“Musings of a Pig Farmer” by Larry Sailer

Every cloud has a silver lining or so the saying goes.  Last week I had a cloud over my head.  I was literally “down and out” with a torn ligament in my foot.  Fortunately, the silver lining was that my grandson Devin was still on winter break from college and was able to do chores.  That left me with idle time, which I used to catch up with some reading.

Today I’d like to share some of the information I read from a particular site called sourcewatch.com.  That site talks about Front Groups, or a group that claims to support a public cause while actually serving a special interest or another group that’s objective might be obscured or concealed.  It shocked me to see Source Watch call the American Farm Bureau (AFBF) a front group!

Here’s the first sentence:  The American Farm Bureau Federation is a right-wing lobbying front for big agribusiness and agribusiness-related industries that works to defeat labor and environmental initiatives, including climate change legislation. A side box on the Source Watch website reads: Front Groups…Appearances may be deceptive.

WOW… talk about deceptive!  This Source Watch website is truly deceiving readers about the AFBF.  I’m very involved in the workings of the Farm Bureau, and I can tell you that Source Watch is way wrong here.

While farmers in general tend to be a little conservative, the Farm Bureau does not represent huge agribusiness corporations.  I’m a small farmer, and I’ve been involved in the process of choosing candidates we believe will support our position.  During this selection process, we very much keep the candidates political affiliation out of the picture.  We analyze their positions and interview them to find out their current stance. Yet, sourcewatch.org makes it look like the entire agriculture community is made of big corporations out to make a quick buck at the expense of the environment and its citizens.

More than 90% of farms are family owned and managed.  Family farm come in all sizes, and yes, some are even incorporated.  I own an LLC myself.  An LLC is a business structure, and I use it just like any Main Street business would.

I’ve often said that urban and rural residents “speak different languages, and this is another example of that.  Some of the other things that Source Watch accuses AFBF of are completely hog wash!  (Yep, I’m using old hog farmer term because it’s fitting.)

We must communicate with one another.  I urge consumers to talk with and listen to the people who raise your food.  Ask questions.  Listen to the answers from someone who farms.  I’m always willing to listen to your concerns, too.

At the start of a new year, Americans often reflect upon the past and prepare for the future. One of my 2013 resolutions is to print a coffee table book that provides interesting stories about Franklin County farm families, as well as historical accounts of the 4-H organization. Proceeds from this book will go toward a permanent scholarship for county 4-H’ers who are interested in pursuing higher education.

Getting this book to print is going to be a “project,” no doubt! I put skill that I gained through 4-H to use in early 2013 by developing this project outline:

Goal: Print a coffee table book by December 2013 that will benefit the Franklin County 4-H Scholarship

Objective: Collect stories from 25 county farm / 4-H families

Tactics:

• Conduct a communications workshop
• Feature 12 county farm families on TheFieldPosition.com
• Feature “Franklin County 4-H Facts” each Friday this year
• Recruit each county 4-H club reporter to submit one story
• Invite residents to submit stories about their Century Farms or in honor of their loved ones.

Tactic #1 will take place on Saturday, Jan. 12. 4-H club reporters and anyone interested in exploring communications careers are invited to attend this workshop, from 10 AM to 2:30 PM, at the Franklin County Extension Office in Hampton.

Tactic #2 begins tomorrow when feature April Hemmes and Ruth Kazmerzak on TheFieldPosition.com. Be sure to “tune into tomorrow” for their story.

Tactic #3 involves sharing 4-H facts. Although it’s only Thursday, I couldn’t resist sharing a few facts today:

• Cooperative Extension in Franklin County began with the organization of the Franklin County Farm Bureau in 1918. Extension work was a service offered through Farm Bureau.
• The first 4-H club formed was a countywide Purebred Sow and Litter Club.
• Because of the success of the first club, the next year they started a Pure Bred Short Horn Calf Club.
• Girls clubs were organized with an emphasis on home furnishings, music appreciation and health.
• Until 1955, girls who wanted to raise and show livestock could only do so by belonging to a boys’ club. This was also the year they began a county girls livestock 4H club and the Livestock Queens were formed.

