MRSA

I've been reading lately about MRSA being in our food system.  Do you remember MRSA?  There was  lot of buzz about it a few years back.  Is that staph infection that they found so prevalent in hospitals.  It's a bacteria that has become resistant to anti-biotics.  It was pretty scary stuff when they were putting it on every news show from here to Texas.  It almost gave me a feeling of dread.  But, then, we stopped hearing about it and I forgot about it.

A book has been released on the subject and as the author was interviewed she indicated that MRSA has been released now into the "community" (meaning a place other than a medical facility) and our food system.  I wasn't exactly shocked that it had escaped, but as usual I marvel that the public media hasn't been reporting on it.  What was once a hot topic is now old news.  We're much better off hearing about Sandra Bullocks marriage woes or how national health care is being signed into law.  Funny...we focus on getting insurance and not on getting healthy.  But I digress.

Anyway, I did some digging to find out just how this has entered our food system.  The conclusions should have been obvious.  It's being found in livestock.  And how, you ask, were livestock exposed to this?  I'm not sure they were (my opinion).  Maybe they developed it for themselves (with a little help from humans).

What we know is that livestock, being raised on a typical factory farm, are given low doses of anti-biotics regularly.  In an environment where animals are kept standing in their own feces, fed things we'd never let our mouths touch, and living in amongst dead cage mates, it's clear to see why anti-biotics would be necessary.  How else would they survive?  And in this veritable paradise of filth, the staph would find a living situation perfectly suited to its liking.  Now, combine the anti-biotics and the staph and what do you get?  MRSA....for animals. 

Alarming as this is, I found very little evidence of MRSA in U.S. publications.  It seems that the U.S. is not tracking MRSA as part of its statistics.  However, a Dutch study from 2007 (as reported here by our government website) found that out of the 31 farms tested for MRSA, 11% of the livestock did indeed host the disease.  On our own soil, a study published in Veterinary Microbiology, also in 2007, showed a prevalence of MRSA in U.S. pig farms. 

The pro anti-biotic website, KeepAntibioticsWorking.com, indicates that what we need is stricter government oversight of farming operations to ensure they eliminate the infection.  They suggest that we should look at a separate batch of anti-biotics rated for livestock to prevent the same strains of staph from cross-contaminating humans and livestock.

But wait....

Well, I'm no scientist as Mr. Hammar, my high school science teacher, can attest to, but doesn't it seem like if we give animals a different anti-biotic that they'd simply inherit a different type of MRSA?  And if that were introduced into our food system, would we not simply create two separate things our body needs to fight against?

Is there any other way?

Why don't we demand that livestock be treated humanely and in conditions best suited for their species?  As much as possible, we need to focus on real food that is grown locally.  We should be visiting farms and farmers to see what their practices are.  Those farmers who use practices you approve of, patronize them!  Let them know you appreciate them.  One guy, after hearing my diatribe of food atrocities perpetrated on the American public said "What can I do then?"  I said simply "Hire me...or people like me.  People who want to make a difference.  People who genuinely want to raise clean and healthy livestock or produce.  Hire us and we'll get the job done."

Climbing Trees

I remember climbing trees as a boy.  We had an old apple tree at our house that was great for climbing.  Apple trees don't generally grow real tall, but they have lots of great branches and they have that "fort" feel that is so essential to being a boy.

My boys like to climb trees.  They started this several years ago.  It's funny because I don't see a lot of kids climbing trees anymore.  In fact, I don't even see them playing outside much.  A neighbor kid came over last summer.  The boys asked if he wanted to wrestle.  He said he did and he had some great wrestling video games at home.  It didn't occur to him that they meant to like actually grapple one another and wrestle.

The tree in our front yard is pretty tall.  I would guess it's over 30 feet to the top most branches. Every year they seem to climb a little higher.  I come home from work sometimes and as I'm walking to the door I hear of chorus of "Hey Dad" coming from the leaves above me.  A few days ago they announced that they had climbed so high they could see the cars on the freeway near our neighborhood. 

When I watch them go that high, it does make me nervous.  But I haven't said anything (yet).  The truth is [personal admission coming]....when I look up into the boughs of that tree and see my three oldest sons plotting their next hand hold I am filled with admiration. 

Okay, I know their MY boys, but I think I'm putting that aside.  I'm filled with admiration because what they are doing is super cool...and I don't have the guts to do it.  I wouldn't have done it when I was a kid.

