What consumers said when interviewed after the consumer Dairy Labeling study in Chicago, 11/7/07
"I've learned that I've been paying way too much for milk" "All milk is healthy"
"I know now why they are using absent labeling, to trick me into paying more."
"How many people are paying more when they could be buying fruit and vegetables for their children"
Consumers responses after after the consumer focus group meeting in Philadelphia 12/13 /07
"No antibiotics! It's their way of jacking up the price! I assumed that if it wasn't on the container the farmer was putting low levels of antibiotics in their feed to keep them from getting sick."
After explaining to the consumer group that the Pa. Dept. of Ag. was looking to update the milk labeling laws, the moderator asked. Are you in support of what the PDA is doing? A unanimous "YES!"
The moderator explained that if things continue uncorrected the consumer could lose the choice of conventional milk, the cheapest choice. The group was upset with that reality..
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Monday, December 3, 2007
Speaking out for milk
"We were looking for something we could provide after workouts to help our athletes recover better and faster, muscles need carbohydrates and protein in a ratio of about 3:1 or 4:1 for optimum recovery A new food pyramid for older Americans recognizes the importance of dairy products in the diet and guess what... low fat chocolate milk has just that!" Strength and conditioning coach Andy Bennett at Fresno State University
A new food pyramid for older Americans recognizes the importance of dairy products in the diet. The new pyramid, published in the January 08 issue of the Journal of Nutrition, stresses the importance of nutrient-rich foods like vegetables, low-fat dairy products and high-fiber whole grains.
A new food pyramid for older Americans recognizes the importance of dairy products in the diet. The new pyramid, published in the January 08 issue of the Journal of Nutrition, stresses the importance of nutrient-rich foods like vegetables, low-fat dairy products and high-fiber whole grains.
The Chinese have desired to upgrade their diet and health, Premier Wen Jiabao has a dream "to provide every Chinese, especially children, sufficient milk each day." American Agriculturist article written by Mark Stephenson and Ken Bailey Jan./08
"Today, nearly 60,000 restaurants nationwide offer consumers milk in single-serve plastic bottles...driving sales to 10 times what they were with milk offered in paper cartons." Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Industry Leaders speak out
*"The milk labeling fuss makes horrifying entertainment" Dieter Krieg Farmshine Editor
With regard to the Ohio Rule’s requirements for labeling, it is quite simple – don’t include false or misleading claims and have appropriate substantiation for claims made. This Rule is not a labeling requirement. No one is forced to label. But if you make the choice to label, you must give consumers the complete picture so they can make informed decisions.
To address the issue of potential inconsistent regulation among States, the Ohio Rule does incorporate flexibility with regard to the required “disclaimer” language that must accompany a claim that milk is from cows not supplemented with rbST. Specifically, Section (B) (2) provides sample language for the contiguous additional statement but provides that a “substantially equivalent statement” can be substituted.
Conclusion:
The fact is that milk from cows supplemented with rbST is indistinguishable from milk from cows not supplemented. All milk sold in accordance with the applicable laws is safe and nutritious. People certainly have choices about what products to purchase and they are bombarded with information about those choices today more than ever before. In addition to labeling, consumers base purchasing decisions on multiple other sources of advertising: television; radio; newspaper circulars; even videos in grocery stores. Ohio’s dairy labeling rule introduces some much needed clarity into this arena and Monsanto encourages the State to also look at measures to address the other avenues through which these dairy claims are made. Kimberly Morin
"Our research shows that dairy producers are the most credible source in communicating on- farm practices with the public. Producers are most effective at addressing misperceptions and communicating the reality of on-farm animal care, enviromental and farm safety practices."Laura England, vice president of communications for Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association
"It is easy to scare the public in a 30- second media message"
"If Pepsi cola owned the Dairy industry do you think they would have a good milk vs. bad milk campaign?"
"The Dairy Industry is the most dysfunctional commodity group on the planet."
"Unfortunately, there are those who seek to profit from lies that others tell twice- once to the world and once to themselves."Terry
"The greatest struggle I have comes from people within the Ag. community, who side against technology because they feel it gives them a niche in the market place.That is dangerous, and the oldest form of attack strategy known to man. 'Divide and concur.' And we're falling right into that trap!" And another thing " we shouldn't let them hijack the word sustainable, their practices are fine but don't shoot arrows and say that anybody that uses technology is producing unsafe food."Trent Loos, of Rural Route Radio
"It's time to get out of the dark ages. Rather than indulge in mindless fear, look at the facts. The use of rbST is not a cause for concern. Let science triumph over irrationality." Michael D. Shaw, Exec, VP, Interscan Corp.
