"Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy."
-Acts 14:17
" 19 So Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, and he himself was driving the twelfth pair. Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak around him."-1 Kings 19:19
Did you know?
MORRIS--John Stuart Ingle, professor of studio art, painted the new image of Betty Crocker that is a composite of 75 women from across the country. Portrait was unveiled March 19.Solo exhibition of work by studio art professor Alan Fierro will be at Humanities Fine Arts Gallery through April 14. Title is "Constructions--Works on Paper."-from from Brief 3/27/96 of UofM
I went to the Pride of the Prairie: Food Expo at UMM's Student Center just last week-Tuesday, February 17th @2-4pm 2004. It has been an annual event for several or more years now. I decided to do a website dedicating to this topic to increase the awareness of healthy foods-particularly from our neighboring farming community. I've been increasingly conscious in what foods I eat as I see an increasing focus on this issue (e.g. recent mad cow disease, and other various diseases in our foods). Also, with the increase of cancer (environmental factors), I want others besides myself to be aware of what consumers' are putting in their bodies!
Growing-up in the cities, I wasn't educated much about our agricultural system. I remember going with my mom to St. Paul's Farmers Market at times on Saturdays in downtown. I loved checking out the different vegetables and produces that were sold by area farmers. After living in Morris for 8+ years and interacting with many of the rural community, I've grew an interest on how the agriculture life is done. For example, I've told others this before-I never knew there was different types of cows. There is dairy and beef cows, and that is just the beginning! I hope the readers of this would also be intrigue as I am and really consider the popular saying, "you are what you eat!".
Genetically Modified Foods Issue
This afternoon (Wednesday, November 10th 2004), I attended the monthly "Limited Learning" at the Morris Senior Center. The topic for this month was "Genetic Modified Food" (bitech foods, transgenic foods, or modified organism food). I came in with the big health issue on what we eat from the grocery store as I've been getting more into organic foods. Well, after our talked, I decided to do some research on some of these topics discussed/questioned:
1. What opportunities are created by development of biotech foods and agricultural practices?
-mass production for global population
-more corn for renewable energy (biomass)
2. What potential problems are created by development of biotech foods and agricultural practices?
-abnormal cows
-health affects: cancer? allergies?
3. How can our responses shape incentives and choices for consumers, farmers, food companies, policy makers, and the global food system?
-more labels (this contains Bacillus Thurigiensis-toxin or citric acid for WARNING or allergic reactions
"Many Zambians believe that GMOs cause resistance to antibiotics, thereby cutting immunity to diseases, and that they may lead to the emergence of new food toxins or to allergies in people with poor health"
"With some 2.9 million Zambians facing famine conditions, the WFP implored President Mwanawasa to reconsider his position, explaining that the rejection of GM food would narrow the pool of available relief resources and possibly lead to breaks in the food pipeline."
Above is part of an article on an issue that I wasn't able to raise-feeding the poor. However, I feel there are other ways to feed them. The "rich" should stop consuming and learn how to eat moderately (e.g. obesity problem in the U.S.), which they should "share" with poorer countries. This would've not been a global debate if we dealth with helping one another out!
Droughts?
"I will send you rain in its season, and the ground will yield its crops and the trees of the field their fruit."-Leviticus 26:4
Today (Saturday, August 11th of 2007) we finally had some good rain after a long summer drought! We've had a sprinke or there at times, but we finally had a good drench pouring rain last night and it continued till this morning-halleluah! A sign to keep persevering in prayer!
"Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops."-James 5:18
"Surely his salvation is near those who fear him,
that his glory may dwell in our land.
Love and faithfulness meet together;
righteousness and peace kiss each other.
Faithfulness springs forth from the earth,
and righteousness looks down from heaven.
The Lord will indeed give what is good,
and our land will yield its harvest.-Psalm 85 9-12
"..Now, 50 years later the farm consists of over 800 registered cows, a 3000 head feedlot, 4000 crop and 1500 acres of pasture. We feed out a total of 18,000 head of cattle annually. Leonard Wulf & Sons is owned and operated by the second and third generations...