We hope you’ll join our efforts, too! “Like” Franklin County Extension on Facebook and watch for “Fun Fact Friday.” Watch for “Friday Farm Family Features” on TheFieldPosition.com. Share your own family’s farm and/or 4-H story. Click here to download a form and to learn more about the donor levels. Feel free to contact me directly to see how I might help tell your story.

“We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We’re going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called “Opportunity” and the first chapter is New Year’s Day.” – Edith Lovejoy Pierce

It’s hard to believe that another year has already come and gone! Before we totally close the book on 2012, I have one more page to write about my hog enterprise. I recently loaded pigs into a semi during a cold, snowy December day. We began at about 6:30 p.m. and the last semi load left after midnight. With snow on the ground and a north wind blowing in our faces, it was a sharp contrast to the conditions we faced on Aug. 29 when this group of pigs arrived.

It takes about 120 days for little 35-pound pigs to become 290-pound market hogs.  I’m still amazed at how quickly and how large our market pigs grow.  When I was kid on our family farm by Geneva, we wouldn’t have dreamt of keeping pigs past 220 pounds because we’d be paid less for them.   “Back in the day” these pigs were considered too fat for market, yet today’s pigs remain lean at 290 pounds.

Changes to genetics and feed allow us to raise extremely lean pork today, which makes some really nice pork chops.  Iowa chops are some of my favorite food to grill, even in the winter.  But, I digress… (It’s funny how quickly food diverts my attention!)

Another huge benefit for the pig and the buyer of pork, or consumers, is the fact that pigs are healthier inside these buildings.  When I raised pigs outside, we had to worm them and treat them for mange.  I haven’t treated a pig for either of these since I began raising pigs inside.  Trichinosis is unheard of now that pork is raised inside, so you can cook most pork to 145 degrees for some really tasty tender pork.

By keeping our barns isolated and by cleaning and disinfecting our barns, I use way less medication than I did while raising pigs outside.  My outdoor pigs were always fighting the flu and colds!  It was a challenge to keep them warm plus supply them with fresh food and water in freezing temperatures.

I remember, during one winter storm about 20 years ago, I was trying to get to a neighbor’s farm in a blizzard because his Dad couldn’t get there to do chores.  I made it on a snowmobile.  Snow had blown into the hog sheds and made all of the bedding wet.  There were already some dead pigs because of the cold.  This is just one example of what our Iowa weather can do to livestock in old-style buildings.

As we changed the pig, we had to change the way we took care of them.  The modern hog barn has been a big help as it’s always warm and dry.  Pigs are safe from predators, and they have the best feed we can make plus fresh water available to them at all times.  As you can see in my pictures and video, these pigs are content and healthy.  I’m not alone.  Click here to see how this Nebraska farm family uses similar methods to keep their pigs safe and warm although the outside weather is frightful.

So much has changed during the last 50 years!  Thanks to modern pork production practices, we’re able to raise pork more efficiently.  I cannot even guess what the price of pork would be in the grocery store if we hadn’t made changes throughout the industry.  We certainly wouldn’t be able to produce enough to export pork to feed a hungry world.

I am very happy going into this New Year knowing that farmers and ranchers are always trying to improve and do a better job, doing what we do.  Happy 2013!

Annette Sweeney of rural Buckeye in Hardin County, Iowa, has worn many hats: farmer’s daughter, teacher, farmer, cattle producer, wife, mother and state legislator.  She’s starting the New Year with a new title as president of Iowa Agri-Women, the newly formed legislative advocacy arm of the Iowa Women in Agriculture organization and is affiliated with American Agri-Women.

Agriculture is Sweeney’s passion and advocacy remains her sacred cow.  She’s on a mission to make women aware of policy that affects their families and their farming operations.  That’s why she reaching out to women statewide, inspiring them to become involved with Iowa Agri-Women.

“Women in agriculture must be actively engaged in the lawmaking and rule-making processes because there are fewer people who understand the day-to-day workings,” says Sweeney.  “Ag literacy is a real concern.  Too many individuals in places of power have never set foot on a farm, yet their making laws and rules that greatly impact our businesses and livelihoods.”