With regard to the Ohio Rule’s requirements for labeling, it is quite simple – don’t include false or misleading claims and have appropriate substantiation for claims made. This Rule is not a labeling requirement. No one is forced to label. But if you make the choice to label, you must give consumers the complete picture so they can make informed decisions.
To address the issue of potential inconsistent regulation among States, the Ohio Rule does incorporate flexibility with regard to the required “disclaimer” language that must accompany a claim that milk is from cows not supplemented with rbST. Specifically, Section (B) (2) provides sample language for the contiguous additional statement but provides that a “substantially equivalent statement” can be substituted.
Conclusion:
The fact is that milk from cows supplemented with rbST is indistinguishable from milk from cows not supplemented. All milk sold in accordance with the applicable laws is safe and nutritious. People certainly have choices about what products to purchase and they are bombarded with information about those choices today more than ever before. In addition to labeling, consumers base purchasing decisions on multiple other sources of advertising: television; radio; newspaper circulars; even videos in grocery stores. Ohio’s dairy labeling rule introduces some much needed clarity into this arena and Monsanto encourages the State to also look at measures to address the other avenues through which these dairy claims are made. Kimberly Morin
"Our research shows that dairy producers are the most credible source in communicating on- farm practices with the public. Producers are most effective at addressing misperceptions and communicating the reality of on-farm animal care, enviromental and farm safety practices."Laura England, vice president of communications for Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association
"I strongly encourage the FDA to exercise its regulatory authority in taking strong action against dairy processors that are putting profits over people, and scaring consumers about a product so essential to the health of low -income America." Kevin Marchman Board Secretary National Organization for African Americans in Housing [NOAAH]
"You can't afford to be a spectator on this one," "You must be on the team.""The rbST issue is a prime example of emotion-and maybe some financial greed-over sound science and sound reasoning." My bet, "is people who make these decisions gave little thought to what stopping technology will do to the hungry people around the world. It will literally take food out of their mouths." Orion Samuelson an agricultural radio broadcaster for 55 years
"If we have to feed all of the new people coming into the world and all of the people already here...we will never do it without technology." H. Louis Moore Penn State ag economics professor
As stated by Dr. Norman Borlaug, a renowned food scientist and winner of the Noble Peace Prize in the 1970s “We have some people that want us to revert to production practices of the 1960s, in doing so the world would only have enough food for 4 billion of the 6.2 billion people in the world. He continues, quite honestly I don’t see 2 billion people volunteering to leave.”
"Every negative question is an opportunity to tell a positive dairy story." " I urge dairymen to respond, not react; unite, not devide." " consumers want to hear what dairy farmers have to say, you are the most credible source. But if you don't speak up, no one will hear your story." Joan Horbiak, media communications advisor
"Absence claims marketing,when not based on sound science, has the potential to be a slippery slope with significant costs for producers, processors and costumers." Chris Policinski CEO Land-o-lakes Also The successful track-record of American Agriculture employing safe, effective technology to improve production and help feed the world is truly one of the great success stories in U.S. history. This story needs to be told and to continue.
"Will agriculture unite behind the principle that all misleading and inaccurate claims about food and farm practices must be challenged? Or will we as individual farmers pick and choose the practices we will advance and defend, depending upon which ones we fancy on our own farm." "Agriculture has great responsibility--as well as great self-interest--to provide consumers with clear and accurate information. It's also vital that we respond to their questions and concerns. But that doesn't mean surrendering to 'popular myths' even if they seem like a tidal wave." Carl T. Shaffer Pa. Farm Bureau Pres.
"To impugn that regular milk carries a health risk damages the whole industry. Billions of dollars have been invested to ensure milk quality and safety from cow to consumer." John Vogal
"Terry Etherton, dairy and animal science head at Penn State, puts that investment by producers and processors at more than$5 billion since 1984. "Dairy producers shouldn't be frustrated by this rbST-free issue; they should be incensed!""It is easy to scare the public in a 30- second media message"
"If Pepsi cola owned the Dairy industry do you think they would have a good milk vs. bad milk campaign?"
