This week I’ve been spending lots of time doing research and writing about GMOs for a presentation I’ll be giving Thursday at the request of Iowa State University Extension (ISUE). One might think I’d decide to write about GMO’s in today’s blog post, but I’ve decided to instead cover a topic that’s been bugging me for a long time. Yep, it’s political!

The current Administration claims that rebuilding “the middle class” is one of its highest priorities. In actuality, the middle class has been shrinking… Or so we’ve been told. Millions more people have been added to some type of welfare rolls during the Obama presidency. I’ve read reports stating as much as 50% of our population is collecting some type of aid!

One reason this figure is cloudy is because it’s hard to consistently define “aid.” Regardless of how its defined, entitlements are holding back job creation. Contracts negotiated by unions when the economy was expanding and workers could demand whatever they wanted has come home to roost! Money was not put away as it should have been to fund the future draw of the retirees. The current workforce is being made to fund the retirements.

Yet, our current administration claims “putting Americans to work” is one of its highest priorities! The stated goal is to create more jobs and get our workforce strong and growing. I want to examine where our president thinks we should go and why I don’t think that’s the direction needed: 

• Close tax loop holes and keep our jobs from going overseas. Now, being trained as a farmer and not an economist (although that is part of my job), I don’t see how more taxes creates new jobs.
• Build and improve infrastructure to increase jobs. Here again, more taxes are needed to fund the building. Taxes stymie business growth.
• Fund energy-saving, “green” jobs. Solar panel fields, wind turbines and new ways to fuel our transportation needs will certainly stimulate the economy from new energy efficiency, right? Here again, more taxes are needed to fund them. Unfortunately, America has taxed its cheapest types of energy out of existence. We’re losing cheap energy from coal, nuclear and oil, but cheap energy makes jobs – period!

Speaking of creating jobs… we have a major shortage of semi-skilled workers in Iowa. Folks with a trade school education are needed as welders, electricians and assembly folks. Almost anyone with some type of computer skills can be trained and these types of candidates are in high demand.

When I was trying to hire for my construction company, it was tough to find someone willing to run a cordless drill or operate an air nailer. It didn’t matter what I paid. Honestly, it was hard to motivate people to come to work when they can stay at home and make the same amount of money with better benefits!

Now, I have no problem with someone being on temporary unemployment. It happens. Believe me, I know! Some jobs come and go. Jobs get finished and sometimes the next project doesn’t start right away. But unemployment was never meant to replace employment. After a certain period, say three or six months, something needs to change.

Let’s implement a training program instead. Line up jobs that serve a public purpose, so American taxpayers see some benefit and “underemployed” Americans can regain pride in having a purpose. Not everyone can work just any job, as we all know, but some type of service can be done by a lot of the people “looking” for work. Plus, a training program will help equip people with skills they’ll need to hold full-time employment. Win-win.

Notice that I’m not advocating for a higher minimum wage because honestly, that’s a double whammy: (1) People are less incented to work; and (2) Small businesses can’t afford to pay what the government programs do. I’ve heard those who know how to “work the system” are drawing upwards of $50,000. Minimum wage in Iowa is $7.25, so this person is going to need overtime to make $50K. Why work that hard? Our current system leads to a disincentive to work.

Healthcare is a whole other story. Requiring young workers who don’t need health insurance to have it, or a potential employer to buy it for them, is a serious financial drag. Young, healthy workers should be in huge demand! Let’s not shut them out of the job market. There’s more that I could go into on this topic, like paperwork, but I’m going to keep it simple today.

Let’s keep job creation simple:

1. Seek low-cost energy options.
2. Eliminate costly regulations that hamper business.
3. Provide training rather than entitlements.
4. Practice fair trade and supply the world, rather than buying from the world.
5. Keep the government out of jobs that private enterprise can do!

Last week my kids had three Snow Days. Fortunately, the temperatures were warm enough that they could actually go ahead and enjoy the snow. They built a snowman. They made a snow fort in large drifts. They also played King of the Hill with our energetic Black Lab. Plus, they spent quite a bit of time at the local sledding hill.

But what’s a person to do when you wake up to wind chills of 35° below zero?

This week I decided Mother Nature might dictate the weather outside but she wasn’t going to control my mood – at least anymore! Instead of plopping on the couch in front of the television after supper on Monday, I grabbed a bucket of Murphy’s oil soap and scrubbed my kitchen cupboards. The next morning I awoke extra early to take down all of our light fixtures and wash them before work. It’s amazing how much better I felt after seeing my kitchen sparkle!

When I posted my “spring cleaning status” on Facebook, many of my friends posted their ideas.

