In the previous post, we discussed Joel Salatin's view and experience on sustainable agriculture and government involvement. I thought it would be good to illustrate an example so you can figure out how the expanding government is hurting want-to-be small farmers.
To better understand what it means to be a small-scale, sustainable farmer in today's America, I think every American should try to make and then sell a jar of homemade salsa at a farmer's market. Start with preparing the soil and planting the seeds and watch your veggies grow. While you weed and water your crops you'll also need to worry about putting up the money to rent or build your own commercial kitchen in order to meet one of the requirements for selling low-acid canned goods, such as salsa. Then, fill out the packet of bureaucratic paperwork required to be able to sell your goods in a retail situation, which includes everything from a farmers' market, to Whole Foods, to your local grocery store chain. Don't forget to keep records of each batch made. That way, you'll be ready when the various health departments that you are required to appease show up to scrutinize your procedure and recipe, the same recipe that your great grandmother has been using for 100 years. After doing all of that work and jumping through the hoops necessary to sell about 75 jars at $5 each, we can then see if you still want more expansion of government, the same expansion that caused the numerous superfluous issues with which you are currently faced. I have a feeling that these same liberal readers who don't know the extent of government control in agriculture are also some of the main proponents of ethanol and hybrid cars. Hopefully, these well-intentioned readers educate themselves and realize how wasteful ethanol is, not to mention how bad of an idea it is to grow food and not use it to fill people's bellies. But that's another story...
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Conservative Sustainable Farmer?
If you've read Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan, then you have definitely heard about Polyface Farms Inc. in Virginia. The Polyface Farm is an ideal example of how to practice sustainable agriculture. The farm's founder, Joel Salatin, rotates his livestock about the pastures to provide constant, natural, and practically free fertilization(minus any supplemental feed and care for cows) optimizing the health and life cycles of both the grass and cattle, not to mention sustaining the health of the soil. For more detail about his farm operations and mission, I point you to their website, http://www.polyfacefarms.com/.
It may come as a surprise to many who have read The Omnivoire's Dilemma, but Joel Salatin is a known libertarian. What? You mean to tell me that a major aspect of a Cal-Berkeley professor's book is a libertarian who supported Ron Paul for president? What? You mean to tell me that The Omnivore's Dilemma, a book espoused by the left as the bible for sustainable agriculture and sustainable, green eating touts the life and work of a man who is certainly right of center politically and wants absolutely no government in his business? How ironic that the majority of Pollan's readers are left of center but Joel Salatin, a role model of sustainable living and sustainable farming practices is the opposite. Is it because the readers who are supposedly left really don't understand the influence that government has on farmers and the current state of the farming that goes on in our country?
Mother Earth News recently published an interview with Joel Salatin and it is worth reading. At the bottom of this post is a link to the interview.
In brief, Salatin has no use for the government in his business. Here's a passage from the interview discussing his biggest problem in farming, "Anyone familiar with me would have to smile at this question, knowing that my answer would be and continues to be the food police. The on-farm hurdles we’ve faced, from drought to predators to flood to cash flow, are nothing compared to the emotional, economic and energy drain caused by government bureaucrats. Even in the early 1970s when, as a young teen, I operated a farm stand at the curb market, precursor of today’s farmers markets, the government said I couldn’t sell milk. The first business plan I came up with to become a full-time farmer centered around milking 10 cows and selling the milk to neighbors at regular retail supermarket prices. It would have been a nice living. But it’s illegal.....I think it’s amazing that in a country which promotes the freedom to own firearms, freedom to worship and freedom of speech, we don’t have the freedom to choose our own food. If I can’t choose the proper fuel to feed my body, I won’t have energy to go shoot, preach and pray anyway."
