is like and that 99.99% of farms are like ours — clean and with good animal care,” she says.
Without the truth, falsehoods can prevail. For example, she says, social networking on the Internet was a key factor that led to the passage of Proposition 2 in California. “There were a lot of conversations on Facebook and on blogs where people were asking questions about animal welfare. The people who were answering the questions were not farmers and ranchers,” she observes.
A proposed initiative in Missouri to place limits on pet breeding could produce a lot of negative impact as many farmers' wives supplement farm income by breeding dogs, she notes. Although it starts out targeting dogs, it could end up being much more damaging than that. That's how Proposition 2 started out, Chris explains.
Now, a variety of state ballot initiatives are being proposed across the country to push back activists' idealistic notions of animal welfare. “A lot of people have misconceptions and think that the ballot initiatives will only hurt the big companies and corporations. But in reality, 96% of the farms in business today are run by families, so legislation like Proposition 2 could have a huge impact on family farmers and ranchers,” she points out.
It is an intense assault on agriculture. California farmers are still trying to figure out how the details of Proposition 2 will impact them. And, they now face a new ban on tail docking in dairy cattle and a proposed ban on the use of antibiotics in livestock.
It is a calculated plan. Proposition 2 won't become fully implemented until 2016. “That way, if the activists can get other states to cave in and pass similar initiatives, the states won't know what the true implications are until it is too late,” Chris warns.
The damage from such legislation could cripple the ability of U.S. farmers to feed their own country, and an increasingly hungry world.
Added costs to meet these types of regulations and anti-agriculture sentiments are two reasons why some large U.S. farms are expanding elsewhere, such as in Mexico and South America. More are sure to follow if the trend is not reversed, Chris says.


Recent deductions by ag universities on how Prop 2 should be handled are emerging.  Is there something being over-looked?  Aren't  "actual, real, live, hardworking producers" going out of business while these on-going studies  are conversed, studied and pondered? This isn't an experiment to be performed on individuals willing and able to feed the world..  A forgotten link is the  survival of grassroots producers willing to feed the masses.  Sure, consumer confidence is important, but the survival and  protection of a small group of individuals willing to feed a growing world population currently moving towards 7 billion; 9 billion in the next 23 years, is being overlooked.  Have the individuals doing the projected studies visited the farms and ranches they are virtually studying? This is another problem within our own animal ag industries...a huge disconnect between academia and grassroots producers. 
Next time: A Look At Ballot Initiatives and How Animal Activists Are Using This Process To Reach Their Goal of Abolishing Animal Ag.