"..The "Home Grown Economy 2010 - Equipping You to Build Community Based Food Systems" conference is at Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, on Feb. 15-16...
Ken Meter of Crossroads Research Center will present his insights on how food networks thrive and strengthen local economies. Panel presenters will provide information about what is happening at the local level and each regional site will be afforded an opportunity to discuss how they can expand upon their local community based food system.
More details will be available at http://collinpeterson.house.gov.
"Recently took a trip to Morris Minnesota to do a story about a farm that's in transition to being completely organic. I had fun spending time with the cows and the farmland scenery."
-Fehrs
West River Dairy
52755 280th St
Morris, MN 56267
Phone: (320) 324-7600
Related Sites: Beef Quality Assurance Program embraces Hispanics - Minnesota, from hispanictips.com "The Morris workshop was the perfect location for the council’s first bilingual effort. The Stevens County area has about 250 Hispanic workers on dairy and beef farms, said Dave Wulf, Minnesota Beef Council director and Morris beef producer. Wulf estimates the county has 10 dairy farms, 25 cow-calf operations and 20 beef feedlots.”*.."
-ESL
"
Sandy Schroepfer submitted this topic outline for a 15-week ESL class offered on a dairy farm in the Alexandria consortium area during the 2005/2006 school year."
I went bowling last weekend and a guy who helps with the local farms just spontaneously shared with me about the making of sugar. He told me if the public knew how they make sugar (using chemicals), they would never want to eat it...
This is a picture of my Uncle (Lou) posing in front of these wheat fields. It's located close to Sauk Centre along Highway 28 coming from Morris going to the Twin Cities.
*rumor has it-Sauk Centre has the best Dairy Queen in the state; probably because of this only locally-owned dairy processor of fluid milk remaining in central Minnesota!
Helios Nutrition Organic Kefir w/FOS, also produced in Sauk Centre, is America�s leading organic kefir brand (boosts calcium, fiber and vitamins)
Gardens
Homegrown heats up
A shaky economy, concerns about food safety and an urge to reconnect with the land have spurred a new generation of gardeners to grow their own vegetables.
By KIM PALMER, Star Tribune
Last update: June 4, 2008 - 9:31 AM
"
Here's hoping this is a real, long-term thing and not just another "trend" for a year or two. I grow veggies for all the reasons listed in � read more the article, plus it's an excuse to be outside in sun and fresh air....mood-enhancing without drugs! And yeah, it's fun to be able to grow and eat some of the "exotics" you otherwise couldn't afford and some of the heirlooms you've read about in cooking and gardening mags. Now if I could just figure out how to keep the critters from eating it before I can!
Lori Erickson set a goal for this summer and fall: Buy no produce. That doesn't mean she won't be eating veggies. She'll be growing them -- all of them -- on her small city lot in northeast Minneapolis...
"Agronomy offers students a rich history and tradition in the discovery and dissemination of information needed to make informed decisions about the environment and agriculture. The goal of an Agronomist is to develop sound approaches from information gathered on how to solve problems as they relate to agriculture."
*w/ picture "Anatomy
You should be able to find 17 different body parts on the cow. Run the mouse over the cow's body and each body part will be given to you in it's Spanish translation. Learn them well and be prepared to take a quiz!!!"
"A short documentary we made giving details on some of the major events in Knott's history. The footage was taken and edited by us. Please give feed back!"
"
111th Congress
This is a bill in the U.S. Congress originating in the House of Representatives ("H.R."). A bill must be passed by both the House and Senate and then be signed by the President before it becomes law.
Bill numbers restart from 1 every two years. Each two-year cycle is called a session of Congress. This bill was created in the 111th Congress, in 2009-2010.
The titles of bills are written by the bill's sponsor and are a part of the legislation itself. GovTrack does not editorialize bill summaries.