One of my favorite passages from his interview was his take on vegetarians, "I will answer this in two parts. The first has to do with the people who think a fly is a chicken is a child is a cat — what I call the cult of animal worship. This would include the people who think we’ve evolved beyond the barbaric practice of killing animals to some cosmic nirvana state where killing is a thing of the past. Rather than indicating a new state of evolutionary connectedness, it actually shows a devolutionary state of disconnectedness. A Bambi-ized culture in which the only human-animal connection is a pet soon devolves into jaundiced foolishness. This philosophical and nutritional foray into a supposed brave new world is really a duplicitous experiment into the anti-indigenous. This is why we enjoy having our patrons come out and see the animals slaughtered. Actually, the 7- to 12-year old children have no problem slitting throats while their parents cower inside their Prius listening to 'All Things Considered.' Who is really facing life here? The chickens don’t talk or sign petitions. We honor them in life, which is the only way we earn the right to ask them to feed us — like the mutual respect that occurs between the cape buffalo and the lion. To these people, I don’t argue. This is a religion and I pretty much leave it alone."
Anyways, read the interview by clicking on the link below and you'll understand why the icon of sustainable agriculture, Joel Salatin, is far from being a Democrat. Here's the link; http://www.motherearthnews.com/Sustainable-Farming/Joel-Salatin-Interview.aspx
It may come as a surprise to many who have read The Omnivoire's Dilemma, but Joel Salatin is a known libertarian. What? You mean to tell me that a major aspect of a Cal-Berkeley professor's book is a libertarian who supported Ron Paul for president? What? You mean to tell me that The Omnivore's Dilemma, a book espoused by the left as the bible for sustainable agriculture and sustainable, green eating touts the life and work of a man who is certainly right of center politically and wants absolutely no government in his business? How ironic that the majority of Pollan's readers are left of center but Joel Salatin, a role model of sustainable living and sustainable farming practices is the opposite. Is it because the readers who are supposedly left really don't understand the influence that government has on farmers and the current state of the farming that goes on in our country?
Mother Earth News recently published an interview with Joel Salatin and it is worth reading. At the bottom of this post is a link to the interview.
In brief, Salatin has no use for the government in his business. Here's a passage from the interview discussing his biggest problem in farming, "Anyone familiar with me would have to smile at this question, knowing that my answer would be and continues to be the food police. The on-farm hurdles we’ve faced, from drought to predators to flood to cash flow, are nothing compared to the emotional, economic and energy drain caused by government bureaucrats. Even in the early 1970s when, as a young teen, I operated a farm stand at the curb market, precursor of today’s farmers markets, the government said I couldn’t sell milk. The first business plan I came up with to become a full-time farmer centered around milking 10 cows and selling the milk to neighbors at regular retail supermarket prices. It would have been a nice living. But it’s illegal.....I think it’s amazing that in a country which promotes the freedom to own firearms, freedom to worship and freedom of speech, we don’t have the freedom to choose our own food. If I can’t choose the proper fuel to feed my body, I won’t have energy to go shoot, preach and pray anyway."
One of my favorite passages from his interview was his take on vegetarians, "I will answer this in two parts. The first has to do with the people who think a fly is a chicken is a child is a cat — what I call the cult of animal worship. This would include the people who think we’ve evolved beyond the barbaric practice of killing animals to some cosmic nirvana state where killing is a thing of the past. Rather than indicating a new state of evolutionary connectedness, it actually shows a devolutionary state of disconnectedness. A Bambi-ized culture in which the only human-animal connection is a pet soon devolves into jaundiced foolishness. This philosophical and nutritional foray into a supposed brave new world is really a duplicitous experiment into the anti-indigenous. This is why we enjoy having our patrons come out and see the animals slaughtered. Actually, the 7- to 12-year old children have no problem slitting throats while their parents cower inside their Prius listening to 'All Things Considered.' Who is really facing life here? The chickens don’t talk or sign petitions. We honor them in life, which is the only way we earn the right to ask them to feed us — like the mutual respect that occurs between the cape buffalo and the lion. To these people, I don’t argue. This is a religion and I pretty much leave it alone."
