What is a family farm?

A family farm is any farm where the majority of the business is owned by the operator and individuals related to the operator, including through blood, marriage or adoption, by definition according to the most recent USDA Census of Agriculture typology report.

The 2012 Census of Agriculture Farm Typology report primarily focuses on "family farm".

According to the survey, in Nebraska there are

• 49,969 family farms in Nebraska that grow corn, soybeans, wheat, sorghum, barley, other grains (including oilseeds, dry beans, and dry peas), garden vegetables, fruits and tree nuts, berries, nursery and greenhouses, Christmas trees, cattle, milk, hogs and pigs, sheep, goats, wool, horses, poultry and eggs and aquaculture.
• 17.6% of farms are considered small farms with gross cash farm income (GCFI) of $150,000 or less
• 10.5% are moderate sales with GCFI between $150,000 to $349,000
• 15.3% are mid-size family farms with GCFI between $350,000-$999,999
• 8.0% are large and very large with GCFI greater than $1,000,000
• $108,593 is the average net cash farm income
• 31% of family farmers have an off-farm occupation
• 22,914 family farms have hired or contract labor
• $478,972,000 is paid in property taxes annually by these family farms

Additional findings in the report include:

• 97% of U.S. farms are family owned
• 88% of U.S. farms are small (less than $350,000 gross cash farm income)
• 66% of dairy sales come from the 3% of farms that are large and very large
• 18% of primary operators on family farms stared in the last 10 years

This report shows that "factory farms" are non-existent even though groups such as HSUS, ASPCA and others still use the term in their blogs and on social media.  On my next blog I will talk about factory farms and why they don't exist.  

Do You Have What it Takes to Farm?

More than 90% of American farms are family owned.  They raise the crops that are made into food, feed, fuel and fiber; however, most Americans have never stepped foot on a farm.  "Farmland", a film by James Moll, takes you into the lives of farmers and ranchers in their 20's that operate their agriculture business.

Recently, Farmland became available for purchase at Walmart and on Walmart.com.  It documents the hard-work, passion, commitment it takes to grow crops, produce and raise livestock.  In many cases, these farms have been in the family for generations

Award-winning director, James Moll, takes you into the lives of farmers and ranchers.  See their passion, hard-work and dedication first hand.


Dave Loberg is  fifth generation corn and soybean farmer from Nebraska that farms with his mother and custom feeds 500 head of cows for a local dairy operation.  He also runs an irrigation business.



Leighton Cooley a fourth generation poultry farmer from Georgia that farms with his father and also grows hay and has a cow-calf operation.



Brad Bellah a 26 year old sixth generation cattle farmer with cattle in Texas and Colorado.  He holds a bachelor's degree in agriculture communications from Texas Tech University.





Sutton Morgan is a fourth generation farmer from California that grows, packs and sells onions and potatoes. Also grown on his farm includes melons, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, lettuces, chard, kale and alfalfa.





Margaret Schlass is a first-generation certified naturally grown vegetable farmer who grows and markets her own produce through community supported agriculture programs and to restaurant owners.

Ryan Veldhuizenis a fourth-generation farmer from Minnesota who raises hogs and grows corn and soybeans.

Next week as we celebrate National Ag Week, I challenge you to visit a local farmer and spend a day in their shoes.

Meatless Monday: Standing Up for Your Beliefs and Values

We have all jumped on the "Meatless Monday" bandwagon, right?  Errr..wait. Those that follow people such as Michael Pollan and Oprah Winfrey may have jumped onto this bandwagon have.

Scientists, dieticians, environmentalists have all tried to push for "Meatless Monday".   Todaysdietician.com states that, "semivegetarian, lacto-vegetarian, and vegan women have a lower risk of overweight and obesity than do omnivorous women..."   Even those of us that eat meat are semivegetarian.  We still include fruit and veggies in our daily diet.  Since everyone falls under one of those categories we are all in a lower risk for health issues .

The Meatless Monday website has the objective to reduce consumer risk of chronic preventable conditions like cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity.  They state there is a whole list of medical and environmental  reasons to reduce your meat consumption.

Meat has been a staple diets for years and the health conditions have been minimal.  What has changed from even 50 years ago?  SAD - the Standard American Diet has changed.  Today, it is easy, fast and convenient to drive-through, eat an unbalanced diet of greasy, high fat, high carbohydrate, low fruits, and low vegetables diet.  No, the tomato or onion on your McDonald's burger isn't enough.