I think that mostly it reminds me of what real life is.  As men, especially, we've lost the drive to do something crazy, something hard. But when we look back, I think we need to ask; did Lewis and Clark go out because their journey would be easy?  Did Washington humbly consent to lead the rag-tag army of a newly formed nation because he thought it would be fun?  Did Edison persevere in failure after experimental failure because he thought it might improve his reputation?  No, they did the crazy things.  They followed something that God put inside them that craved exploration and adventure.  I'm sure each had different reasons for what he did, and I'm sure there were times when they wondered if they were making the right choices at all.  But in the end they persevered. 

I remember these things as the boys climb the trees.  And each time I look up and see them dangling on a limb, I'm reminded that I, too, can make a choice; to push myself; to persevere even when the way is long and hard.  And in the end I can give glory to God who gives me strength. 

Spring Newsletter!

Legacy Family Farm

Leaving a legacy of Biblical community through agriculture

Dear Friend,

We are thankful for a new year and looking forward to the challenges and joys God has in store for it.  As spring is slowly making its way, we are beginning to take orders for chickens.  But first, let’s revisit last year’s experience. 

We purchased 100 chickens last year and raised them at Keith Owens farm in Carleton, MI.  The chickens lived outside feasting on nature’s unpolluted pasture in movable pens.  We moved the pens daily. This allowed us to ensure fresh pasture every day for the chickens to forage while still protecting them from predators.  At the end of 9 weeks all the chickens were processed and sold.  We offered our chickens to a small group of people as a trial run.  It was a wonderful experience and I’d like to thank all those who came out to help.  It really felt like living in community together!  We are looking forward to the same experience this year!

This year our plans are similar to last year.  Here’s how it works:

    * If you’re interested, please fill in this sheet and return it to me.  You may email it back to me or you can print it off and put it in the mail or give it to me in person.
    * We require a $5 non-refundable deposit for each bird.  This will help us know that you are serious about your order and help defray the up-front costs. 
    * Next, you wait patiently for a hormone-free, chemical-free, antibiotic-free, pastured, locally produced and processed chicken.  Waiting time is 6-8 weeks.  Did we mention delicious?  By the way, we love visitors (especially kids) so give us a call!
    * We’ll contact you in advance with an estimated pick up date.
    * Early in the morning of the pick-up date we’ll begin processing the birds.  When you arrive, bring your cooler.  You’ll pick up the birds much like you see them in the store: no head or feet, plucked clean, thoroughly gutted, and packaged.  A lot of people ask questions about that.  If you want the feet or the giblets, please specify.
    * When you come to pick up your birds, we will subtract your deposit fees from the total cost of your birds and the remainder will be due.   If you’re not sure what you ordered, just let us know.  We’ll keep track of it for you!

In an attempt to remain competitive in our area, and to provide a product that we feel is affordable, the cost structure is as follows:
    *  Any birds 5lbs or less will be sold for $10.
    *  Any birds over 5lbs will be sold for $12.
    *  Keep in mind that a rotisserie chicken from a big box supermarket is typically 2 lbs.
Also, we realize that most of us don’t have deep freezers anymore.  Perhaps you want several birds but you do not have the freezer space.  Consider staggering your order.  Below you will see the estimated processing dates.  You can choose several dates, and the number of chickens per date.  We will do our best to accommodate.  There are approximately 3 week gaps between processing days.  We can only do this if we have enough orders so it’s subject to change.  If it does, we will let you know.



Chicken Ordering:

Chickens will have an average dress weight of approximately 5lbs.  This is comparable in size to the whole chickens you might get from the local grocery store. Similarly, this is how you will receive your whole, uncooked chicken.  These chickens have a 6-8 week life cycle.  On processing day we will keep them in a cooler until you arrive.  Due to space and regulatory restrictions we will not be able to freeze or deliver the meat.  As this is working on a cooperative model the money you invest cannot be refunded for any reason once the chicks have been ordered.  However, you will receive clean, fresh, locally grown meat for a reasonable price.  We would love to have you join with us in this vision!


Remember, this is estimated and depends on how many orders we receive.  For up to date and accurate information, fan our Facebook page (Legacy Family Farm) or track this blog.


Estimated processing date:    July 10th    July 31st    August 14th    August 28th

Number of birds:              

Family name:              

Contact info:              


*To ensure your order, down payment for the first batch is due April 18th.  Without a down payment, orders will not be placed.   Down payment dates for other batches will be emailed approximately 12 weeks prior to the dates above.


Send order information to legacyfamilyfarm@gmail.com.

Turkey

I think we're going to raise some turkeys this year.

We won't be offering them on a grand scale.  I haven't raised turkeys before.  I understand that they are very good at dying.  That said, I won't be actively selling very many this year.  Still, I 'm excited about it.  It's a new challenge.  I like challenges.

