Disqus - Latest Comments for kindra_gordon

Re: Toastmasters for Farmers

kindra_gordon — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 13:01:43 -0000

About a year ago I heard that the dairy industry had plans to take presentations to college campuses to educate young consumers about the industry. I never heard the outcome of this, but I think it is a plan that has merit. Too often we preach to the choir about our industry. Instead, we should be reaching out to those who are at a pivitol time in their life when impressions are made and choices are formed.

Re: Oprah Eyes Food: TV segment should spur industry to speak up

kindra_gordon — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 11:45:59 -0000

An American Cowman reader e-mailed me this morning, making another point about the California debate over Proposition 2. This individual pointed out that there is some confusion and misinterpretation in California as campaigning takes place of where California veterinarians stand on the issue. Specifically, some ads are touting that the California Veterinary Medical Association
(CVMA ) supports Proposition 2 - when in fact, they do not.

To clarify, I'm posting the CVMA's Position Statement on Standards for Confining Farm Animals below:

The California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), guided by The CVMA’s Eight Principles of Animal Care and Use, has thoughtfully considered Proposition 2, “The Standards for Confining Farm Animals.”

As experts in animal health and welfare, California veterinarians must balance scientific knowledge with ethical, philosophical, and moral considerations. While the CVMA supports the concept that animals should be allowed to turn around, lie down, stand up and fully extend their limbs when confined, we also believe that issues such as public health, biosecurity and good farming practices must be considered.

The CVMA firmly believes that any modifications of the current system should be made in consultation with California's food animal veterinarians, the leading authorities on the health and well being of production animals.

Disclaimer: The CVMA does not condone commercial advertisements about Proposition 2 that do not accurately reflect the issues addressed in the ballot initiative. We encourage voters to focus on the issues and make an informed decision.

For a link to this statement on the CVMA Web site click here: http://www.cvma.net/doc.asp...

Re: Oprah Eyes Food: TV segment should spur industry to speak up

kindra_gordon — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 12:05:51 -0000

This is a great discussion. I especially like the point made by Cowgirl Logic....let's not point fingers, lets not worry about what others are doing. Instead, let's focus on the positives on our ranches and tell that story. We are already doing many of the "animal-care" things that consumers support, but we just haven't been as proactive in promoting those things as we need to be. By nature, ranchers tend to be pretty independent and pretty humble. While those are noble traits, the new climate among consumers seeks more information. They want a connection with the land, the food and the people who raise it. Thus, the industry needs to adapt!

Re: Oprah Eyes Food: TV segment should spur industry to speak up

kindra_gordon — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 11:52:52 -0000

I too get frustrated in watching Oprah and have tuned in less. But she still has influence, as the saying goes, perhaps we need to keep our "friends close and our enemies closer," so we can combat what she is promoting with the real truth.