"The Dairy Industry is the most dysfunctional commodity group on the planet."
"Unfortunately, there are those who seek to profit from lies that others tell twice- once to the world and once to themselves."Terry
"The greatest struggle I have comes from people within the Ag. community, who side against technology because they feel it gives them a niche in the market place.That is dangerous, and the oldest form of attack strategy known to man. 'Divide and concur.' And we're falling right into that trap!" And another thing " we shouldn't let them hijack the word sustainable, their practices are fine but don't shoot arrows and say that anybody that uses technology is producing unsafe food."Trent Loos, of Rural Route Radio
"It's time to get out of the dark ages. Rather than indulge in mindless fear, look at the facts. The use of rbST is not a cause for concern. Let science triumph over irrationality." Michael D. Shaw, Exec, VP, Interscan Corp.
"Organic farming is a management style and some people choose to purchase organic milk to show support for organic farming practices. The type of milk you choose is a matter of personal preference as all milk is nutritious and wholesome." From the Dairy Management, Inc. Faq sheet on Organic Milk
"We support the FDA's guidelines on labeling, which stress that there is no difference in the milk and that all milk and dairy products are safe." Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association; rbST Key Messages [04] also, "People should feel good about consuming all varieties of milk, cheese and yogurt as part of a healthy, balanced diet."
"The industry should focus on quality not controversy" Clyde Rutherford Dairylea board president
From a Dairy Herd Management article [Oct,06] The Center For Global Food Issues [CGFI] sent a team into 15 stores in Phoenix. 100% of the stores carried some milk products with false or misleading labels based on U.S. FDA guidelines and regulations.
"Today, variety drives every part of the supermarket. People expect choices. By eliminating duplication we provide room for specialty milks like Lactaid and organic. As a result, when it comes to basic milk whole, 1%, 2%, and skim the A&P stores no longer stock several brands" Michael Rourke a senior vice president of A&P NY Times article Oct. 96
"The dairy industry has completely rolled over on this issue" [rbST] Rick Zimmerman, Agriculture and Community Development Services, NY.
"Dairy producers need to actively oppose the actions of processors and retailers to ban technology so they can profit at your expense. Don't sign the affidavits. Demand that your leaders stand up for your interests." Joel Hastings, Publisher and President Northeast Dairy Business
"Id rather focus on meeting consumer needs through real product innovations, and we have lots of examples of this for the dairy industry." Ken Bailey Associate professor of dairy marketing and policy Penn State University
"There is no evidence that if consumers understand the scientific facts about rbST, they will change their minds about it use. They'll still reject it." Tom Gallagher CEO of Dairy Management Inc
[Tom Krall's note on the above quote by Tom Gallagher] While I do not like what the quote says, I must admit Gallagher makes a very important point. While the truth remains that rbST is safe, it is extremely hard to properly educate the science behind it, and very easy to manipulate. This is a good example of trust and dependency on our leadership to do the right thing, for the masses will not and should not want to take the time to fully understand everything about everything.
*"The best friend of local farmers can and should be local costumers, but it takes effective labeling to connect the two in a meaningful way." Brian Snyder PA. Association for Sustainable Agriculture, Executive Director
"It should be the goal of our industry to assure costumers that any carton of milk that they choose from the store shelves is a safe and nutritious part of their diet." Lori Connelly Director of communications Penn Ag Industries
"Labels are to vague to be helpful to consumers, and they may lead consumers to pay more." Linda F. Golodner National Consumers League
*" No Artificial Costs Added" or "Fear Free" Milk [tongue in cheek] innovative labels! Sherry A. Bunting Agriculture Writing and Photography Services, East Earl, Pa.
"Normally product differentiation is good and gives consumers choices. However, there is legitimate concern that the marketing of organic, rbST-free and other milks often implies that traditional milk is somehow unsafe or impure, which is completely untrue." Bob Wellington Senior Vice Pres. Agri-Mark Dairy Coop. Mass.