Even the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends eating protein in the form of meat in your daily diet.  The promote a healthy, well-balanced diet that includes vegetables, fruit along with meat (protein), gains and dairy.  Many meat choices are healthy, lean cuts that increase your health and can aid in weight loss.

There is no scientific evidence that raising animals for meat consumption is too harmful for the environment.  It doesn't take any more water to raise one pound of beef than it does to water a golf course.  And you still choose to golf, right?  Another argument is that raising animals increases greenhouse gas emissions.  Although there are emissions such as methane and carbon dioxide, this is part of animal production.  You are contributing to greenhouse gas emissions everyday you drive your vehicle - especially is you are not using ethanol!

In Nebraska, agriculture including animal production contributes to jobs - nearly 90% of jobs in Nebraska are related to agriculture, economic growth, increased tax revenue, rural development and more. Many rural communities wouldn't exist and we wouldn't be able to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet if it wasn't for animal production.

It is time to rethink "Meatless Monday" Even the student government body at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln recently turned down the request for "Meatless Monday".  The health and environmental reasons stated for "Meatless Monday" do not stand up to the facts and science behind SAD and raising animals.

Waters of the US (WOTUS)

The discussions have been happening for quite some time about the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) about the  proposed rule for Waters of the US (WOTUS).

What they essentially want to do is regulate any and all water in the United States including water puddles after a rain, water in ditches, and much more.  Every spot with any amount of water even if it is after a rainfall, will be monitored by the EPA.

Everyone, especially agriculture is greatly affected by this proposed rule.  Now, a person must apply for a permit to do normal, everyday tasks such as mowing, building fence, etc where water is potentially involved.  

What does the rule do? (according to the EPA)

1) Reduces confusion about Clean Water Act protection

2) Clarifies types of waters covered under Clean Water Act

3) Saves businesses time and money

4) Provides more benefits to public than costs

5) Helps states to protect their waters

What does the rule not do? (according to the EPA)

1) Does not protect any new types of waters

2) Does not broaden coverage of Clean Water Act

3) Does not regulate groundwater

4) Does not expand jurisdiction over ditches

Click here for more information on the proposed regulations.

Everyone should be voicing their comment on the proposed WOTUS rule.  Comments are due by November 14, 2014.  If you have not already done so, you can leave your comment here.  It only takes a couple of minutes to submit your comment and name.  Each and every comment is read by the EPA.  

Advocate for Truth: GMOs

We hear it everyday.  GMOs are bad, Monsanto is trying to control us, GMOs are causing cancer, they are killing us.  But do you know the truth about GMOs and what they are?

This blog by the Peterson Brothers - you may have heard their name from the parody songs they do about farming - talks about:

1.  GMO facts
2. Why farmers use GMOs
3. Their perspective on safety and sustainability of GMOs
4. Provides additional resources

Their perspective, from young adults is great and gives a better understanding of GMOs.  

You can read their entire blog here:

More information about GMOs can be found here.

Falling off the Cliff

The end of the year is rapidly approaching.  Normally, we would all be overjoyed to prepare for Christmas, buying gifts for your family and friends, preparing food, make plans for the Holidays and more.

This year may be a little different.  Congress needs to address both the Fiscal Cliff and the Farm Bill, both of which impact nearly every American.  I don't know about you, but I have had it with Congress.  They adjourn early and they don't pass any bills.  It has been this session of Congress where some of the fewest number of bills have been passed.

Whatever happened to listening to the American people.  Now that the election is over, politicians don't have to worry about re-election.  Anyone up for re-election was afraid to make any decisions with the fear they may not get re-elected.

Bottom line, there are two major issues that need to be discussed and passed in Congress before the end of the year and with their track record, the chances of this happening is slim to none.

Vote 2012

Never have I seen so much mud slinging, bashing and negative ads during an election campaign.  I never thought I would say this as an American with a right and a privilege to vote, but it is going to be difficult to make a decision.  But I'm not going to complain!


With my political thoughts and comments set aside, it is your RIGHT and DUTY to vote.  Yes, I understand this year it may be difficult to make that decision based on personal opinions and views, but if you don't vote, you have nothing to complain about.

What's that?  I can't hear you complaining since you chose not to vote.  There are many Americans that complain about the President or Congress, but don't vote.  If you want your country to make decisions and choice based on Americans, you need to speak up and one of the ways to do this is by voting.

I will get my self-satisfaction as I cast my vote this evening.  See you at the polling location!

We're all struggling!

What a year it has been! The summer started off with great weather. There have been many ups and downs in agriculture this summer and we are still seeing some.

