Minnesota Farm Living

Connecting Consumers with Farmers


Are The Russians Behind Some of the Anti-GMO Rhetoric?

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Sometimes, people (or countries) just need to mind their own business. Unfortunately, the Russians have been caught with their hand in the cookie jar and it’s time we slap their hands by waking up and being smart about who and what they are.

We all know from recent news reports the Russians meddled in our recent presidential elections. It was unusual because they meddled on both sides of the political equation. Not only were they pro-Trump, but they were also anti-Trump. Strange, yes. On the same day, the Russians were behind an anti-Trump rally and a pro-Trump rally. Why?

Russian Ulterior Motive

They are trying to mess with us. They want to cause division. 

Putin and his Russian cronies know how strong the American democracy is and are willing to do what they can to cause division and controversy. They also want to discredit American agriculture in much of the same manner as attempted during the last election. So it shouldn’t surprise us that they have had their fingers in the anti-GMO on-line conversations. 

How do we know the Russians are pushing the anti-GMO rhetoric?

Researchers from Iowa State University (Shawn Dorius and Carolyn Lawrence-Dill) wanted to better understand the controversy around genetically engineered food. The issue is with the overwhelming belief in the science community is that GMOs are safe, consumers still question their safety. Dorius and Lawrence-Dill wanted to find out why. 

What they found was surprising.

Research Results

The ISU researchers looked at not only how U.S. publications portrayed GMOs but also looked at the American versions of RT and Sputknik, two Russian publications. They counted how many times the term “GMO” was used in different publications. Here is what they found:

RT – 34%

Sputnik – 19%

Huffington Post – 18%

Fox News – 15%

CNN – 8%

They went a step further and analyzed the tone of each article. What they found is the Russian publications were overwhelming anti-GMO. The articles talked negatively about environmental risks, nutrition concerns, and health risks of GMOs.

So why would the Russians want to interfere?

Here are a couple of my thoughts:

1) To continue causing division in the U.S. as in the last election. 

2) It is illegal to grow GMOs in Russia and Russia wants to grow their organic food export market. They are trying to portray their organic crops as “ecologically cleaner” so pushing an anti-GMO argument aligns well with their objective. 

Hmmmm . . . that seems pretty obvious why they are interfering.

So now what?

Now that we are aware of what the Russians are up to, we can take some action. First, it is another reason to emphasize critical thinking. We all need to ask ourselves questions: Where and who is behind the anti-GMO research and coverage? Is the research peer-reviewed? Can the research be duplicated? Personally, the first thing I do when I read an article is look to see who wrote and published the article. I think about that continually as I read the article. To a certain extent, everyone has a bias. We just need to understand that bias. 

I also think that companies like Facebook and Google are taking action. As much as I complained about the new algorithm changes to Facebook with Mark Zuckerberg wanting to make the Facebook more about friends and family, I can’t help but think that he is trying to deal with the overwhelming amount of “fake news.” Along those lines, Google is looking to add thousands of jobs. I also think some of that expansion is for the same reasons–to deal with the “fake news.”  Again, this is just my opinion. And then if this is the plan, I am concerned that good, accurate information may come under the heading of fake news and be blocked. Hopefully, that is not what happens. 

Hopefully, that is not what happens. Times are a changin’.

In the meantime, I wonder what other parts of American’s lives the Russians are messing with? We can’t be complacent any longer. There just are evil people who want to cause us harm. We need to be smarter, sharpen our critical thinking skills and don’t let “them” succeed. America is a great nation–the best in the world..

I would love to know what you are thinking. Please feel free to comment!

Other articles on the Russian anti-GMO interference:

Ag Relations Council (there are about 3 links)

 

 

 

 

10 Words That Drive Farmers Crazy

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There are just some days that certain words and phrases drive us completely nuts. In fact, there are 10 words that drive farmers crazy. Let’s take a look at the list.

1. Factory Farm

If I had to narrow this list from 10 to 1, this is the word I would choose. Drives me nuts. In agriculture, we know that people who use the word “factory farm” are using it in a negative way. The people who use “factory farm” don’t want you to think there are people who care for animals on these farms. They want you to think there is minimal animal contact, conditions are dark and unfriendly. But the truth is people run and manage these farms and barns. They are friends, neighbors, and family. Remember, it’s family farms, not factory farms. 