Anyways, read the interview by clicking on the link below and you'll understand why the icon of sustainable agriculture, Joel Salatin, is far from being a Democrat. Here's the link; http://www.motherearthnews.com/Sustainable-Farming/Joel-Salatin-Interview.aspx
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Delicious Chocolate Beet Cake Recipe
1 c. margarine, softened
1 1/2 c. packed dark brown sugar
3 eggs at room temp
1-3 oz. dark chocolate (depending on how much chocolate flavor you are looking for)
5 medium beets or amount to equal 2 1/2 c. pureed beets
1 t. vanilla extract
2 c. all-purpose flour or 1 cup of both white and whole wheat flour
2 t. baking soda
1/4 t. salt
1/2 t. cinnamon
1/4 t. nutmeg
confectioners’ sugar for dusting- cream cheese frosting would also work well
1)Make the beet puree by cutting off the stems and quartering them. (I leave the bottom of the roots on until I peel them in hopes that more of the beety goodness will remain inside during cooking)
2)Place in pot of water that covers the beets and bring to a boil.
3)Let them simmer for around 45 mins. or until a fork can be easily pushed into a beet.
4)While you are waiting for the beets, mix your other ingredients as follows.
5)In a large bowl, cream 3/4 cup butter and the brown sugar.
6)Add in eggs and mix well.
7)Back to the stove...once beets are done, drain off remaining liquid and rinse beets in cold water and let cool until you can handle them comfortably.
8)While you are waiting for that, melt your chocolate with remaining butter(1/4 cup) and stir until smooth (microwave works just fine for this-watch and stir when needed) Cool it a bit before blending into the mixture but don't let it get too stiff to work with.
9)Back to the beets...slide off the skins and put the beets in a blender or food processor until you've created a smooth puree.
10)Let the puree cool some more before using it.
11)Now, blend the chocolate mixture, beet puree, and vanilla into the creamed mix.
12)Combine your flour, baking soda, and seasonings in separate bowl them add to creamed mixture, mixing well.
13)Pour into greased pan of desired size. 13 x 9 works well.
14)Bake at 375 degrees for around 50 mins. Test the center with a toothpick if you're not sure.
15)Make sure to cool it in the pan for 15 mins. or so before removing to cool on counter or rack.
16)Topping of sugar or frosting can be used once cake is completely cooled.
17)Enjoy this amazing cake!
Back story: I made this cake to share with my fellow farming apprentices during a presentation I was giving about growing and using beets. I adapted the recipe from various ones I had found online and in cookbooks. It was gobbled up in no time and people are still asking me for the recipe. It's a moist cake(thanks to those nutritious beets!) and has a slight earthy flavor that is complimented by the sweet yet, rich dark chocolate addition. It's like nothing I've ever tasted before and can't wait to taste again.
1 1/2 c. packed dark brown sugar
3 eggs at room temp
1-3 oz. dark chocolate (depending on how much chocolate flavor you are looking for)
5 medium beets or amount to equal 2 1/2 c. pureed beets
1 t. vanilla extract
2 c. all-purpose flour or 1 cup of both white and whole wheat flour
2 t. baking soda
1/4 t. salt
1/2 t. cinnamon
1/4 t. nutmeg
confectioners’ sugar for dusting- cream cheese frosting would also work well
1)Make the beet puree by cutting off the stems and quartering them. (I leave the bottom of the roots on until I peel them in hopes that more of the beety goodness will remain inside during cooking)
2)Place in pot of water that covers the beets and bring to a boil.
3)Let them simmer for around 45 mins. or until a fork can be easily pushed into a beet.
4)While you are waiting for the beets, mix your other ingredients as follows.
5)In a large bowl, cream 3/4 cup butter and the brown sugar.
6)Add in eggs and mix well.
7)Back to the stove...once beets are done, drain off remaining liquid and rinse beets in cold water and let cool until you can handle them comfortably.
8)While you are waiting for that, melt your chocolate with remaining butter(1/4 cup) and stir until smooth (microwave works just fine for this-watch and stir when needed) Cool it a bit before blending into the mixture but don't let it get too stiff to work with.
9)Back to the beets...slide off the skins and put the beets in a blender or food processor until you've created a smooth puree.
10)Let the puree cool some more before using it.
11)Now, blend the chocolate mixture, beet puree, and vanilla into the creamed mix.
12)Combine your flour, baking soda, and seasonings in separate bowl them add to creamed mixture, mixing well.
13)Pour into greased pan of desired size. 13 x 9 works well.