Anyone and everyone who is concerned about how legislation could impact agriculture is invited to an inaugural meeting later this month.  The group will meet again in March at the Wallace State Office Building, Des Moines.

“We want to make ourselves known to legislators, so that if a related issue comes up, they will feel comfortable visiting with us to see how our farms and related businesses might be impacted. We want to provide a ‘local resource’ for in each legislative districts (50 Senate; 100 House).

For more information, call 641-373-4899 or e-mail annette@annettesweeney.com.

Cute tricks and easy tips for getting your house in order

Nearly everyone talks about making New Year’s Resolutions, yet only 45% of Americans actually do.  Six short months later, less than half of those who made resolutions are still committed to keeping them.

This year I’m determined to make only New Year’s Resolutions that I can keep!  I’ve set a goal to be part of the 10% of Americans who are still committed to their resolutions at the end of the year.  Here’s how I’m going to beat the odds…

“Make passion your true power” and “develop a community of support” are two strategies that experts say increase one’s probability of success.  I’m passionate about these three things: home, hearth (family) and health.  That’s why I’m going to make resolutions focused on my passions and then build a community of support online through TheFieldPosition blog, Facebook and Pinterest.  You’re invited to join the fun!

Today I’m kicking off a three-part blog series on “Setting Successful New Year’s Resolutions.”  I’ll share some Pinterest-inspired ideas for organizing the home, and tomorrow Rebecca Ramage will share some tips for healthy cooking. The third part of our series – and one I’m especially looking forward to reading – will feature fun ideas that Laura Cunningham “pinned” to inspire quality time together as a family.

GETTING THE HOUSE IN ORDER

My personal philosophy is, “everything has a place and everything belongs its place.” Apparently, several hundreds of people on Pinterest feel the same way!  I was first Pinspired by Laura Cunningham’s Organize board.  Then I checked out On the Banks of Squaw Creek’s boards for Organizing and Organization.  These boards offered up so many unique and interesting ideas that I had 18 pins in a matter of minutes!  If I implement just one of these, I’m going to call it a success!

Here are some Pinterest-inspired ideas to help get a house in order:

1. ‘Tis the season to put away the holiday decorations.  I love this inexpensive and simple way to store glass ornaments.  Check out this clever way to store wrapping paper, too.  Thanks to an ordinary toilet paper roll, no wrapping paper will be ripped or wasted due to rubber bands or tape!
2. Spice up the Kitchen.  I already have a spice drawer, and yes, my spices are stored in alphabetical order.  I love not having to search for ingredients!  (I pinned this one just so my husband knows there are other people who think like me.)
3. When I saw the pitcher of flour and sugar, it was a “light bulb moment.”  My pantry will look tidier and there will less chance of me making a mess while measuring ingredients.
4. Garage Barrage.  I just happen to know where I can find a few pallets  This idea could even be taken to the livestock barns at the county fair.  I also like the  inexpensive idea of using PVC pipes with labels, so you know if something goes missing.

I’m always looking for ways to store an overflow of kids’ toys, whether its basketballs, footballs and baseball bats or video games.  Feel free to share your ideas with me via Facebook, Pinterest or our blog!

New Year’s Eve seems like the appropriate time to reflect upon the past year.  Much has happened.  While it hasn’t all been good, I’m going to focus on the bright spots.

One New Year’s Resolution I kept in 2012 was starting to write a weekly blog, “Musings of a Pig Farmer.”  This blog is something I would never have dreamed of doing even just a couple of years ago.  I thank Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds for giving me a place to share what I do on the farm (and elsewhere) with people, who are not quite so connected with farming but want to know more about where their food comes from and how it’s raised.

Do we raise food in the “right way”?  Is the way we operate acceptable in your eyes?  While I’d like to believe we have all the right answers, the truth is that everyone has a different opinion of what’s right.  What seems right to me may not be right to someone living in New York City.

Unless we talk and listen to one another – really engage in a two-way conversation – we don’t even know what the other person is thinking.  The person in New York City just might like what I do when she finds out why I do it. Or just maybe, she will show me why it’s not right to do something the way it’s been done on my farm.  I can learn, and that’s why I always say we must listen.