All food Labeling should be monitored for factual content and controlled so that the consumer is not misled." Betsy Huber Master Pa. State Grange. "
"Specialty labeling should help consumers make educated choices-not increase misinformation" Kristina L. Watson Regulatory Reform Dir. and Dairy specialist Pa. Farm Bureau
*"The key to success for dairy is to be truthful to the consumer." Rusty Bishop, PhD. Professor, Dept. of food science University of Wisconsin - Madison
"We can no longer afford to hide our light under a bushel basket. The stakes are too high... I encourage every dairy and heifer producer to secure FIVE-STAR accreditation. It's a worthwhile investment that is good for our animals, our costumers and our businesses." Tom Gustafson, Dairy Calf and Heifer Association Pres. Willmar,Minn.
"Farmers in India and around the world, have pioneered the use of BT and RR crops developed from modern biotechnology, and have seen their innovation rewarded in terms of higher production and fewer environmental impacts." Harvey Glick, Economic Times [India] June 07
"With higher milk prices at the retail level, the dairy industry has an opportunity to educate the news media. Dairy producers can't meet everyone's needs if they are handcuffed by onerous environmental regulations, crackdowns on immigrant labor and assaults on technology." Thomas J. Quaife Editor Dairy Herd Management
"Cynical activists have unfairly stigmatized a scientifically proven product that has consistently delivered economic and environmental benefits to dairy farmers and consumers." Henry Miller NY Times June 07
"Perdue farms, the nations third-largest poultry producer, joined the Truthful Labeling Coalition [TLC] an industry and grassroots organization that, with the support of consumer and health groups, works to ensure the truthful labeling of fresh chicken products so consumers can make informed choices." article by Tim Lundeen, in Feedstuffs 12/07
"Address ignorance with truth"
"Democracy works, but its not a spectators sport"
"When people lead, leaders follow"
"Its not what you don't know that's dangerous, it's what you know that ain't so"
"America is starting to get it, people are sick of the doom and gloom!"
"Activists are in the conflict business 'send $20 and we'll make them stop doing that, they're looking for the next pinata and you are in the cross hairs"
"We imported 70% of our wood needs in USA this year and last. If consumers like Iraqi oil, they will love Russian timber." Bruce Vincent 3rd generation logger, Montana
"We have the safest, most reasonably priced food supply in the world; we must stand up against those forces that want to 'kill the goose that lays the golden egg'"[technology] John Block Washington
Veterinarian Support
"Protein hormones are simply broken down and digested to furnish our bodies with essential amino acids." Donald L. Yorlets, VMD also, "Buying into the scare campaign of Rutter's and other big dairy companies does nothing but take money out of your pocket and put it into theirs."
"What bothers me is all the time and money spent on conflict within our industry that could be spent on more positive things that could build up our entire industry." Brian Reed, DVM, MBA
"The greatest ignorance is to reject something that you know nothing about."Steven L. Millken MS, VMD Lititz Pa.
"We are not aware of a single dairy scientist, recognized dairy veterinarian, or extension dairy specialist that has objections to rbST on safety grounds. The safety evidence is absolutely overwhelming. This is not a debate about facts. The facts are on our side. Unfortunately, it's a debate about perceptions." Tom Troxel DVD Hanna IN
"Is it somebodies goal to take away our beloved Philadelphia Cheese Steak?" Timothy Trayer Ag. Vet. Associates. Denver Pa.
"The Language used to advertise agricultural products has become far too convenient and far too imprecise to properly inform consumers of anything." VMD Robert L. Owen Alpharma Animal Health "We should be focusing on quality and safety of all agricultural products, not on trying 'Madison Avenue' marketing tactics!"
*"The word 'hormone' is really handy if you want to scare the average consumer. Never mind that such campaigns undermine the consumer's confidence in the generic product. Never mind there is no way to actually verify the claim. Never mind that removing rbST from the industry will increase the cost of production, and ultimately the the price to consumers. Never mind that removing rbST increases the dairy industry's impact on the environment....It is the processor's near-term volume and margin that matter here!" John Fetrow, VMD, MBA professor of dairy production, University of Minnesota
"In 2004 the use of bio tech crops in the USA provided for a reduction in pesticide use by 64.6 million pounds,also saving millions of tons of topsoil and millions of gallons of fuel." Mark Armfelt DVM DAVBP
"What bothers me is all the time and money spent on conflict within our industry that could be spent on more positive things that could build up our entire industry." Brian Reed, DVM, MBA
"The greatest ignorance is to reject something that you know nothing about."Steven L. Millken MS, VMD Lititz Pa.