1) Planting was off without a hitch, then the drought began.  For many, this was a make it or break it year for many.  The drought continued on through the summer, and now, the beginning of November most are completed with harvest.  The drought map below shows how badly the drought really is.

Crop yields will be lower than anticipated when planting began earlier this year; however we will get through this and make adjustments as needed.

2) Not only are we dealing with a drought this year, but there are Governors in several states and members of Congress that are questioning the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS).  They are claiming the RFS will take corn away from food and it is increasing food prices.  There have been several studies that have been conducted showing that food prices would only decrease a few cents without the RFS.  

One of the co-products from ethanol production is distillers grains.  This co-product can be fed to livestock (beef cattle, dairy, poultry, swine) and used as a replacement for other feedstuffs in rations such as corn, soybean, some forage, and others.  There is a greater feeding value with distillers grains compared to corn.  When distillers grains is fed in the place of corn in a ration, a small amount of distillers grains is needed.  For example, if a ration would normally get 100 lbs of corn but it is being replaced with distillers grains, then only 70 lbs of distillers grains would be used.  So, corn for ethanol production is not taking away from food.  If anything, it is providing more food using less corn.

3) Congress has failed to pass a Farm Bill.  This bill isn't only for "farmers."  It should be called a job bill, food bill, school lunch bill, and more.  The Farm Bill affects every American.  There is still hope for Congress to pass a Farm Bill in the Lame Duck session but, this is a slim to none chance.  

This is just a small glimpse of what has been happening in agriculture the past few months.  We will see what the next couple of months brings!

Farm Bill Now

This summer the Senate passed their version of the Farm Bill and now it is in the hands of the House where it has been for a while. 

The five year Farm Bill expires in September.  Although you may not realize it by the name, but the Farm Bill affects everyone. 


 

 



"The farm bill has broad impact on our citizens and our economy. 



It provides healthy foods to millions of schoolchildren and nutritious

 options to families in need. It develops and expands trade with valuable

foreign markets. By reducing spending significantly compared to prior

farm bills, the proposals pending right now in Congress address the

 need to get our nation’s fiscal house in order."

 

 

Encourage your Congressmen to finish the Farm Bill.  Let them know your support and the importance of passing the Farm Bill before it expires. 

 

You can also tweet your Congressmen using the hashtag #FarmBillNow.

 



Do you Agvocate?

Last week I was at an ag planning meeting for a five state conference and I used the word "agvocate".  Everyone was impressed with the term and wanted to "steal" it to use in their vocabulary.

Their reaction to my term got me thinking.  If they haven't ever heard of it, how many people have?  So  I googled the term "agvocate" and this is what I came up with.

1. http://agvocatefarmer.blogspot.com/  A blog about a farmer being an agvocate.
2. http://www.causematters.com/ This great website about the big picture view of agriculture to serve as resources for ag and urban communities.  You will find many agvocate blogs, articles, links to other website and more from different regions of the country including several right here in Nebraska.
3.http://agchat.org/ A website about empowering agriculture advocates.

These are only a couple among the many websites, facebook and twitter accounts from agvocates.  I encourage you to check them out and learn how to be an "agvocate" using social media.  If nothing else.  Learn brush up on your agriculture.


If you aren't speaking up for agriculture, then who is?

Did you eat today?-Thank a farmer!

The other night I was at a friend's gathering.  I overheard one of her friends say, "I can't eat that.  It has high fructose corn syrup."  I turned around right away and told her there is not difference between HFCS and regular sugar.  She gave me an answer from some information she heard 5 or 6 years ago! 

She then told me all about government agriculture, factory farming, hormones in meat amongst other very false "facts".  I was floored at all the misinformation she was telling others! 

This is a larger problem than we realize.  Many city consumers don't know where their food comes from.  All they know is that they buy it from the grocery store.  They don't understand the care for the garden foods or livestock that is involved before the product reaches the grocer.  The early mornings or late nights or cold winters. 

Most livestock and crops receive better care than most farmers themselves and their families.

Agriculture has changed over the years.  Farmers are growing more with less.  On average, a corn farmer raises enough food to feed 155 people.  Farmers have to meet the demands of the growing population.  Our world isn't getting any smaller! 

We, as farmers and ag producers try to educate as many people as possible about production ag, but it takes one consumer, such as the one I ran into the other night, to give the wrong information to other consumers.

Farmers raise your food; it's their way of life.

If you have eaten today, thank a farmer!

Great Parody Song

I saw this video yesterday on Youtube about farming and agriculture. This parody video does a great job describing about agriculture and they are having fun in the video. Check it out; you might like it!