It's been interesting researching Turkeys.  There is so little information available as compared to chickens.  In researching chickens I was able to find blogs, white-papers, you tube videos, books, etc.  Not so with turkeys.  I've found some key information, but I really had to dig.

This got my wife to thinking.  That's always a good thing but often leads to more work for me.  This time was no exception.  She thinks I ought to become the local turkey expert.  Now, although that's work, the truth it I better become that in any case if I'm going to raise them.  So you may be seeing some you tube videos out there as we document our Turkey Adventure.

Hmmm...I think I need a better name.

Well, until then, keep watching.  Who knows?  Maybe next year we can offer pastured turkeys for Thanksgiving!

The Future of Food?

I rented “The Future of Food” from Blockbuster over the weekend.  Like it's counterpart (that's my assessment) “Food Inc.” it  certainly does cause one to think.  With all this over processed, industrialized food stuff being forced down our respective throats, what's a body to do?  It's all incredibly overwhelming. 

Now, for this blog post there are a couple of assumptions being made here.  First, I assume you care.  So many people don't.  We've been told all our lives that we can trust our food system here in America.  The government told us we can trust it.  [insert quip here]  So...uh....next point.

If these documentaries, along with all the other information available in print and on the web, is even remotely true, then I assume that you believe it and want to do something about it.  This is the audience I'm talking to.  Those, who like me, believe this stuff and are slightly freaked out at the consequences.  You want to change.  You want to do something about it.

But what?

I now you're reading this on the web and expect the answers to be here, but I don't really have an answer.  I sit after watching a movie like “The Future of Food” and stare off into space.  At first you think that buying organics is the way to go.  But not really.  First, it's just too expensive (you trying buying organics for a family of 7....yeah....right).  The cost is a killer.  Secondly, the label of organics means very little.  You have to research into the company, their philosophy, and their processing methods.  The time involved, and sifting through the marketing hype, becomes, once again, a killer.  

Second, I think I can just grow it myself.  In my little suburban home.  Well, okay, we can do that, but we really need more.  If I want this to last us all year (requires canning/freezing of produce) then we need a lot more.  Please see above comments about a family of 7 and time being a killer.

Lastly, I can buy local.  Please see above comments about a family of 7, cost being a killer, and time being a killer. 

Let's face it; if I had to do this the ideal way, then I'd have local farmer, producing/selling in bulk, according to my health standards, at an affordable price, all year long.  Oh yeah, and they have to have everything under one roof.  But to insist on that is to insist on another industrialized food system. So, then, what's the answer? 

Well, I suppose there are some things I can do.

I need to make choices that benefit my family based on our resources and what is available to me.  For instance:
I CAN begin to grow more of my own food.  Even if it's in a series of raised beds or window boxes in my urban dwelling place, I can start somewhere.  Or, if circumstances really don't allow it, maybe I know of people around me who will be able to do this and will allow me to pay for their services.  This starts me on the road to food independence.
I CAN do some shopping at the local Farmers Market.  I know it can be more pricey (maybe, maybe not).  But a good gauge is to list what I CAN get there and what it will cost.  I don't have to buy everything every week.  I can get what I can when I can.
I CAN make a list of organic foods that give me the biggest bang for my buck.  Apples, for instance, have the insecticides applied directly to the skin.  If I eat my apples with the skin in tact, then I should probably consider organics to ensure minimal processing to the parts I actually eat.  Organic cereal on the other hand may not be the best use of my money.
Most importantly I CAN plan to do all of the above to create a system that gives me the best that I can afford.

There is no magic bullet.  There is not one-size-fits-all solution.  But it starts here.  It starts now.  It starts with me declaring war on my own dependence on an industrialized food system.  I won't break free today, but I can start today. 

I do have one more thing to say.  There are some who are going to fall into a state of depression over this.  We are in bondage to a heavy slave master (industrialized food if you didn't get the word picture there) and there is no way out.  We're all going to die because the toxins put into our bodies.  I know...sometimes I freak out too.  But please remember that we are at the mercy of a loving God who knows our needs as well as our hearts desire.  Though we may deal with the consequences of a fallen world, He is the Giver of Grace and our Sustainer.  Or He can be....if we let Him.

The Other White Meat

I was approached by a work associate who is originally from India about buying pasture based (or wild as he calls them) chickens.  I confess that I was a bit surprised, not because he is Indian, but because it was a question really out of the blue.  Do I know where to get chickens?  Is the Pope Catholic? So I gave him my business card.  I gave him several.  I told him to pass the word along.  Then he wanted to know if I sold something else.  Something he really wanted.  Something that was, for him, a treat.

Rabbit.

I said, "To eat?"

He said, "Yes, to eat."

I said, "I don't think I've ever had rabbit."