14)Bake at 375 degrees for around 50 mins. Test the center with a toothpick if you're not sure.
15)Make sure to cool it in the pan for 15 mins. or so before removing to cool on counter or rack.
16)Topping of sugar or frosting can be used once cake is completely cooled.
17)Enjoy this amazing cake!
Back story: I made this cake to share with my fellow farming apprentices during a presentation I was giving about growing and using beets. I adapted the recipe from various ones I had found online and in cookbooks. It was gobbled up in no time and people are still asking me for the recipe. It's a moist cake(thanks to those nutritious beets!) and has a slight earthy flavor that is complimented by the sweet yet, rich dark chocolate addition. It's like nothing I've ever tasted before and can't wait to taste again.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Green the Capitol Initiative
The "Green the Capitol" initiative is a program in the House of Representatives under the leadership of Nancy Pelosi to make the capitol the first carbon neutral legislating body in the world. The link at the bottom of this blog connects to a great article by Mark Hemingway from National Review on the why the initiative is a bad example to go by. In short, not everyone can have an everlasting supply of money to do what they want whenever they want to. In essence, going "green" is expensive and the initiative uses more and more taxpayer money each year. I think taxpayer money could be used for other things such as education, Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, national defense, and a whole host of other issues. I think a good idea would be to invest that $20 million used in 2008 and create an education program. One area in which most people in the United States need to be educated is the reality of where their food comes from and the impact of making poor daily dietary choices on themselves but also on the environment and the economy. Maybe it would be a good idea to spend that money to educate and better the citizenry of our country at the core rather than hoping that people will follow an expensive example.
Here's the article: "Greening the Capitol"
Here's the article: "Greening the Capitol"
Friday, July 24, 2009
Minimum Wage Increase
Tonight the minimum wage is going to raise to about $7.25 because of the bill that passed in Jan. 2007. Approximately 2.8 million Americans work on minimum wage. If passed, this bill will force small businesses to cut about 300,000 jobs. That's not good. It's especially not good because the people who work minimum wage jobs are teenagers and those in their young twenties trying to get started in their careers. If they lose their jobs, I wonder what they'll do.
Why is raising the minimum wage bad? hrmmmm......Just a little common sense will help. I believe if you raise the minimum wage, small business owners are going to have to pay their workers more. Because of that they'll have to do one of two things; raise their prices on goods to make up the difference......or.....cut jobs to have enough money to pay the bills. Especially those raising energy bills because of that "cap and tax" bill in congress. That's a-whole-nother topic. Anyways, keep the minimum wage as it is. Heck, if you lower it, you might even get a few small businesses that would hire a few more workers. Sounds like a pretty good idea.
Why is raising the minimum wage bad? hrmmmm......Just a little common sense will help. I believe if you raise the minimum wage, small business owners are going to have to pay their workers more. Because of that they'll have to do one of two things; raise their prices on goods to make up the difference......or.....cut jobs to have enough money to pay the bills. Especially those raising energy bills because of that "cap and tax" bill in congress. That's a-whole-nother topic. Anyways, keep the minimum wage as it is. Heck, if you lower it, you might even get a few small businesses that would hire a few more workers. Sounds like a pretty good idea.
Obama and Zelaya
For those of you who don't know, Manuel Zelaya was the former president of Honduras. He was kicked out of the country by the military ordered by the Honduran Supreme Court. What happened next was interesting. First, Hugo Chavez comes to Zelaya's back and cries foul. Next comes in President Obama on his high horse and wants Zelaya to be put back into the presidency. This is, by the way, the same President who waited and waited to condemn the Iranian attacks on their own people the previous few days. Let's take a better look at who this Zelaya fellow is....
