As I’m writing this morning, I’m preparing to visit the offices of our elected officials in Washington, D.C. I’ve made this trip as a member of the Farm Journal Foundation’s Farm Team. This nonprofit corporation is dedicated to sustaining U.S. agriculture’s ability to serve the vital needs of a growing world population. This team is a group of farmers, working together to fight world hunger!

Preparing for today’s meetings on Capitol Hill got me thinking about the perception of agriculture – and especially of farming practices – around the world. I’ve written about different perceptions in the past (and you’ll find links to these posts below), but today I’m going to address this topic from a different angle.

Recently I read a post on Facebook to an article, claiming that glyphosate is much worse than feared! People were jumping all over each other with comments like, “I told you so!” The headline of this article supported their own beliefs, so many of these folks jumped into the discussion without obviously reading the copy. If you read the copy and checked the sources, it stated that glyphosate has helped reduce herbicide use and is safe when the rules, including use of Personal Protective Equipment, are followed.

“Roundup and glyphosate is a hot button topic… When you really take the time to digest some of the facts, read the labels, and put it into perspective with other common household items, the toxicity of glyphosate is extremely low. I’ve written an article before on fear. We don’t need to make our lives more complicated by buying into these fears spread much like the article above,” writes Jenny Dewey in a Huffington Post article.

It comes down to perception and emotion. People’s perception of danger is not just based on the facts. If consumers don’t like the way those “facts feel,” they believe all the negative comments. No wonder it’s so difficult to convince people of the great things farmers are doing!

We’ve seen first-hand in North Iowa how much weight negative words and actions can carry when Prestage Farms was considering building a pork processing facility in Mason City. Old arguments about modern livestock production resurfaced. I thought we were doing a great job sharing why we farm the way we do. Climate-controlled barns are better for our pigs, better for the environment and better those of us who work on the farm! But our voice got lost when a group of anti-modern farmers started beating their drums louder.

This week I’m trying very hard to keep an open mind while having conversations in D.C. I’m trying not to let naysayers keep me from accomplishing – or at least advancing – some progress in world hunger. Let’s all keep open minds! Remember to “listen” and dig deeper into the discussion.

Related Posts:

• What’s Your Perception of Farming?
• Regardless of Perception, Do What’s Right!
• North Iowan’s (Mis)Perception of Family Farms

Recently, I’ve been addressing common questions people have about Prestage Farms and the new packing plant this company is considering to build in North Iowa. I believe Prestage is a great fit in my home county of Franklin! Last week I wrote about family farms versus “factory farms.” Two weeks ago I covered pig poop and why it’s a valuable resource.

This week I’d like to talk about “animal welfare.” There is a distinct difference between treating animals humanely and humanly. In the past, I’ve described how modern pig farms are not Old McDonald’s Farm. Many positive changes have occurred since the 1950’s and 60’s, yet many Americans have almost a romantic notion about “the good ol’ days.”

Those of us who “live farming” can see how technology has led to improved production systems that are better for the environment and for the animals. Those who grew up on a farm but moved away years ago – or those who are three generations removed from the farm – may need a comparison. Here’s an analogy that may help…

Imagine you’re enjoying a beautiful spring day with blue skies, bright sunshine, gentle breezes and a high between 72 and 75 degrees. (We’ve experienced this recently, so it’s not too hard to image, right?) Now think of a day when you can’t buy a breeze, and the sun is so scorching hot it feels as though you could fry an egg on the sidewalk! Contrast this to the discomfort you feel when the north wind is gusting at 30 miles an hour, the mercury is dipping below zero and your eyelashes freeze in the few minutes it takes you to walk across a parking lot.

Iowa weather can be extreme. Our summers can get miserably hot, and the winters can be bitterly cold. When we raised pigs on pasture, they were miserable and so was I! Some people think it’s better for pigs to remain outside than it is to stay cool inside a climate-controlled pig barn.

