Rally for Missouri Agriculture

On April 20, more than 1,200 people appeared at the State Capitol to participate in a rally for Missouri agriculture to support Senate Bill 113. Senate Bill 113 will make changes to Proposition B, an initiative backed by the Humane Society of the United States, which was approved by voters in November. The bill is waiting for Governor Nixon’s signature.  

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) also held a rally that was located at the Governor’s mansion. HSUS is opposed of this bill as they are in favor of Proposition B. 

Some of the changes that would be made to Prop B include eliminating the 50-dog limit, removing restrictions on how often a dog can be bred, eliminates the increase of breeder fees, takes away the yearly veterinarian examination requirements and removes the requirement for outdoor exercise areas. 

Many agriculture groups, including several of CAFNR’s student organizations, were present to show their support of this bill.  

Spring Break at the Mohler Farm

As a senior in college, I am one of the few that did not head to Panama City, California, Texas, or even a cruise for spring break. I simply couldn’t pass up the opportunity to head back to the farm. After all it is kidding and calving season…

My spring break began when I landed in Baltimore in the wee hours of the night to head home to Southern Maryland.   However, it was inevitable that despite the morning hours we had to check the goats that were soon to kid.  The last doe decided to wait a few more days, but that didn’t stop me from seeing all the new calves the following morning.

Spending time with the family (despite more than one occurrence with the flu) is great, but the animals are really what bring the family together.  Whether it is checking for babies in the middle of the night, or feeding the animals in the evening, the farm atmosphere is hard to escape!

Here is a peek at some of the babies we have on the Mohler farm so far this year…

The Meal of Choice

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, there is talk of hot date locations, meal deals and, of course, flowers for that special someone.   In the agriculture industry though, February is also known as “I Heart Beef” month.  Whether a prime or “choice” cut of meat, beef seems to be a popular pick for that special someone in and out of the agriculture industry. 

“What better way to say I love you than with a sizzling steak?” Kaity Kerwin, Director of Communications for the Missouri Beef Industry Council, said. 

According to a survey fielded by the Pelegrin Research Group “more than 51 percent of Americans surveyed believe serving steak to someone best says ‘I love you’ more than all other proteins combined.”  Furthermore, “men say they have eight times more chemistry with steak than they do with chicken.”

Morgan Kueckelhan, junior Animal Science major at MU, said her ideal Valentine’s Day dinner is a rib-eye steak with a side of mashed potatoes. 

“I really don’t care about flowers I would much rather have a steak dinner” said Kueckelhan.  “It’s not just the meal, it’s the quality of time you spend together while enjoying the meal.” 

“I Heart Beef” month is being promoted by student groups on campus.  The Mizzou Beef Club hosted a hamburger lunch in the Animal Science Research Center and Mizzou Collegiate CattleWomen handed out beef valentines around campus.   

“Cattlemen work hard all throughout the year to put a high quality steak on our plates, so promoting beef and eating a steak for Valentine’s Day is a great way to support our farmers” said Kueckelhan. 

“Beef is a great source of zinc, iron and protein, and there are 29 lean cuts of beef with only 154 calories per 3 ounce serving.” Kerwin said.  “Not only does beef say ‘here have this delicious meal’ but it also says ‘I care about you and your health.’”

University of Missouri students show their appreciation for beef.

Mother of 12

Amber Fisher is now a "mother of 12".  Her goats recently gave birth!  My cousin, Amber, is very excited to have more mouths to feed, and more animals to load up come fair time!  Amber is 17 years old and actively involved in 4-H.  She enjoys showing her goats and pigs as well as attending various campus and participating in public speaking contests.  Amber does a great job caring and exhibiting her animals and this is evident in the show ring! Below Amber tells her take...

My goats are a big part of my life. I feed them, love them, and make sure they are happy and healthy.

They've taught me a lot over the years. I’ve learned how to be patient, responsible, and hard working. Sometimes my goats can be very stubborn and not walk but through that I've learned that I need to take things as they come, breath, and work towards the end goal without getting completely overwhelmed.

I've also learned responsibility from them. They are mine and therefore their wellbeing is on me. I make sure I feed them and clean their stalls, if their sick I make sure to treat them.  I prevent them from getting sick by administering their vaccination shots on time.  I also feed them, wash them, clip their feet, and more.  

 I breed and show my goats and sell them for different purposes. Some people buy them for the meat, breeding, and even some as pets. When my goats are sold to market it is sad but I know I have helped the community by producing a healthy product. 

4-H has taught me how to care for my animals properly.   As a result my goats are well pampered!

Emily's 4-H Story

My cousin, Emily Solis, shares her 2010 4-H story, and a clip of what she does with her 4-H projects.  Emily is 14 years old and is actively involved in 4-H, ROTC in high school, and keeping good grades. Emily was a big help to our family this year and a great showman!  We are excited to see her get further involved in agriculture. 