1. Update Facebook cover photo with a beach scene. There are few things more beautiful (in December and January) than a fresh blanket of snow on farm fields and barn roofs. After pushing snow and doing chores in the cold for weeks on end, however, white sand beaches now sound more appealing! I updated my Facebook cover photo, so I’m virtually transported to a beach each morning. 🙂
2. Paint yourself happy. A few weeks ago, I picked out a beautiful blue color palette for a room in our house. The walls are now light and airy, plus I’ve brought nature inside by decorating with bird nests and pussy willow.
3. Lighten the fare. Usually, I look forward to snow days so I can bake and cook for our kids and their friends. Cheeseburger Chowder, baked tacos, brownies and chocolate chip cookies are among their favorites. But after numerous snow days this winter, I’m starting to feel heavy! That’s why I’m searching for new recipes that are full of color like Sunshine Chopped Salad and Mediterranean Chicken Skillet by Iowa Girl Eats.
   
4. Accessorize.  I recently read an article that “Radiant Orchid” is one of the top Pantone® colors for spring. Feeling as though the four walls were enclosing around me, last night I visited a nearby mall to get a color fix. I tried on a Celosia orange shirt and admired a Kelly green Michael Kors purse. (I should have bought this very purse last Saturday night at the Iowa 4-H Foundation auction.)
5. Lather up with lotion. Last night I was momentarily transported to Oahu and Maui, Hawaii, by  three new signature lotions from Bath & Body. 
6. Get creative with cosmetics. Buy new lipstick in a soft pastel or a bright color inspired by spring flowers. I didn’t have time to set down at the cosmetic bar last night, but I plan to do sometime within the next 30 days.
7. Buy a bouquet. I always look forward to the arrival of tulips and daffodils, but it’s going to be a while before the snow melts and these little beauties peek their heads above the ground. I’m thinking about buying myself a bouquet just to brighten my day! Why should fresh flowers be reserved for occasions like Mother’s Day and anniversaries?
8. Treat yourself to a spa pedicure and/or manicure.  I’ve been known to schedule customer visits around a trip to Faust Institute of Cosmetology in Spirit Lake. It’s been far too long since I’ve had “happy toes.” Northwest Iowa, here I come!
9. Order flower and vegetable seeds. April is national gardening month, so it’s time to plot what gets planted. Not only do I need to plot, I need to buy seeds. (I need a lot of seeds since my pumpkin patch will be close to 7 acres this year!)
10. Haircut and highlights. My mom was a cosmetologist, so she taught me that “highlights in your hair puts spring in your step.” 🙂 Even my 13-year-old daughter finds it fun to get a few highlights.

How do you fight cabin fever? I’d love to hear your thoughts and suggestions. For more ideas, click on the related posts below.

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• The Cabin Fever App
  

Watching the Winter Olympics’ closing ceremonies Sunday and hearing some good news from the Ukraine, made me reflect more upon speakers from our recent policy meeting at Farm Bureau headquarters in Des Moines. All of pondering also heightened my concern about how much access to farm data the U.S. has and how it could be used. It’s no secret that Big Brother keeps a close eye on farmers, but recent meetings have unveiled to me that today’s technology is giving government officials access to more farm data than ever.

“I’m from the government and I’m here to help you.” That was the opening statement made by the first speaker at our recent Iowa Farm Bureau policy meeting. At first, I thought the man was joking. Then I realized he was dead serious.

Bill Bing, Policy Administration Branch Chief for the United States Department of Agriculture, explained how the new Farm Bill ties crop insurance to conservation. I’m thinking, “No big deal. I farm in a very conscience manner about my soil. I no till when possible, and I try to not waste any resources.”

But fear started to run like ice through my veins as Mr. Bing explained the power our new Farm Bill gives government employees. Google maps allows government officials to zoom in on particular farming operations, and the level of detail that can be viewed has this old farm boy concerned about “the facilities” behind the barn anymore! If something catches an official’s eye, the government can come on to my property and investigate. (Will the government view that I am polluting the environment by using “facilities” behind the barn? Is this just cause for a search?)

Bing even went so far as to say that the government wants information from yield monitors in our combines directly linked to their databases! Years of information will be fed into computer and analyzed, so officials can find reason to investigate. And I thought their budget was being reduced!!

Another speaker at the policy conference was Matt Bechdol, president of GeoSilos, who talked about how data is collected by companies. GPS can enable a vast amount of information to be collected, down to where your tractor is operating, what it’s doing and for how long. New planters can transmit how many kernels of corn is being planted and at what depth. Where does this information go and who has access to it? If a company or entity collects enough of this information about planted acres and yields, it can play the markets or even influence them! (How scary is that?)

Day 2 of the policy conference delivered the same message by Vickie Friedow, Ag Program Specialist for Iowa Farm Service, and Soil Conservationist Don Carrington from the Iowa Natural Resources Conservation Service: Government pretty much has free access to check out your operation for something they think they have found odd. And while they are there, you can bet the farm they’ll look at any storage tank, piles of spare parts, and your burn pile. What can and can’t be burned on a farm has personally been read to me, and it’s baffling. Don’t try using any common sense to guess what can and can’t be in that pile!

Yep, today I’m reflecting on Ukraine and Russia. I’m hoping and praying for freedom the Ukrainians have the freedom to farm and sell their products in a way that makes sense, so they can improve their future. There is much potential in the Breadbasket of Europe… Potential I’m hoping and praying we Americans can maintain!