He said, "If you are liking meat, you are liking rabbit."

Well, that was something else out of the blue.  Who knew?  Now, I know people in the southeastern region of the country tend to have an affinity for rabbit.  It's just that I've never met anyone in Michigan who eats rabbit (unless they're from the south).  So, yeah, i was surprised.

But you know what?

My oldest son had just asked me the week before if he could raise rabbits and sell them for meat.  I told him I didn't think there was much of a market for that.

Wrong.

So I think we're going to raise some rabbits....although my wife is having a much harder time with this than with chickens.  Something about eating bunny foo-foo.

What about you.  Do you want to try any rabbit?

Anxious

I know a little something about nervous breakdowns.  It's been a common thread in my family for generations.  It seems to stem from anxiety disorders and depression.  As I talk to people, in an out of my family, I'm shocked at the numbers.  Its incredible how many people have been to the doctor and are on some sort of anti-depressant.  The story tends to go something like this:

•    Really struggling emotionally
•    Went to the Doctor
•    Got some medication
•    Still struggling, but not as much

I've been on the meds too.  I know how it goes.  My dosages had to be increased pretty dramatically because it didn't seem to help.  In fact, I thought it was getting worse. 

I read up a lot on the subject and had some very dear friends who encouraged me.  I started working toward healing...in my own way. 

Now, I need to say this.  If you're struggling and on meds, I am not saying to get off the meds.  That's something between you, God, and your doctor.  Also, because you're on meds, it's probably wise to make sure you include spouses, friends, and family is the decisions.  I also need to point out that I am not suggesting that every person on meds is wrong.  Not so.  Some people needs meds to control their blood pressure, some to control their emotions.  I hope I'm clear on that.

What I found was that there were some basic things that I needed to do in order control my emotions.  First one....stop drinking caffeine.  I quit caffeine for many years and now only drink it in moderation.  I couldn't believe the difference it made.  But I still needed more.

I stopped watching television.  In part because during this time I was too broke to buy one (that made that decision easy!).  But what a difference it made.  I find that now, if I start watching it for any length of time I tend to start getting anxious and afraid.  Sometimes just really down.

I stopped gaming.  I was never a hard-core gamer, but I stopped playing games as a rule.  I was waking up with nightmares at night; sweating, shaking, the whole bit.  I was aggressive.  When I stopped, I calmed down.  The nightmares got better....much better.

I started forcing myself into quiet time.  I turned my radio off when going to work.  Left the job during lunch and just sat at a park, read, or wrote.  I sometimes just sat in my car and was quiet.  I tried to let God speak to me….in His own quiet way.  I started asking God what He wanted from me.
One thing you won't typically find from me is a formula for success.  Things that work for you don't work for me.  I understand that.  But I believe there is a theme in all this; simplicity.

When you read about people in the past, you don't see nearly the evidence of anxiety and depression that you see today.  Now, so I don't get accused of waxing nostalgic and looking for a Golden Era, the statistics show higher incidents of anxiety and depression in the last decade than ever before, especially among the teenage crowd.  Yet what I hear time and time again from people is that they went to the doctor and got meds. 

That's just not enough. 

I think if people are helped to simplify their minds and their lives they find much peace.  Even among Christians it's amazing how many cannot find peace.  Yet wasn't it Jesus who offers us an easy yoke and a light burden?  Joy over-flowing? 

Too many times we look to a cure instead of to a change.  I sat down for lunch one day with a work associate.  We sat down and he took a pill.  He explained that his cholesterol was high and he was taking meds.  He didn't know why it was so high.  Then he ordered a Philly steak and cheese...extra cheese.

While I don't doubt that his high blood pressure was inherited, I have to believe he wasn't helping by ordering the Philly steak and cheese.  I's funny how almost all solutions today end with a pill, or a quick fix, and not with change.  It's like the recent meeting in Copenhagen.  Fossil fuel emissions are polluting the environment at an alarming rate causing many to speculate on Global Warming.  They talked about curbing emissions ($), nuclear energy ($), alternative energies ($), and installing technology to block the suns rays ($$$).  Yet I don't hear too many people at that level talking about driving less, walking more, or riding our bikes.  That's out of the question.  They need to use money to drive solutions that don't require a change to our day to day lives.  We like it that way.

But what if we did look for change?

What if we changed our own lives?  What if we did try to simplify and go back to an older way of living?  How would that impact our health?

No, I don't advocate throwing the baby out with the bathwater and getting rid of all advancement.  But would it be so wrong to look at what I'm doing today and asking how I could simplify?  You will likely find that the things that affect you the most are not the same as mine.  That’s okay.  The question is about what will work for you.

What will you change?