Well this might just be the best answer!!

I found this video

on a legendary friends Facebook page who is working in Alberta for a dairy genetics company.  The video was made through the BC Milk Board and clears up most misconceptions about Canadian milk in less time then it takes to butter a slice of bread.  Next time your asked about hormones/steroids in Canadian milk or unethical treatment to animals on Canadian dairy farms, send those misinformed consumers over to this quick YouTube video for a quick and simple explanation.

And remember, drink milk, its good for both of us!!

The difference is in the bag. Photo credit to Dairy Farmers of Canada

This growing season is already developing into another interesting year.  With its early start and lack of rain, with snow in the West and Quebec to warm weather in Ontario, we are sure to keep the coffee shops a buzz of tall tales and good rumours!! While everyones part in agriculture is different, I will share my part is.  Check back often to hear what I see, hear and do and how 2010 unfolds in agriculture.  Although I want to guarantee it will give a boost of up to 10% yield to your beans, I hope to guarantee it will give you a few chuckles to take ease the pain of when that 40% chance of isolated showers means your 200 acres of fresh cut hay.

His segment is only a minute and a half long so it doesn’t take much time to watch.  He goes on to say a lot of things that probably go against most of what we’ve been taught to do, but may not always be the best strategy for enjoying the grand scheme of life.  Considering the week I just had, it really seemed fitting that we all take a deep breath and enjoy the precent, because it will be gone before you know it.

A Few Minutes with Andy Rooney http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=6386098n

Time Management, Andy Rooney Style

The Debate on Raw Milk Continues

I’m really finding it hard  to go along with the notion that the benefits of raw milk out weigh (pun intended!) the chances of contracting food borne illness.  Cases like the this article show the reoccurrence of people becoming sick after drinking raw milk from bacteria infections are almost becoming as normal as the Leaf’s not making the playoffs.

Obviously there is demand for raw milk in Ontario, and normally I would support almost anything to expand the milk market here.  While many supporters the legalization point to other raw milk markets in the U.S. as places of progressive marketing, we really must remind them of how our food standards came to be in Ontario.  Our food safety standards were developed by leading the industry, not following.  Just sayin’.

http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2010/04/in-mi-raw-milk-trade-may-be-over/

Members of CanACT, the Canadian Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow at the University of Guelph recently participated in a campus exchange program with Oklahoma State University (OSU).

CanACT members flew to Oklahoma earlier this semester to visit the OSU campus and learn more about agricultural communications. The trip allowed us to meet other passionate students and compare farming practices in Oklahoma with what we do here in Ontario.

The most rewarding portion of the exchange for me, however, was welcoming OSU students to Guelph to teach them about the Canadian agriculture industry. In addition to an afternoon in Niagara Falls and time spent on the University of Guelph campus, CanACT members showcased Ontario agriculture by organizing a day of farm tours during the Guelph portion of the exchange.

Stops at Gencor, Woodrill Ltd., the Ontario Cattlemen’s Association office, a beef feedlot and a family dairy farm were all on the agenda for our farm day. The itinerary allowed OSU students to meet active agricultural communicators and talk with crop, beef and dairy farmers during the tours.

“Seeing the diversity between production in the U.S. and Ontario was very interesting,” says OSU student Krista Anderson.

As an Ontario farm girl who grew up near Guelph, I was proud to welcome fellow young ag enthusiasts to the area and show off local farms and organizations. I hope that this initiative will inspire future exchanges so that other Ontario Agricultural College students can gain international perspectives in agriculture. Head]Head

Members of the University of Guelph CanACT and Oklahoma State University who participated recently in an exchange

Many of the newly found nutrients are anti-oxident are reported to have anti-cancer and anti-diatbes fighting qualities.  So next time your sitting down for a plate of flapjacks or french toast, load on the some pure maple syrup. You’ll be doing you health a favour and supporting maple syrup producers everywhere!

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100321182924.htm

Once they get that syrup in them, they get all anti-oxident in their pants!

Cargill, which is one of the largest companies involved in food production in the world, (likely the largest), has developed an ingredient for the production of cheese that replaces the need for using any dairy product.  The product is named Lygomme™ACH Optimum and it was developed to produce a cheese like substitute for people with a dairy allergy.

I suppose I may be biased in my thinking since I am a dairy farmer without a dairy allergy and can enjoy a good block of cheese without having to worry about where the closest bathroom is.  But don’t expect me to be serving this impostor at the next pot luck, I’ll have nothing but the great smelly cheese!

http://www.cargilltexturizing.com/cts_news_20090917.shtml

Sunday nights in my household were usually spent watching 60 Minutes on CBS with my family.  It was my first introduction into many aspects of life and influenced the way I view journalism.

The creator, Don Hewitt has been credited with the creation of the way news is presented today.  His philosphy was simple, and could be described in 4 words, “Tell me a story”.  Don died last August and this January, 60 Minutes ran a episode about his career.  If you have a few minutes, watch the episode and see what he created, I guarantee you will not regret it.

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=6144356n&tag=cbsnewsMainColumnArea.2

This weekend I was introduced to this new phenomenon that showcases a part of agriculture brings together the distinct character the surrounding environment and puts it into a bottle.  Each winery boasted about their accomplishments and how they had the secret to producing the best vintages.  It is incredible to see how with each winery the production and marketing can be so diverse.

While I am not a wine connoisseur at all, it was a great way to spend touring around the local wineries and a great way to spend time with friends.  Next time you head down the QEW with some extra time, take a few minutes to check out a part of agriculture that everyone enjoys.  Just remember, don’t drink and drive!!

Enjoy the unique climate of the Niagara Escarpment

This video caught my attention with its humorous look into industrial food processing, breaking down what consumers might find to be intimidating.  Although their aren’t any Hershey executives in the video, (sorry if I’m a spoiler) there are a few employees who help out in the dancing.   Take a few minutes to relax and enjoy.  You’ll probably find yourself shaking your head a little, but if it can work for Kiss’s, it could work for agriculture!