"We are not aware of a single dairy scientist, recognized dairy veterinarian, or extension dairy specialist that has objections to rbST on safety grounds. The safety evidence is absolutely overwhelming. This is not a debate about facts. The facts are on our side. Unfortunately, it's a debate about perceptions." Tom Troxel DVD Hanna IN
"Is it somebodies goal to take away our beloved Philadelphia Cheese Steak?" Timothy Trayer Ag. Vet. Associates. Denver Pa.
"The Language used to advertise agricultural products has become far too convenient and far too imprecise to properly inform consumers of anything." VMD Robert L. Owen Alpharma Animal Health "We should be focusing on quality and safety of all agricultural products, not on trying 'Madison Avenue' marketing tactics!"
*"The word 'hormone' is really handy if you want to scare the average consumer. Never mind that such campaigns undermine the consumer's confidence in the generic product. Never mind there is no way to actually verify the claim. Never mind that removing rbST from the industry will increase the cost of production, and ultimately the the price to consumers. Never mind that removing rbST increases the dairy industry's impact on the environment....It is the processor's near-term volume and margin that matter here!" John Fetrow, VMD, MBA professor of dairy production, University of Minnesota
"In 2004 the use of bio tech crops in the USA provided for a reduction in pesticide use by 64.6 million pounds,also saving millions of tons of topsoil and millions of gallons of fuel." Mark Armfelt DVM DAVBP
Friday, November 30, 2007
Goverment leaders on rBST
"Consumers are concerned or confused about product labeling" said Pa. Ag. Secretary Dennis Wolff. "It's a subject the department continues to receive many calls about."
"Consumers want affordable food and also want assurance that they are selecting the best product for their families' nutrition and overall health. When these desires are met with confusing or misleading food labels, it is the departments job to help give them the resources necessary to make an informed decision."
"We are concerned and believe there should be a level of integrity in marketing milk products. This action simply addresses where some have overstepped those bounds."
"It's irresponsible to deliberately confuse the consumer and possibly 'trick' them into feeling that they have to pay more for milk to protect the health of their family." Mauree Gingrich Pa. State Representative
"I urge that Ohio adopt a policy ensuring that dairy labels are truthful and accurate and that my right as a consumer to buy the cheaper, compositionaly identical milk is protected." Lyle Ruprecht, Butler Ohio, member of the Ohio Dept. of Agriculture's dairy label review committee
After the organic food standards became effective in Oct. 2002, USDA Sec. Dan Glickman clarified that, "Organic certification expressed a production philosophy and that organic labeling did not imply a superior, safer, or healthier product."
" States should evaluate any rbST labeling statements in the context of all labeling and advertising for the product" [store signs and posters, menus, pamphlets, store handouts, and the like are labeling and thus subject to FDA and state enforcement.
"The FDA explicitly contemplates that state officials will be enforcing state food and drug laws on the basis of the FDA notice.
It is quite unlikely that enforcement officials will tolerate the fraud on consumers and unfair competition that will unavoidably result from false, misleading or unsubstantiated rbST claims in labeling or advertising. We also anticipate that enforcement officials will question any company efforts to avoid enforcement action by making false or misleading claims about their product in publicity releases or statements to the press."Basil R. Eastwood on the FDA labeling guidelines for BST
"Consumers want affordable food and also want assurance that they are selecting the best product for their families' nutrition and overall health. When these desires are met with confusing or misleading food labels, it is the departments job to help give them the resources necessary to make an informed decision."
"We are concerned and believe there should be a level of integrity in marketing milk products. This action simply addresses where some have overstepped those bounds."
"It's irresponsible to deliberately confuse the consumer and possibly 'trick' them into feeling that they have to pay more for milk to protect the health of their family." Mauree Gingrich Pa. State Representative
"I urge that Ohio adopt a policy ensuring that dairy labels are truthful and accurate and that my right as a consumer to buy the cheaper, compositionaly identical milk is protected." Lyle Ruprecht, Butler Ohio, member of the Ohio Dept. of Agriculture's dairy label review committee
After the organic food standards became effective in Oct. 2002, USDA Sec. Dan Glickman clarified that, "Organic certification expressed a production philosophy and that organic labeling did not imply a superior, safer, or healthier product."