2009-2010
Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009
The Fall of the Republic 1/5
Inside USA - The state of agriculture - 22 Aug 08 - Part 1
"The big business of farming in the US is booming but undocumented migrants make up more than half of the farming workforce. They are ripe for exploitation and face low salaries, substandard housing, risk of injury, pesticides and heat stroke. Some literally work themselves to death. In this episode, Inside USA investigates farming in the era of free trade. "
"opened in 1998 with the primary purpose of developing a farm that would be open to the public for teaching and providing a "farm" experience. As the farm has evolved from the fall pumpkin patch harvest tours, our goals include expanding the program to include spring and summer tours that more specifically teach children and adults about the food that is grown for their consumption."
Miscellaneous
Midwest Food Alliance (MWFA), a seal of approval that have been certified as environmentally friendly and socially responsible producers
"1. Rev. Lenard Griffis - his father's potato crop
"In the late 1920's my dad had a large crop of potatoes. Frost hit that section of Oklahoma and killed all the potato plants. But my dad did not give up. He decided to pray and trust in God for his potato crop instead of plowing them under like his neighbors had done. My dad knelt down at the side of his field and prayed over his crop.
His neighbors soon replanted new crops and their new crops were killed again by frost (that fall). My dad's original crop came out and made a beautiful crop.
God blessed marvelously that year. So much so, that my dad provided the neighbors with seed potatoes for the following year."
"... Dairy cows donated to 47 of the most food insecure households in Khashmi village in the Kakheti region of eastern Georgia will be a valuable source of food and nutrition for struggling families thanks to a World Vision and Heifer International Food Security Enhancement (FSE) initiative.
A World Vision media release circulated by Reuters says that 20 cows were bought through World Vision's Gifts in Kind project 'Livestock for Vulnerable Families' and the other 27 were provided by Heifer International.
The release states: "These vulnerable households were chosen from a village population of some 1,537 people, including families who had previously participated in the FSE project, those with multiple children, single mothers, and unemployed families."
"We don't have cattle in our family so for me it is a huge support; I cannot even express it in words. Before I had to buy diary products for my grandchildren, and I could rarely afford them. Now my children will have cheese and other products," said 60-year-old Mary, who received one of the dairy cows.
"In this region our organization is implementing projects that really can change the financial situation of households. Livestock is the main source of income in this village. People in Khashmi were very active -- they attended our training for farmers, and this was one of the reasons why we have chosen this village," said Ina Berulava, FSEI Extension Worker.
World Vision says that traditionally the main source of income for villagers in the Kakheti region is their agricultural activity, including cattle breeding, wine-growing and vegetable-growing.
As part of the initiative, World Vision has provided people in some 13 villages with high quality vegetable seeds and tree plants.
According the media release, the broader Food Security Enhancement Initiative, implemented in four districts of Kakheti region, aims to help improve families' economic situation by improving farmers' capacity, crop and animal production, strengthen household income and facilitate the marketing and acquisition of food through the creation of farmer schools.
Source: World Vision Middle East/Eastern Europe office (MEERO) as circulated by Reuters. The original article has been adapted for use by this news service. More information: World Vision MEERO, http://meero.worldvision.org ."
*see GoodnewsEverybody: Europe-Georgian
ASIA
-Philippines
Mango & Hog Farm-Cebu, Philippines
"Mango and Hog Farm in Toledo City, Cebu, Philippines "
Horticulture
" 20 Noah, a man of the soil, proceeded [a] to plant a vineyard...-Genesis 9:20
Horticulture
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia "..is the industry and science of plant cultivation. Horticulturists work and conduct research in the disciplines of plant propagation and cultivation, crop production, plant breeding and genetic engineering, plant biochemistry, and plant physiology. The work particularly involves fruits, berries, nuts, vegetables, flowers, trees, shrubs, and turf. Horticulturists work to improve crop yield, quality, nutritional value, and resistance to insects, diseases, and environmental stresses..." Growing Great Vegetables, Herbs, Fruits & Berries in the Home Garden
By Marie Iannotti, About.com Guide to Gardening "Nothing tastes as good as home grown, fresh-picked fruits and vegetables. It doesn't take a lot of skill or space to grow something delicious in the backyard. Here's a collection of great tips and ideas to turn your home garden into a gourmet's delight..."