There’s no way I’d trade a modern barn for pig huts on pasture. I’m often reminded of how much better today’s production methods are. For example, last week I was called to adjust some air ventilators inside a gestation barn. It was 95 degrees outside, but inside this stall gestation barn it was 79 degrees! I couldn’t help but notice the contented sows. Many were sleeping comfortably, and a few woke up and curiously checked me out as I worked to adjust new ceiling vents.

These vents prevent warm air from coming inside. When it’s warm outside, fresh air is pulled through “cool cells” to keep the inside temperatures consistent. One end of the building is lined with specially treated corrugated cardboard that has water continuously soaking it. The fresh air comes in through the corrugations, which cools the air down about 20 degrees!

Modern pig barns are a good place for people to work and a good place for pigs to live. Farmers make their animals as comfortable as possible. They provide their livestock with fresh food, fresh air, and fresh water. Livestock should be treated with respect and receive the best care a farmer can give them. After all, it’s the right thing to do!

We must also keep in mind that the animals we raise are livestock. Since the beginning of time, people have had dominion over animals. This means humans have the reasoning power to make life and death decisions for our livestock. We give our livestock the best quality of life that we can, and then we respect them in death because their purpose is to feed our growing population. I have blogged in the past about how developing nations increase their meat consumption as their economy improves. When an emerging economy wants to improve its diet, the country’s ruler doesn’t say “let’s eat vegan!” The people in these countries want the best protein they can afford, and that protein is meat.

Meat production facilities and a new processing plant can help grow our locally economy, as well as the Iowa economy. This is Iowa, folks, and we grow pigs here! We have great resources that makes agriculture – and pork production – a great fit here.

Farming has been a great means of growing the economy since the beginning of time! Our towns, our schools, our Main Street businesses need a growing economy. Let’s welcome new industry! Sure, there are always growing pains but we can overcome any challenges… together!

Latham’s Freedom of Independence Ride to Benefit Retrieving Freedom Inc.

The excitement of adventure and the freedom of the open road has prompted hundreds of Midwest farmers to join the Latham Freedom Ride in the past. This year we’re hoping to spark even more interest among motorcycle enthusiasts as we ride throughout eastern Iowa, raising awareness of Retrieving Freedom (RFI) and funds for its service dog training program.

One hundred percent of a rider’s $25 registration fees for the 2016 Latham Freedom of Independence Ride will benefit RFI. The $25 per rider registration fee includes two meals plus a commemorative t-shirt and a do-rag. The event will conclude that evening with a performance by Nashville recording artist Neil Hewitt.

Staging for the 2016 Latham Freedom of Independence Ride will be at Scott County Park near Davenport, Iowa. Lunch will be served followed by a series of fun stops as we learn about the latest in seed industry technologies and tour local attractions. Riders can look forward to stops at Antique Archaeology, home base for Mike Wolfe of American Pickers reality television series, and a guest appearance by Retrieving Freedom dogs in training.

Retrieving Freedom Inc. of Waverly, Iowa, trains service dogs for placement with disabled veterans and children with autism. The organization receives 4 requests for every dog that has been trained through its program, so more money is needed to train more dogs, says Scott Dewey, RFI co-founder and co-president.

Retrieving Freedom spends two years training specific dogs to place with disabled veterans and individuals with autism. As a 501c (3) non-profit organization, Dewey says RFI strives to maximize the value of each donation by incorporating experienced volunteers, in-kind donations, and a limited staff.

“Trained service dogs allow veterans and children to regain their independence from simply sustaining in life to thriving,” says Dewey. “This is why we hope many farmers, who enjoy riding motorcycles, will join Latham Seeds on R.E.D. Shirt Friday to become part of this amazing journey.”

Help us “Remember Everyone Deployed” and show support for those who have proudly served our country, defending our freedoms. Register today for the 2016 Latham Freedom of Independence Ride.