Earlier this winter Polar Vortex blanketed the Midwest, followed by subsequent days of below-zero temperatures and dangerous wind chills. Most recently, our region has been hit by a serious of blizzards. These winter weather events remind us just how important it is to carry a Winter Weather Emergency Kit.

You might think, “I’m just driving 10 miles down the road to check on pigs at another farm.” or “I’ll just run into town for a few supplies.” During inclement weather, it doesn’t matter if you’re whether you’re one mile or 100 miles from home. You can get stranded anywhere, particular in the rural areas many of us travel.

Whiteout conditions are disorienting. Vehicles have been accidentally hit when motorists have lost their bearings and stopped in the middle of the road. Sometimes we decide we can’t go on, but other times our vehicles simply can’t make it through the extreme weather. Whatever happens, it’s best to be prepared to handle the most extreme circumstances.

Keeping a thermal blanket (the one that looks like aluminum foil), as well as a heavy wool blanket plus wool socks in your vehicle is a smart winter survival tactic. Wool helps keep you warm and dry. In fact, wool blankets are commonly used in our ambulances and for winter rescues.

Not only can winter weather be a hazard for travelers, but we also have to watch our bodies for signs of stress while we’re removing snow. Weather like we experienced last week is literally a heart-attack snow because it’s so heavy and wet. Be extremely careful, so you don’t overexert yourself!

I recall hearing a story of a stoic, elderly farmer was determined to shovel to his mailbox to get mail after a heavy wet spring snow. He overexerted himself and passed out on a snowbank. The snowfall that day was extremely heavy, and the wind was blowing fiercely. By the time the ambulance arrived, he was covered with snow. He was wet and hypothermic. Fortunately, this story had a happy ending but not all do. Please take precautions to avoid frost bite and hypothermia situations, even in spring.

March 1 may be just around the corner, but chances are, we’ll experience more snowfall before the grass turns green. Historically in Wisconsin, March is heavy snowfall month. Eleven inches of snow fell here March 7 last year, and snow was on the ground through the end of the month. Watch out for snowdrifts, too.

Be prepared to survive winter until the final flake falls! Throw extra blankets, matches, snacks and other survival tools into your vehicle if you must travel.

As vice president of American Seed Trade Association’s (ASTA) North Central region, I was invited to speak yesterday during the Iowa Seed Association’s annual meeting in Des Moines. This was somewhat of a daunting task since I was asked to address my industry colleagues about issues that ultimately affect everyone involved with agriculture.

Fortunately, I was joined on stage by ASTA Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs Jane DeMarchi. Jane gave a federal update on a vast number of topics including food safety, intellectual property rights, seed testing and biotech. She then ended our presentation with this call to action:

• Legislative Advocacy – Become a Seed Advocate
• Regulatory Advocacy – Be a good steward
• Public Opinion Advocacy – Listen and learn how to respond

Advocates are needed for the seed industry, so we can continue to access the seeds that make today’s farmers more productive and efficient than ever before.  As Annie Dee writes in a blog for Common Ground, “Make Food Choices Based on Facts Not Fear.” She goes onto to write:

On our family farm, for instance, we use varieties of biotech-enhanced corn that are resistant to a common Alabama pest called the southwestern corn borer. Similar varieties help farmers manage pests, diseases and environmental stresses in soybeans, corn and many other crops. These varieties help us increase our yields and provide an abundant supply of food, feed, fuel and fiber to the world.

The use of GMO crops has also reduced the number of chemical applications needed to produce the crop.  This is beneficial for the environment because we’re conserving fuel, reducing emissions from our tractors as well as reducing the amount of actual chemicals being applied. Overall, our carbon footprint is being reduced because of GMOs.

There are numerous reasons for using GMOs, but the final one I’ll mention is because I know the seeds went through a rigorous safety-approval process. Not one, not two, but three government entities — the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency — work together to inspect and approve each and every genetically altered seed variety and plant brought to the market. This process is thorough and time-intensive, lasting between 10-15 years. What is really reassuring is that in the 12-plus years modern biotech crops have been commercially grown, there has not been a single ecosystem disrupted or person made ill.

Even though the fear is unfounded, there is opposition to GMOs that is causing a clear and present danger to the seed industry. Fear of the unknown is causing agriculture to come under attack on the Hawaiian Island of Kauai, known as the Garden Island. Activists from the mainland are funding a campaign against four seed and technology companies in Kauai.

Other activist groups are pushing to label GMO foods. A compulsory GM label would encourage consumers to think that GM foods should be avoided, writes Cass R. Sunstein, the Robert Walmsley university professor at Harvard Law School and “Bloomberg View” columnist. He also writes:

The American Medical Association has similarly proclaimed, “The main conclusion to be drawn from the efforts of more than 130 research projects, covering a period of more than 25 years of research and involving more than 500 independent research groups, is that biotechnology, and in particular GMOs, are not per se more risky than e.g. conventional plant breeding technologies.”

It’s important for farmers and seed company executives alike to be good stewardship of not only the land but of the technologies. It’s also our responsibility to listen to the public and learn how to respond to their concerns.