VEGETABLE
Home Vegetable Gardening Part I
"Join Robert Norris, Associate Professor and Associate Botanist at UC Davis, as he discusses home vegetable gardening. Topics include tools needed, recommended reading, ground preparation, planting dates, selection of varieties, and seed planting depths. Series: "California Master Gardener Lecture Series" [7/2002] [Science] [Agriculture] [Show ID: 6675] "
-Vegetables Gardening - Profiles, Growing "Tips and Ideas
Learn which vegetables will grow best in your area with suggestions on vegetable varieties, heirloom vegetables, increasing the harvest from your vegetable garden and organic pest control. Then get the most from your vegetable garden with techniques like intercropping, succession planting and season extenders...
"...
Carrots are among some of the most popular root crops grown and consumed in the world. Root crops like carrots are hardy and grow best under cooler conditions. Carrots will survive light frosts, making them a great crop to start off your garden in the early spring. Some varieties also grow well in the fall and even into the winter. .."
-SUNFLOWER
" Harvesting:
Harvest sunflower seeds after the flower begins to die back, and most if not all, of the petals have fallen off. Pull out a seed and open it to see if it is full. Cut off the head, leaving a few inches of stalk. Hang the stalks to dry in a well ventilated area. Do not stack them in a box, as mold can develop during the drying process. As soon as the flowers have dried, extract the seeds by rubbing two flower heads together. They should come off of the flowerhead fairly easily.
Sunflowers are also used as dried flowers in vases and for craft projects. They can be cut just before the flowers die off and dried over a few weeks. Miniature sunflowers make lovely fresh bouquets also. For craft projects, it is important to leave a sufficient amount of stalk.
We enjoy sharing this crop with wildlife. We also enjoy eating the seeds, too. Birds and squirrels will begin their assault before the seeds are completely ripe. You can protect against this annual invasion by covering the entire flower with an old nylon stocking, a cheese cloth bag, or any other covering that allows light and especially air to flow through. Do not use plastic bags, as moisture buildup will rot the flower and heat buildup will scald it. Some people will put a bag below the flower to catch any seeds that fall. "
-TOMATOES
1"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes[a] so that it will be even more fruitful. 3You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
5"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
9"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. 11I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. 14You are my friends if you do what I command. 15I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 17This is my command: Love each other."
ECHO: Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization
"is a non-profit, inter-denominational Christian organization located on a demonstration farm in North Fort Myers, FL. ECHO has been assisting a global network of missionaries and development workers since 1981 and is currently serving agricultural workers in 180 countries.
ECHO exists for one major reason, to help those working internationally with the poor be more effective, especially in the area of agriculture! We are a technical support organization helping community development organizations and workers do what they do . . . better!
"
Farms Int'l, a Christian ministry that serves the church by equipping families in poverty with the means for self-support. Working through the local church, FARMS provides loans, technical support for income generating projects and spiritual training for families. The result? Families find a biblical path out of poverty!
*referred by Wayne Maanum (local church brother in Morris) on Dec. 31s of 2006 after my trip to Duluth.
AFRICA
-Liberia
Agriculture Training
"Liberia is a country that with a very harsh landscape, something that is bad for the people who farm for their very survival. In addition to providing Medical Care, Mercy Ships also have began to set up training programs to teach locals effective agricultual techniques."
-Uganda
Lemar in Uganda 1: Climate change
"http://www.christianaid.org.uk/
Lemar visits Uganda in east Africa with Christian Aid and meets a farmer who tells him that they are noticing the effects of climate change with weather patterns becoming confused and less predictable. Read more about Lemar's trip at http://www.christianaid.org.uk/news/s... "
"Widespread rain that has fallen over much of Australia's driest regions in the past couple of months has not yet broken the drought but is bringing widespread hope that prayers are being answered with farmers beginning to make future plans for the first time in years."
"She speaks about the recent lack of rain. It appears that the weather gods are unhappy with us. This has deeply affected agriculture; there is no water even for drinking, let alone for crops and cattle."
"10 He also built towers in the desert and dug many cisterns, because he had much livestock in the foothills and in the plain. He had people working his fields and vineyards in the hills and in the fertile lands, for he loved the soil."-2 Chronicles 26:10
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