Zelaya was the president of Honduras and his best friend is Hugo Chavez. That first should tell you that he is not a fan of the United States. Secondly that should tell you that he's quite the leftist. In Honduras, the president can only serve one term of four years. Zelaya wanted to amend the constitution so he could run for reelection. He first needs the people to pass a referendum. The Honduran congress rejected Zelaya's request. Zelaya pushed on. The Honduran Supreme Court then agreed with the congress and said that Zelaya didn't have the power or authority according to the Honduran constitution to have a referendum. Zelaya pushes on further. He decides he'll run the referendum himself and asks the military to help. The head military leader says no and Zelaya fires him. Zelaya then took over a military post to get the ballots for the referendum. The Supreme Court then orders the arrest of Zelaya. The Honduran congress then legally votes to kick Zelaya out of office and elect an interim president. By the way, Zelaya's party is the ruling party in the Honduran Congress and the interim president is in the same party. Now Zelaya is trying to get back to Honduras and is threatening action if he isn't put back into his presidency. All this and President Obama agrees with Chavez and Zelaya. What!?
Why on earth would President Obama be "meddling" in the Honduran affairs when this Zelaya character was breaking the law. He was legally kicked out by the Congress and Surpeme Court. Why is President Obama supporting this guy? Who knows? Not me but I do know, I only wish he would show the world that the United States is going to support those who support democracy and freedom. Honduras was only following their constitution so a new president would come to office next January. How hard is that to understand? President Obama needs to stop pushing for Zelaya's return to the Honduran presidency.
Here's an Op-Ed peice in the LA Times of all newspapers. Check it out if you don't believe me.
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-oe-estrada10-2009jul10,0,1570598.story
Zelaya was the president of Honduras and his best friend is Hugo Chavez. That first should tell you that he is not a fan of the United States. Secondly that should tell you that he's quite the leftist. In Honduras, the president can only serve one term of four years. Zelaya wanted to amend the constitution so he could run for reelection. He first needs the people to pass a referendum. The Honduran congress rejected Zelaya's request. Zelaya pushed on. The Honduran Supreme Court then agreed with the congress and said that Zelaya didn't have the power or authority according to the Honduran constitution to have a referendum. Zelaya pushes on further. He decides he'll run the referendum himself and asks the military to help. The head military leader says no and Zelaya fires him. Zelaya then took over a military post to get the ballots for the referendum. The Supreme Court then orders the arrest of Zelaya. The Honduran congress then legally votes to kick Zelaya out of office and elect an interim president. By the way, Zelaya's party is the ruling party in the Honduran Congress and the interim president is in the same party. Now Zelaya is trying to get back to Honduras and is threatening action if he isn't put back into his presidency. All this and President Obama agrees with Chavez and Zelaya. What!?
Why on earth would President Obama be "meddling" in the Honduran affairs when this Zelaya character was breaking the law. He was legally kicked out by the Congress and Surpeme Court. Why is President Obama supporting this guy? Who knows? Not me but I do know, I only wish he would show the world that the United States is going to support those who support democracy and freedom. Honduras was only following their constitution so a new president would come to office next January. How hard is that to understand? President Obama needs to stop pushing for Zelaya's return to the Honduran presidency.
Here's an Op-Ed peice in the LA Times of all newspapers. Check it out if you don't believe me.
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-oe-estrada10-2009jul10,0,1570598.story
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Late Night Penne
*LATE NIGHT PENNE*
4-6 servings
-2-3 cups penne pasta
-olive oil
-1/4-1/2 cup chopped onion
-1 cup sliced mushrooms
-2 TBSP flour
-15 oz. can pasta or tomato sauce
-1 cup milk or half n half
-1/2 cup chopped walnuts, almonds, or pine nuts
-2 tspn. garlic
-1 tspn. chili powder
-1-2 tspn. dried basil
-1-2 tspn. dried oregano
-salt and pepper to taste
-grated cheese of choice (Asiago, Romano, Parmesan, mozzarella, cheddar, feta)
Pick some or all of these to add:
-1/2 cup chopped artichoke hearts
-1/2 cup chopped green peppers
-3/4 chopped or crumbled firm tofu
1) cook penne pasta (preferably al dente)
2) drain and set aside (leaving lid on pot)
3) sauté onions and mushrooms in olive oil- on medium in large skillet
4) add some or all of these: artichokes, green peppers, tofu
5) stir occasionally until cooked through adding white wine or olive oil as needed
6) add about 2 TBSP flour/stir until thickened
7) add equal parts pasta or tomato sauce and milk or half n half (make sure it’s enough to just cover food in skillet)
8) stir a bit more often to prevent bubbly milk (turn heat to low-medium)
9) cook about 3 minutes, stirring often- adding in any spices now
10) add ¼ - ½ cup chopped walnuts or other nuts
11) stir in grated cheese until it melts
12) turn off heat but leave on burner, adding pasta to the sauce mixture and stirring well
13) serve with fresh layer of grated cheese and walnuts
14) ENJOY!