Farm corporations vs family corporations
Factory Farm

2. “All-Natural”

A popular word that literally means nothing. You see it everywhere. But what you may not know is there is no definition for “all-natural,” so food-fear marketers take advantage of the lack of definition and plaster it on just about everything. Again, anything that can stir emotion in consumers is a marketers goal. And “all-natural” makes us all feel good.

3. Non-GMO Label

I hate how food fear marketers use this label. I know you have all seen this label, Non-GMO Project Verified. The problem is they place this label on food items that have no GMO version. For example, DOLE places this label on their peaches. There are no GMO peaches. None. They might as well say “unicorn-free” on the package because it has the same meaning. I understand that consumers want to know what is in their food. But, seriously?

Non-GMO Project

4. Is Your Husband Home?

The reality is there are many women farmers. Most of us are highly invested in our farms just like our husbands. So it is insensitive and irritating when a salesman knocks on the door or calls on the phone and asks, “is your husband home?” It’s offensive and needs to stop. Treat women farmers with respect and for who they are.

5. Soil Health

One of the hot new terms I hear lately is soil health. Like it is a new concept or something. It makes it sound like farmers never cared about soil health until now. That can’t be further from the truth. Farmers have always cared about their land. Many want to leave their land better than when they started farming. Farmers have always worked on soil health and will continue to do so. Yes, there are some new ways farming techniques that improve soil health, just like we have used new farming practices in the past to improve soil health. It’s just what we do, always have. 

6. Know Your Farmer

One of those phrases I hear a lot. I have no problem with farmers selling their products directly to the consumer. Direct sales allow consumers to “know their farmer,” which is always used in the context that it’s better. But the problem with using this phrase is it makes the rest of us, who sell our products differently, feel inferior because you don’t know me directly. Just because you don’t “know me” specifically doesn’t mean our food is any less quality. 

7. Sustainable

Another common word that people love to use. In fact, many companies and organizations have “sustainability officers” as part of their organizations. One challenge with the word “sustainable” is it means different things to different people. When I think about sustainable I think about doing more with less. Farmers have been doing more with less for a very long time. Sustainability has always been a priority, we just didn’t call it that. We are and have been on a continual path of improvement. Always have, always will. 

8. Antibiotic-Free

Thank you food-fear marketers. Here we go again. Let me reassure you that all meat is antibiotic-free. There are safeguards put in place to ensure that your meat is free from antibiotics. So why is it necessary to tout antibiotic-free when we all know it is?

9. Monsanto

The public loves to lump all agriculture biotechnology companies under the name Monsanto, even though there are many companies that perform the same function as Monsanto. They love to blame this “giant evil-doer of the world” for everything. As a farmer, I appreciate new biotechnology advancements. We use them and thanks to the advancements, we use fewer pesticides which is good for us and good for the environment.  

10. Food, Inc.

If I could have a dollar every time I have heard people who watched Food, Inc. and then claim to know it all because what they saw on the documentary must be true, I would be a very rich person.  Yes, one of the most common claims I hear. At the point, I challenge them to watch a video on the other side of the food issue such as Farmland. It’s frustrating that people believe everything they see and hear.

So yes, these words drive me nuts, which is why my passion is to connect consumers with the people who raise and grow their food. Only with those connections, can I start eliminating some of these words from my list. 

 

Is Glyphosate Safe? What You Need to Know

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Perhaps one of the most common questions I am asked in regards to pesticides is, “Is Glyphosate Safe?” So let’s take a closer look at this topic. 

What is Glyphosate?

Glyphosate is a herbicide introduced by Monsanto and used by farmers to help control weeds. Glyphosate is also known as RoundUp. On our farm, we have used glyphosate for many years. In fact, this picture is from the early 80’s. We were spot spraying weeds with RoundUp. This was before our seeds used the GMO technology. 

Spot spraying using Roundup in the early 1980s

Why is RoundUp used?