" States should evaluate any rbST labeling statements in the context of all labeling and advertising for the product" [store signs and posters, menus, pamphlets, store handouts, and the like are labeling and thus subject to FDA and state enforcement.
"The FDA explicitly contemplates that state officials will be enforcing state food and drug laws on the basis of the FDA notice.
It is quite unlikely that enforcement officials will tolerate the fraud on consumers and unfair competition that will unavoidably result from false, misleading or unsubstantiated rbST claims in labeling or advertising. We also anticipate that enforcement officials will question any company efforts to avoid enforcement action by making false or misleading claims about their product in publicity releases or statements to the press."Basil R. Eastwood on the FDA labeling guidelines for BST
Quotes from dairy farmers about rBST
"The only difference in milk is the processor who bottled it." Justin Risser, Meadow Vista Dairy, Bainbridge Pa.
"If the processor takes the right to use Posilac away from us, then we need to be more than fairly compensated." John Jenkins, Columbia Crossroads, Pa.
*"We don't have a choice. They will not pick up my milk if I don't sign by Dec. 31"says Stan Carmony, Wooster, Ohio. "My attorney advised me not to sign the affidavit due to possible civil suits. Its all on us the farmers. They are taking no responsibility." "Friendships are being ruined over... absolutely nothing, we've been set back 15 years in the dairy business."
"If this labeling without verification is allowed to be made, 100 percent of the fluid milk in Ohio will be represented as being rbST free," said Lyle Ruprecht, a producer from Butler. "It will be somewhat more expensive. The consumer will have no right to choose."
"It amazes me...those that speak out against rbST are the very ones that know nothing about it...Oh don't get me started! Shirley Krall, Lebanon, Pa.
"I would like to applaud Swiss Vally Farms for continuing to believe in the use of rbST. They have my utmost respect, they believe in 'All Milk All Healthy' and understand that rbST does not change the composition of milk, but helps us feed a hungry world. Thank you Swiss Valley!"
"I did not leave my dairy farm and family for two days just to talk. I want to know how I and my neighbors can help, how can I make a difference, give me a job." Marty Burken, Clinton Iowa, At his first American Farmers For the Advancement and Conservation of Technology [AFACT] meeting. Also;
We have seen foreign markets change their tune when it comes to genetically engineered crops. The Europeans first said no to any GE crops but now are accepting and importing them. It’s either accepting these proven safe technologies or someone goes hungry. If we don’t take advantage of advanced technologies in production agriculture, like BST, we have no hope of feeding our growing world population while staying as environmentally friendly as possible.
"We are all just threads woven together to make up one big tapestry; by yanking on one thread, we can ruin the entire material." "Let's all try to keep this storm from ruining us."
"Yes I use Posilac and have found it to be an effective management tool in my herd, especially when super-ovulating cows or trying to get a hard breeder pregnant..." "I don't propose that every dairy farmer uses the technology,that said, everyone deserves the right to make their own choice! Janet Shank Stiles Boonsboro, Md.
*"Why am I still poor if I have something that everybody wants!" [rbST free milk]
"Posilac is a lactation extender and on bad herd check days its a real life extender" Nelson Martin Berks Co. Pa.
"I don't consider myself an activist, but there's a fire in my belly and it won't go away"
"The silence is deafening from organizations that should have the best interests of dairymen at heart." Carrol W. Campbell co chairmen [AFACT] American Farmers for the Advancement and Conservation of Technology Winfield, KS
*"We as dairy producers would not produce a product that is unhealthy, we serve it to our own family's" "All milk is healthy, many choices, all healthy!" Liz Doornick, Baldwin Wisconsin also co chairman of AFACT
"Please, I beg you, as do the 70 plus families I employ, do the right thing, the moral thing, the ethical thing. Stop these horribly deceiving and wicked labels from harming another costumer." Jon Wheeler part of a powerful letter sent to Ed Rendell Gov. Pa. and his Gov. Christine Gregoire Washington State.
"We need to advocate that the consumer is at a loss, if any industry is forced to give up its efficiencies in their production of the product that is produced for consumer use. It makes no differennce if it is food, autos, or widgets, when effiencies are taken away the end result is a higher cost to the consumer." Hank Choate Cement City, MI
"Don't let me see it" What a private bottler inspector said to a farmer that asked if he can sign an affidavit and still use posilac. 12/07
"Dairymen need to stand up, this is approved, we need a little more faith in what science tells us. David White, Clamer, NY
"Posilac extends the length of time I can keep cows profitable and in the herd." "If Posilac gets taken away, its going to reduce my profitability...and then, whats next?" " As dairymen we need to take a stand for technology whether we use rbST or not." Doug Van Beck, Tipton, Calif.