To get a feel for the Latham Freedom Ride, check out the following coverage of our past rides:

1. 2009
2. 2010
3. 2011
4. 2012
5. 2013

by Amber Hammes, Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds Marketing Intern

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, women make up approximately 30% of all farmers in the United States. However, #FarmHers are sometimes an overlooked demographic. Kellie Gregorich, an eastern Iowa cattle producer, is doing everything she can to ensure that doesn’t continue. (more…)

Writer’s block has never been one of my problems! There are so many things I want to write about that my mind is having a hard time focusing on just one issue. Here’s why…

Today in Iowa is an Election Day. Get to the polls and vote! In our county, we have a primary for board of supervisors. Members of the Franklin County Board of Supervisors plan, finance and deliver services related to public safety, public health, human services, drainage, secondary roads, conservation, economic development and administration. Many of these services affect farmers, so you can be sure I’m interested in the outcome of this race!

Also this week in Des Moines is World Pork Expo! Each year 20,000 pork producers and professionals attend this event on the Iowa State Fairgrounds, so it’s no wonder this event is attended by U.S. secretaries of agriculture, governors, presidential candidates, United States Department of Agriculture officials, trade ambassadors, as well as government dignitaries from the U.S. and other countries. There are many educational presentations and new product demonstrations throughout the 3-day event. In addition to visiting with producers, one highlight for me is the The Big Grill. Can you believe more than 10,000 pork sandwiches are served here during this annual event?

Yesterday I was in Greater Des Moines as Cristen Clark and I were again invited to share our stories with the newest Pork Institute Class at the National Pork Board offices. One of the topics that came up during our training session was the debate about building a pork processing facility in North Iowa. It seems many folks in North Iowa are like the friends of the Little Red Hen. Remember that classic children’s story about the Little Hen who needs help planting wheat, tending to the crop, harvesting it and then baking bread? No one wanted to do the work but everyone wanted to enjoy the delicious loaf of bread.

Bacon Mania has stuck America, but very few folks are willing to allow pork production in their backyard! Although Prestage Farms was considering Mason City as the location of a new processing facility, some Clear Lake residents joined the protest against it. “Say ‘No’ to Factory Farms” and “Preserve Water Quality,” were common messages by the opposition. The term “factory farm” was coined to discredit modern farming, and I have yet to have anyone give me a good definition for it.

How one defines “factory farming” or “modern farming” seems to be similar to the term “sustainable” in that it’s meaning depends on who’s using it and what their special interests are. The definition changes based on a person’s experience and/or perceptions about farming.

Let me share what my perception of family and farming are. Although everyone has a family, we know that not all families are the same. Some farm families have a hard time differentiating “family” from “farming” because their farming operation is a family-run business. It’s so much of who they are and what they do that the two are intertwined, but let’s separate the two for now.

All businesses, big and small, are run by people with families. I’m working with a pig producing family that started on a “family farm” in Minnesota. This farm has been successful enough to grow, so it now involves many families, including mine. Does this make my employer a factory farm? No! I have been very impressed with how this farm family cares about all aspects of their farming operation, including the families who make a living by working on this farm. We want all to have a sense of family, raising pigs in the best most modern way possible!

More than 90 percent of U.S. farms are family farms. I see farms every day. I live right in the middle of great farm country. We have been blessed with abundant natural resources to grow crops and livestock in a very “sustainable” way.

That’s why I’m involved with helping Prestage Farms find the ideal place to locate its plant. I believe welcoming new ideas will help North Iowa prosper. Last week I blogged about how I believe a Prestage facility can breathe new life into rural communities. In particular, locating in Franklin County would be a win-win for the company and for my home county! The economic potential is vast. The benefit to our local schools and down town businesses – which are run by “families” – is vast.

Let’s grasp opportunities and stop outside agitators from spreading fear in our communities. Take the time to understand the benefits of modern farming including benefits to our families, the environment, and yes, even our livestock. If you have questions, or doubts, see for yourself!

Talk to a farmer. See firsthand how farming is being done. And remember to vote!

Three Iowa State University (ISU) students have joined Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds as interns for sales and marketing. Their first day on the job was May 10, and it’s been all hands on deck ever since! Our two summer sales interns have been busy assisting with planting research and show plots in Alexander. Meanwhile, our marketing intern has been conducting interviews and writing blogs. (more…)