Weeds. Weeds are a continual problem for farmers. When RoundUp (glyphosate) is used, it will kill any plant.  The only exception would be glyphosate-resistant plants(weeds). This happens when glyphosate has been repeatedly used and the plant, over time, develops a resistance. Prior to using RoundUp, we used much more toxic herbicides. It’s imperative that we keep changing the herbicides we use to help lessen herbicide-resistant weeds. Weeds need to continually change. If they didn’t they would be extinct. And we know weeds are alive and well!  

Is glyphosate toxic?

According to Cornell University study, glyphosate is a “moderately toxic herbicide.” Studies show no evidence of reproductive problems in test animals, which more than likely, also indicates the same effect on humans. There is no evidence of mutations.

What about cancer?

Rats, dogs and mice were repeatedly fed glyphosate at differing rates which resulted in no cancer. The EPA also stated there is enough evidence to support the same results. 

How does it affect wildlife?

Glyphosate is only slightly toxic to wild birds and is practically non-toxic to fish. Glyphosate is also nearly non-toxic to bees. 

What about the IARC report indicating the toxicity of glyphosate?

Yes, the original report from the IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) did indicate glyphosate was a probable carcinogen. What we later found out was the WHO cancer agency edited out the word “non-carcinogenic” in its report. No one from the agency said who or why the change was made. Keep in mind that working a night shift, caffeine, high-temperature frying, very hot beverages and being a hairdresser are also classified as probable carcinogens. 

What are the long-term effects of glyphosate?

Based on the length of time we have used glyphosate, chances are there are trace amounts in our food. There was a multi-university study done on the effects of accidental consumption of RoundUp. The results? It undergoes little metabolism, does not accumulate and is excreted mostly unchanged in feces and urine. 

Glyphosate usage in corn field

At the end of the day, farmers need to control weeds in their fields. If weeds are left unchecked, they use important nutrients and water that should be used by our crops. Farmers would love nothing better than to not use pesticides. They cost money. In fact, they cost a lot of money. But the economic impact is much worst if the weeds are out of control. I remember the days before glyphosate. The herbicides we used were terrible and I was always nervous about using them. When RoundUp was introduced, we were relieved because it was less toxic. And better yet, how effective RoundUp was and the cost was very reasonable.

Agriculture will continually find new and better ways to control pests (weeds and insects). Just like we always have.

Additional Resources:

Is glyphosate dangerous?

GMO Answers: The Perfect Resource for Science-Based Questions

Are GMOs Safe? Moms Want to Know!

Life Before GMOs

Is Glyphosate Toxic to Humans?

 

 

 

 

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2017, A Year of Winners and Losers in Agriculture

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The last day of 2017. Sigh . . .  It’s good to reflect where the year started and where it ended on the farm and in agriculture in general. With that reflection, I realized there were some definite winners and losers in agriculture. 

Let’s take a look. Let’s start with the losers since I like to end on a high note.

LOSERS

President Trump and NAFTA – I have to start with this one because if there is anything that causes me to lose sleep, this is it. If we pull out of NAFTA and our markets go away, it will be a disaster for agriculture. As a pig farmer, we export 26-28% of our pork. Mexico is one of our major trade partners. I heard rumblings thatCongresss is looking at some sort of bailout program if the U.S. does withdraw from NAFTA. Let me just state–farmers do not want a bailout.

Let us do what we do well.

No one in the world produces pork as well as we do here in the U.S. I hold out some hope because President Trump is speaking at the American Farm Bureau National Conference. Would he show up if he decides to withdraw from NAFTA????? 

Minnesota State Regulations – Let me just say, farmers are not against regulations. We ARE against regulations gone amuck. Farmers are overwhelmed with regulations in my state. We have the buffer law. The state is looking at regulations on how and when to mow road ditches and when and where we can apply nitrogen. Sometimes I feel these regulations are only for the 1% of farmers not doing what is right. Let’s look at the buffer law. Instead of looking at each farm individually to make sure proper buffers are installed and they work as intended, the state chose to make a “blanket” measurement of buffers. There is no research that says the new buffer law will be effective. But what it does do is make people “feel better.” In our county, we were over 90% compliant prior to the buffer law. Our county has now employed a person to monitor the buffers. Just. added. expenses. Geesh.