Soil and water conservation is a very big issue right now.  Honestly, I had no idea quite how contentious of an issue it was until my “letter to the editor” on this topic was published in The Des Moines Register.  To my disbelief, I received hate mail telling me in very nasty words why I am a horrible person and how I am polluting the water and causing all the trouble down in the Gulf of Mexico.

There was no return address on that letter, and I really would’ve liked to have had a conversation with this “anonymous” person.  If he could see how I take care of the soil and water through no-till practices and buffer strips, he would understand that we share the goal of conserving soil and preserving water quality.  But, he did not communicate with me.  Instead he hid behind his pen, and this really bothers me!  I would really like the chance to share with him all of the good things being done in hope of taking away some of his hate.

That one nasty letter did motivate me to keep trying to have conversations with people who lack an understanding of agriculture.  With more consumers curious about where their food comes from and how it’s raised, there is a greater need for more farmers to share their stories. If you’re a fellow farmer, I encourage you to share your story!  Consumers understand when you explain.

Let’s all resolve to do what we can to understand one another in 2013.  Here’s to peace and goodwill…  Happy New Year!

Submitted by Tracy Schlater
Marketing Director, Farm Safety For Just Kids

Believe it or not, winter fires are common due to additional heat sources. Today I’d like to share with you a few precautions you can take to protect your family and your farm.

10 Ways to Help Avoid Farm Fires

1. Install smoke detectors on every level of your home. Be sure to place one outside each bedroom.
2. Test smoke detectors monthly. Replace batteries twice a year, regardless of whether you think it’s necessary. One easy trick for remembering to do this is to change batteries each time you change the clocks for daylight savings.
3. Replace smoke detectors that are 10 years or older.
4. Place fire extinguishers in strategic locations, making sure they are accessible in your kitchen, barn, farm buildings, and machinery including tractors and combines.
5. Plan your escape routes. Practice fire drills at home once a year. Show your children all of the safe ways to escape a fire from every room of the house and every building on the farm. Designate an outdoor meeting place and make it part of the drill.
6. Keep matches away from children.
7. Never enter a confined livestock area or housing structure if it’s on fire.
8. Install lightning rods.
9. Store gasoline and other flammable fuels in proper containers in cool places.
10. Turn off engines when refueling machines.

Guest-blogged by Aaron Putze, Iowa Food and Family Project

Supermarket Guru Phil Lempert makes his annual predictions for the world of food.

A renewed emphasis on breakfast, men doing more grocery shopping and food prep and reductions in food waste are just a few of the trends that will define 2013, according to Supermarket Guru Phil Lempert.

The food retailing expert says the most dramatic changes are not what, but how, consumers are eating and who’s doing the shopping.

“Not only will there be an increase in male and Millennial grocery shoppers, but there will be a dramatic shift in the sizes of meals and an emphasis on frozen food,” says Lempert. “Consumers are looking for food to prepare quickly and conveniently while offering fresh, high-quality ingredients and homemade taste.”

Lempert’s top-10 food trends for 2013:

1. Less food waste. More people are becoming aware of the estimate that 40 percent of food goes uneaten each month in the United States. Lempert says food waste can be reduced by planning meals ahead of time and checking expiration dates at the store.
2. More snacking and mini-meals. Snacking, says Lempert, has gotten a bad rap and that’s about to change. Replacing a few, large meals with more frequent nibbling may be associated with a more nutrient dense diet.
3. The story behind our food. “2013 will be a transitional year as on-package claims proliferate and confuse,” Lempert says. Supermarkets will take on the role of gatekeeper and demand proof and transparency of claims before they will permit products to be sold on their shelves. The role of retail dietitians will also increase.
4. A “silver tsunami.” Nearly 70 million Baby Boomers (1946-1964) are nearing retirement so nutrition and healthy eating habits will be top meal-planning priorities for them. Lempert says to expect more heart-healthy antioxidant-rich foods including oily fish such as salmon, as well as green tea, sweet potatoes and dark leafy greens.
5. Impact of Millennials (those born between 1982 and 2001): Supermarkets and food companies will cater more toward Millennial consumers with affordable foods that are flavorful and ethnically diverse, says Lempert.
6. The economy and new proteins: With predicted price increases in beef and chicken, Lempert anticipates more sales of eggs, nut butters, tofu, beans and legumes.
7. More men in the supermarket and kitchen. Lempert says men and dads are getting more comfortable and powerful in the kitchen and predicts supermarkets will increase their focus on men in 2013.
8. Frozen food heating up. With a continued decline in the percentage of meals prepared from scratch, more consumers are reaching for frozen foods. That’s OK, says Lempert, as the Food & Drug Administration agrees that there’s virtually no nutritional difference between fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables.
9. Smart technology. Smart phones and technology are prevalent in the food industry, but the newest wave of technology includes smart phones that network with kitchen appliances and allow consumers to do everything from checking how much milk they have left in the refrigerator to turning the oven on from another room. Lempert says more mobile apps are on their way.
10. Breakfast first. Lempert says people will continue to pay more attention to what foods are best to eat for breakfast. He suggests balanced breakfast options like egg white omelets, whole grain bread and Greek yogurt with fresh fruit.