This was my first year in 4-H and it was a lot of fun! I am a member of Farmer’s Fortune 4-H club. I joined this year to help my aunt and uncle show some of my cousins’ animals. I always loved going over to their farm and doing stuff with the animals. I never got the full experience with livestock until I joined 4-H. I never would have gotten this experience without the help of my aunt, uncle and cousins. This has been one of the best years of my life thanks to 4-H.

One of my goals this year was to learn more about livestock and the functions of a farm. I feel like I learned a lot for my first year and find it all very interesting.

This year I showed a heifer and breeding goat for my Livestock project.  They both did very well this year. I showed them at the Prince George’s, Charles, and St. Mary’s county fairs. I hope to have more projects in Livestock next year and to improve my showing ability.

I also participated in livestock judging this year. It was a lot of hard work. I found the actual judging part to be harder than giving reasons. I hope to improve next year.

This was a very good year for me and hope to continue with all the activities 4-H has to offer. It is a lot of fun and a great experience.

American Agriculture: Your Food. Your Farmer.

My brother, Colby Mohler, shares his view on American agriculture.  Colby is 17 years old and enjoys showing livestock, hunting, and playing football. 

He wrote this essay for the 2011 Ag Day Essay Contest. 

Every day millions of people go to the grocery store in search for the freshest foods.  They go to the produce isle and pick out firm tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and then move to the dairy isle to find their type of milk and cheese.  They then head over to the meat section where they order their lean roast beef and honey smoked ham.  American consumers have several options in the grocery store, and can usually find their needs for their price.  However, many of these people do not know the story of how these luxurious products are produced. 

Although Americans benefit from agriculture multiple times a day, they have little understanding of where these goods come from.  For example, less than two percent of Americans are involved in agriculture (csrees.usda.gov), which means that 98 percent of the population is not involved in the progression of clothing and feeding the world.  Today we are fortunate that farmers can produce a larger quantity for the consumer demanded low price.  In the year 2050 the United States’ population will double (novusint.com).  Advances in agriculture help the farmer meet the demands of an ever growing population.  The average person is two generations removed from the farm (naicc.org).  This leaves majority of consumers uneducated about their food supply.

The average famer can produce a larger quantity of products than in previous years.  Whether it is GPS systems in combines, fancy irrigation systems, or cows that milk themselves, technology plays a huge role in agriculture today.    Because these advancements are producing more goods, the cost is affordable for the consumer.  In 2008, Americans spent only 9.6 percent of their disposable income on food, in comparison to in 1995 when they spent almost double that (iowafarmbureau.com).  Farmers in the United States produce the safest, most affordable food supply (faqs.org).

Agriculture affects everybody in the world.  We are very fortunate to be living in America where we never have to doubt the farmer’s ability to put food on my and your family’s table.  Farmers run a 24 hour, seven day a week operation with no sick days, no holidays, and no snow days.  Everyone should be thankful for American Agriculture: Your Food. Your Farmer.

Works Cited

faqs.org. Date reviewed- Jan. 3^rd. http://www.faqs.org/nutrition/Pre-Sma/Regulatory-Agencies.html

iowafarmbureau.com. Date reviewed- Dec. 26^th

http://www.iowafarmbureau.com/public/ag_in_your_life/page.aspx?pageid=113

csrees.usda.gov. Date reviewed- Dec. 27^th . http://www.csrees.usda.gov/qlinks/extension.html

naicc.org. Date reviewed- Dec. 23^th . http://www.naicc.org/news/NAICCnews-Mar10.pdf

novusint.com. Date reviewed- Jan 1^st . http://www.novusint.com/

Where is agriculture going?

America’s farmers and ranchers produce a safe, affordable, and wholesome food supply for the growing population.  Consumers demand low food prices, therefore farmers strive to produce a large quantity of food in an efficient manner.   As a result, farmers must own larger operations to make a living.  Yet 98 percent of farms are still family owned.  Some people think that farmers farm to get rich yet any farmer knows there are better ways to achieve that.  Real farmers farm because they enjoy and choose that lifestyle. 

As a senior in the College of Agriculture Food and Natural Resources I’ve learned firsthand what the next generation has in mind.  I have the opportunity to visit daily with peers of all different majors (animal science, agriculture business, agriculture journalism, pre-vet, agriculture education, agriculture economics, etc.) they all understand the importance of the future of agriculture.  Agriculture feeds, clothes and provides shelter for the world’s growing population.  In the year 2050 the world’s population is predicted to have doubled.  Currently only two percent of the world is involved in agriculture and majority of people are 2-3 generations removed from the farm with the average farmer being 56 years old.  This year approximately 57,000 students will graduate with degrees in agriculture with there being 58,000 job openings.  It is clear that the future rest in the hands of today’s agriculture enthusiasts. 

I recently participated in a contest with Ag Connect.  I was selected as a finalist for their Next Generation of Ag category.  As a finalist I received a flip camera to advocate for agriculture.  My first video has been posted at the link below. Please check it out and be sure to vote for my video!

Ag Connect

This Thanksgiving I am not only thankful for my family and friends but also for the farmers and ranchers that feed and clothe us!