Animal Rights Organizations – These organizations are opposed to raising livestock animals. They promote a vegan agenda. Specifically, I am talking about HSUS, Mercy for Animals and a newer one, Direct Action Everywhere. Mercy for Animals recently took out an ad in the employment website, INDEED, looking for individuals who are interested in working for their organization by gaining deceitful and unlawful employment on “factory farms.” Direct Action Everywhere thinks it’s okay to trespass on a farmer’s property and enter their barns. They also think it’s okay to show up at meat packing facilities as animals are unloaded from semi trucks. I can tell you I have witnessed hogs being unloaded at these facilities and it’s a very humane process. But we live in a society that has lost it’s connection to where their food comes from and that’s why these groups exist.

Markets – Commodity prices are low. And they have been all year long. We just have a lot of commodity supplies on hand and future projections show the same supply levels. Pork production is expecting an increase of about 10% in the coming year. On top of it all, we are competing in a global market so it’s not just what we produce here in the U.S. On a personal level, we had a record crop in both corn and soybeans. The solution? More markets. Hence, why I am nervous about NAFTA.

Dicamba – Dicamba is a herbicide that can be applied to soybeans that are resistant to dicamba. Unfortunately, applying dicamba is a challenge because the herbicide has a tendency to drift outside of the property lines onto other farmers crops, thus, causing those soybeans damage. New in 2018 are restrictions for Minnesota’s farmers and how the herbicide is applied. Why is dicamba important? Because farmers need different “modes of action” which means farmers need to constantly change which herbicides they use to help reduce resistant weeds. 

Health Insurance – Yes, this is not directly related to farming, but it does affect many, many farmers. Because we are self-employed, we need to buy our own health insurance. We noticed this year that we had more choices on health insurance (laws changed to allow coops to offer health insurance), but the bottom line it is the premiums are primarily based on age. Because of my age and my husband’s (upper 50s and low 60s), our insurance premiums are going from $1266 to $1640 per month with a $6500 deductible. Not joking. And I am afraid with the new tax reform bill, the premiums will continue to rise because there is the potential the pool will be smaller, which could very well increase our premiums. Don’t get me wrong, I am NOT a fan of Obamacare. (In Minnesota, we had health care programs for everyone prior to Obamacare–the uninsured still had access to insurance.)

But really, an almost $400 monthly increase? And with the current commodity prices, premiums take a bigger piece out of the pie. It seems we can’t afford the insurance and can’t afford not to have insurance. And I don’t have an answer. It’s just too complex. But it definitely made my Loser list. 

And with the current commodity prices, premiums take a bigger piece out of the pie. It seems we can’t afford the insurance and can’t afford not to have insurance. And I don’t have an answer. I wish I did. It’s just too complex. But it definitely made my Loser list. 

WINNERS

Biotechnology – We plant GMO corn and soybeans. There is no question in my mind the new biotechnologies contributed to a record crop. But I also need to give credit to Mother Nature. She was also friendly to us during the growing season. She put a little fear in us during harvest by delaying our start by 2 1/2-3 weeks. But in the end, she was kind and gave us a fairly long harvest season. 

President Trump and Regulations – Farmers are thankful WOTUS (Waters of the U.S.) is getting relooked at. If the oirignal WOTUS regulations would have taken effect, the EPA would have jurisdiction over the water puddles in our dooryard. Government overreach at it’s finest. Again, farmers are not opposed to regulations, only over regulations. 

Sonny Perdue (Secretary of Ag) – I must admit I do like our new Secretary of Ag (and who doesn’t like someone with the name Sonny!). He gets us. And the reason he gets us is because Sonny was a farmer and a veterinarian. He has been in the trenches and understands agriculture. Now, how much pressure and clout does he have with President Trump?

Agvocates – I do believe we are making positive advancements in agvocacy. I am seeing more and more farmers and ag commodity organizations connecting with consumers. It’s a slow process, but accumulatively, we are making progress. We just need to make sure farmers know they need to connect with consumers by sharing their stories–just talking about what they do on the farm and why. 

Consumers – There is no better time in history than right now to trust our food supply. We have a safe and affordable food supply for consumers and as a farmer, it is truly a humbling responsibility.

Enjoy your food and think about the farmer that either grew or raised your food! We are so very proud to do so!

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