For the complete details, check out Lempert’s Food Trends 2013 summary .

Each year many of us begin our holiday shopping with a trip to the stores on Black Friday in search of a great deal on a perfect gift.  The weeks seem to have flown by since then!  It’s down to crunch time to come up with something for those hard-to-by-for people.  Often times the perfect answer is a handmade gift.

Here are 10 great gift ideas to help get you started.  I’ve included instructions on some of my own ideas.  Crafters in the blogosphere also provide great ideas, and I’ve listed my favorite finds below.  The great thing is, most of these gifts can be put together for under $20 and could also be adopted for other holiday gifting occasions.

Try a few of these and put some warmth and creativity into your gift giving this year!

1. Window Pane Photo Frames
   The first idea uses some creative repurposing to transform an old window into a photo frame.  To make this particular version, I first cleaned the window to remove any dirt from the sills and clean up the panes.  (Gentle dish soap finished with some window cleaner works great for this.)  The décor I chose happened to be in my “extra decorations” box, and included a garland and tin star adhered using small finish nails and hot glue.  The sky is the limit as to what you use to decorate the window.  Some other options might be green rope garland, deco mesh, ribbon, ornaments or wooden letters.  The next step is to print out photos sized to fit the panes on your window.  I used tiny pieces of double stick tape to adhere them to the window panes.  Voila!  One creative photo gift that’s ready to wrap up and nestle under the tree.
2. Photo Block Ornament
   This idea is courtesy of Wendy host of “Craft Goodies” blog  and can apply to any recipient from a new Mom, to your best friend or even a Grandparent.  I made one this year for a friend who just had a baby and was able to find the wooden blocks at Hobby Lobby for $0.99 each.  Perhaps you make it a tradition to build one of these ornaments to help remember all the milestones you shared together this past year as a family.
3. Fleece Tied Blanket
   Find a step-by-step tutorial for this idea from Christian on her “Confessions of a Home Schooler” blog.
4. Lawn Jenga
   Have any camping lovers or college kids that love to tailgate with friends?  Lawn Jenga is an easy DIY that is sure to provide hours of stackable fun.  This blog by The Kid Connection explains that each game is made out of simple 2X4’s cut in pieces 10.5” long.  One set equals 54 pieces.
5. Cookies in a Can
   Don’t forget the mailman or teacher on your list!  This is a great way to package some homemade goodies.  Just wrap a Pringles can and place the cookies inside.
6. Modge Podge Photo Coasters
   A great home décor idea, this step-by-step from FrugalGirls.com explains how to modge podge photos onto ceramic tiles to make personalized coasters.
7. Canvas Art
   Have a decorator on your list?  This idea from Stacie Edwards’s “Inspired by Life” blog shows an easy way to make your own canvas art from wooden letters, canvas and spray paint.
8. Salt Dough Ornaments
   Get the kids involved in the DIY gifting with Salt Dough Ornaments from Heart 2 Home.  The recipe is simple: mix 1/2 cup salt, 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup water.  Knead until the dough forms.  Make a shape (for this example they rolled out the dough, made a handprint and then trimmed around it).  Make sure to poke a hole in the top for hanging!  Bake at 200° for 3 hours.  Then decorate, seal and wrap up for great keepsake.
9. Fence Post Santa
   One DIY project that was gifted around my family a few years back is a fence post Santa.  Everyone loved receiving one of their very own and mine makes an appearance each year helping spruce up the house for the holidays.  For this project a little free-hand drawing of a Santa face is a great step to help guide painting.  Using red, peach and black create the face of Santa.  Then using some snow paint (I use Aleene’s brand), fill in his facial hair features and hat brim.  I recommend a top coat sealer to prevent paint chipping and fading.  The spray can form works great and dries quickly.
10. Wooden Photo Art
    The possibilities are endless for gifting photo keepsakes.  This idea comes from WinthropChronicles.com.  She explains how to modge podge photos to a wood base and add ribbon to put an interesting spin on a photo wall hanging.