"Value added is wonderful Honorable and Beneficial..Fear added is not!"
"Deception is not an Option."
"Mislabeling fueled this destructive competition, understanding that truth, makes clear the solution."
"For those who don't believe in, or trust our system, we have a choice. Organic! Do we need more?"
"When justic is served, stability returns"
"Obtaining knowledge is like buying a car, but applaying knowledge..... now we're going places."
"For those who have concerns over rbST, take your concernes to the FDA and leave the consumer alone"
"Labels should clear up fears, not stir up fears"
"Yesterday the key component to production efficiency was time. Tomorrow the key component to production efficiency is energy. Now is not the time to discard technology, but a time to conserve and advance technology."
" We don't need one person speaking 10,000 words a minute in our defence, we need 10,000 farmers working together,each making one timely phone call, or to be involved in a greater extent on one of several AFACT Teams." Tom Krall Lebanon Pa.
"Hormones are the building blocks of life,rbST is the exact replica of what the cow is producing. Cows have these receptors on their liver that uses this hormone to produce milk. As a cow gets farther along in her lactation these receptors begin to shut down. The additional somatatropin helps slow this process down. The milk is unchanged."
"While the registration of rbST for commercial sale has not been completed in many countries, no country has banned rbST or rbST products." "Somebody must sort through the lies" Daniel Brandt Lebanon, Pa.
"As producers, we must not only be at the table where crucial decisions are being made, we must stand up and lead the discussion"
"This was approved by the FDA only after being found completely safe for the consumer the cow and the environment" Logan Bower Dairymen and Professional Dairy Managers of Pa. President
"My herd is older now than before Posilac, it's a good reproductive tool, a lactation extender" John Vrieze, Baldwin Wisconsin
"Consumers are easy prey for manipulative and deceptive marketers and special interest groups" Genesee Valley Farm Discovery Center http://www.farmdiscoverycenter.org/
"If the processor takes the right to use Posilac away from us, then we need to be more than fairly compensated." John Jenkins, Columbia Crossroads, Pa.
*"We don't have a choice. They will not pick up my milk if I don't sign by Dec. 31"says Stan Carmony, Wooster, Ohio. "My attorney advised me not to sign the affidavit due to possible civil suits. Its all on us the farmers. They are taking no responsibility." "Friendships are being ruined over... absolutely nothing, we've been set back 15 years in the dairy business."
"If this labeling without verification is allowed to be made, 100 percent of the fluid milk in Ohio will be represented as being rbST free," said Lyle Ruprecht, a producer from Butler. "It will be somewhat more expensive. The consumer will have no right to choose."
"It amazes me...those that speak out against rbST are the very ones that know nothing about it...Oh don't get me started! Shirley Krall, Lebanon, Pa.
"I would like to applaud Swiss Vally Farms for continuing to believe in the use of rbST. They have my utmost respect, they believe in 'All Milk All Healthy' and understand that rbST does not change the composition of milk, but helps us feed a hungry world. Thank you Swiss Valley!"
"I did not leave my dairy farm and family for two days just to talk. I want to know how I and my neighbors can help, how can I make a difference, give me a job." Marty Burken, Clinton Iowa, At his first American Farmers For the Advancement and Conservation of Technology [AFACT] meeting. Also;
We have seen foreign markets change their tune when it comes to genetically engineered crops. The Europeans first said no to any GE crops but now are accepting and importing them. It’s either accepting these proven safe technologies or someone goes hungry. If we don’t take advantage of advanced technologies in production agriculture, like BST, we have no hope of feeding our growing world population while staying as environmentally friendly as possible.
"We are all just threads woven together to make up one big tapestry; by yanking on one thread, we can ruin the entire material." "Let's all try to keep this storm from ruining us."
"Yes I use Posilac and have found it to be an effective management tool in my herd, especially when super-ovulating cows or trying to get a hard breeder pregnant..." "I don't propose that every dairy farmer uses the technology,that said, everyone deserves the right to make their own choice! Janet Shank Stiles Boonsboro, Md.