4-6 servings
-2-3 cups penne pasta
-olive oil
-1/4-1/2 cup chopped onion
-1 cup sliced mushrooms
-2 TBSP flour
-15 oz. can pasta or tomato sauce
-1 cup milk or half n half
-1/2 cup chopped walnuts, almonds, or pine nuts
-2 tspn. garlic
-1 tspn. chili powder
-1-2 tspn. dried basil
-1-2 tspn. dried oregano
-salt and pepper to taste
-grated cheese of choice (Asiago, Romano, Parmesan, mozzarella, cheddar, feta)
Pick some or all of these to add:
-1/2 cup chopped artichoke hearts
-1/2 cup chopped green peppers
-3/4 chopped or crumbled firm tofu
1) cook penne pasta (preferably al dente)
2) drain and set aside (leaving lid on pot)
3) sauté onions and mushrooms in olive oil- on medium in large skillet
4) add some or all of these: artichokes, green peppers, tofu
5) stir occasionally until cooked through adding white wine or olive oil as needed
6) add about 2 TBSP flour/stir until thickened
7) add equal parts pasta or tomato sauce and milk or half n half (make sure it’s enough to just cover food in skillet)
8) stir a bit more often to prevent bubbly milk (turn heat to low-medium)
9) cook about 3 minutes, stirring often- adding in any spices now
10) add ¼ - ½ cup chopped walnuts or other nuts
11) stir in grated cheese until it melts
12) turn off heat but leave on burner, adding pasta to the sauce mixture and stirring well
13) serve with fresh layer of grated cheese and walnuts
14) ENJOY!
Honey Rye Bread
*HONEY RYE BREAD*
-1 packet. Active dry yeast (2 ¼ TBSP.)
-2 ½ cups warm water
-2/3 cup molasses, maple syrup or honey (pick one or mix to make right amount)
-5 cups bread flour
-2 cups rye flour
-1 TBSP. salt
-¼ cup veg. oil
-¼ cup cocoa powder
- baking or pizza stone
1) dissolve yeast in warm water w/ the molasses - Stir – let sit for 5 minutes so yeast grows
2) add all other ingredients (leave out 3 cups of bread flour) – add salt last (Kills the yeast if added directly to yeast and molasses)
3) mix with a wooden spoon
4) mix while adding the remaining bread flour a cup at a time
5) knead dough 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic
6) Cover and let rise in bowl 1 ½ hours – in a dry place (Oven/Microwave)
7) remove from bowl and form into desired free-form shape
8) let rise 30 more mins. (keep covered with damp towel to prevent drying out)
9) bake at 400° free-form on baking stone for about 35 mins.
-1 packet. Active dry yeast (2 ¼ TBSP.)
-2 ½ cups warm water
-2/3 cup molasses, maple syrup or honey (pick one or mix to make right amount)
-5 cups bread flour
-2 cups rye flour
-1 TBSP. salt
-¼ cup veg. oil
-¼ cup cocoa powder
- baking or pizza stone
1) dissolve yeast in warm water w/ the molasses - Stir – let sit for 5 minutes so yeast grows
2) add all other ingredients (leave out 3 cups of bread flour) – add salt last (Kills the yeast if added directly to yeast and molasses)
3) mix with a wooden spoon
4) mix while adding the remaining bread flour a cup at a time
5) knead dough 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic
6) Cover and let rise in bowl 1 ½ hours – in a dry place (Oven/Microwave)
7) remove from bowl and form into desired free-form shape
8) let rise 30 more mins. (keep covered with damp towel to prevent drying out)
9) bake at 400° free-form on baking stone for about 35 mins.
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