Musings of a Pig Farmer by Larry Sailer

Who can resist a playful puppy or a cuddly kitten, right?  We’ve even received some Christmas cards featuring dogs dressed in a Santa hat or kittens peeking out from Christmas stockings.

While pets are cute, they undoubtedly require time and attention.  Not everyone enjoys being a pet owner, thus we hear too many stories about animals being mistreated or neglected.  This past fall I actually witnessed a puppy being dropped off along the highway as I was driving my tractor with two, full wagons of corn.  By the time I crossed the highway with my tractor and wagons, this little dog was standing in the middle of the road.  I jumped out of my cab and shouted for the little dog to come.  Luckily, he ran toward me!  Then I took him home where I placed him into a kennel with some food and water before I went back to finish my farming.

It wasn’t long before I discovered this little dog wasn’t too fond of cats.  Since we have lots of farm cats, Janice and I contacted our local pet shelter but it didn’t have room for another dog.  Our daughter, Sara, checked with the animal shelter in Iowa City where she volunteers but didn’t have any luck there.  We kept trying to find a home for him without avail.

After about two months of trying to find the little guy a home, Janice decided to google “animal shelters.”  (NOTE:  I shy away from the term, Humane Society, and I’ll explain why later.)  Janice found the Humane Society of North Iowa.  The staff at the Humane Society of North Iowa was very friendly and said they would put this little dog on their waiting list.  About one week later, someone from HSNI called and said they had a spot for the little dog.  Although I was getting attached to the little critter by now, Janice and I decided to check out the place.

We made the 45-minute trip to Mason City with the dog.  The whole time I was driving I was thinking, “If it’s not a nice place, we’re not leaving the dog!”  Even though we were being critical, HSNI impressed us with its new facility.  There are lots of wide, open spaces and a big exercise area.  The animal areas are very clean, and there are many people caring for these pets.  Young ladies were swooning all over the little dog from the minute we brought through the doors, and we were convinced it would be a good place to leave him.  The staff asked us many questions about the dog and then used that information to create a profile for him on the website.  Perhaps you might even know someone who would like to adopt Phoenix. (Remember, his name may be changed by the family who adopts him.  I didn’t even give him a name since we weren’t planning to keep him.)

Another reason we felt comfortable leaving “Phoenix” with HSNI is because the organization doesn’t receive funds from the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), a non-profit organization claiming to care for animals.  This organization shows pictures of scared little kitties and abused dogs on late-night TV, then asks you to donate $19/month.  The truth is, HSUS uses emotion to raise money for their retirement funds and to hire lobbyists.  Only one half of one percent of the funds raised goes toward animal care!  Most of your local pet shelters, even if they have similar names, have no affiliation with HSUS.

Most local pet shelters, even if they have similar names, have no affiliation with HSUS.  Local shelters will even tell you that HSUS confuses the public and ends up diverting funds meant to take care of unwanted pets.  It ticks me off that HSUS runs misleading ads about its support for animals and doesn’t even help support local shelters.

Please don’t give money to HSUS.  If you want to help animals, donate directly to your local pet shelter!  Janice and I were extremely impressed with the Humane Shelter of North Iowa.  There are many more local shelters across the U.S. doing a great job of caring for animals, so I hope you’ll help support their noble efforts.  As a farmer with livestock, animal care is very important to me.