*"Why am I still poor if I have something that everybody wants!" [rbST free milk]
"Posilac is a lactation extender and on bad herd check days its a real life extender" Nelson Martin Berks Co. Pa.
"I don't consider myself an activist, but there's a fire in my belly and it won't go away"
"The silence is deafening from organizations that should have the best interests of dairymen at heart." Carrol W. Campbell co chairmen [AFACT] American Farmers for the Advancement and Conservation of Technology Winfield, KS
*"We as dairy producers would not produce a product that is unhealthy, we serve it to our own family's" "All milk is healthy, many choices, all healthy!" Liz Doornick, Baldwin Wisconsin also co chairman of AFACT
"Please, I beg you, as do the 70 plus families I employ, do the right thing, the moral thing, the ethical thing. Stop these horribly deceiving and wicked labels from harming another costumer." Jon Wheeler part of a powerful letter sent to Ed Rendell Gov. Pa. and his Gov. Christine Gregoire Washington State.
"We need to advocate that the consumer is at a loss, if any industry is forced to give up its efficiencies in their production of the product that is produced for consumer use. It makes no differennce if it is food, autos, or widgets, when effiencies are taken away the end result is a higher cost to the consumer." Hank Choate Cement City, MI
"Don't let me see it" What a private bottler inspector said to a farmer that asked if he can sign an affidavit and still use posilac. 12/07
"Dairymen need to stand up, this is approved, we need a little more faith in what science tells us. David White, Clamer, NY
"Posilac extends the length of time I can keep cows profitable and in the herd." "If Posilac gets taken away, its going to reduce my profitability...and then, whats next?" " As dairymen we need to take a stand for technology whether we use rbST or not." Doug Van Beck, Tipton, Calif.
"Value added is wonderful Honorable and Beneficial..Fear added is not!"
"Deception is not an Option."
"Mislabeling fueled this destructive competition, understanding that truth, makes clear the solution."
"For those who don't believe in, or trust our system, we have a choice. Organic! Do we need more?"
"When justic is served, stability returns"
"Obtaining knowledge is like buying a car, but applaying knowledge..... now we're going places."
"For those who have concerns over rbST, take your concernes to the FDA and leave the consumer alone"
"Labels should clear up fears, not stir up fears"
"Yesterday the key component to production efficiency was time. Tomorrow the key component to production efficiency is energy. Now is not the time to discard technology, but a time to conserve and advance technology."
" We don't need one person speaking 10,000 words a minute in our defence, we need 10,000 farmers working together,each making one timely phone call, or to be involved in a greater extent on one of several AFACT Teams." Tom Krall Lebanon Pa.
"Hormones are the building blocks of life,rbST is the exact replica of what the cow is producing. Cows have these receptors on their liver that uses this hormone to produce milk. As a cow gets farther along in her lactation these receptors begin to shut down. The additional somatatropin helps slow this process down. The milk is unchanged."
"While the registration of rbST for commercial sale has not been completed in many countries, no country has banned rbST or rbST products." "Somebody must sort through the lies" Daniel Brandt Lebanon, Pa.
"As producers, we must not only be at the table where crucial decisions are being made, we must stand up and lead the discussion"
"This was approved by the FDA only after being found completely safe for the consumer the cow and the environment" Logan Bower Dairymen and Professional Dairy Managers of Pa. President
"My herd is older now than before Posilac, it's a good reproductive tool, a lactation extender" John Vrieze, Baldwin Wisconsin
"Consumers are easy prey for manipulative and deceptive marketers and special interest groups" Genesee Valley Farm Discovery Center http://www.farmdiscoverycenter.org/
"Technologies and production practices have and continue to be developed that produce a safe, wholesome, high quality and affordable food, for you the U.S consumer. The U.S. consumer uses the lowest percent of their disposable income in purchasing food as compared to any other consumer in the world. This is also the safest food supply in the world. The population of the U.S as well as the world will continue to grow larger, at the same time that the land base to produce food for the growing population gets smaller. So I ask you how will, we feed a growing population without increased production efficiencies." Hank Choate, Cement City, MI
"At a time like this, all we need is a division among dairy producers to send our production offshore...then look out, there's no telling what might be in your milk bottle."
"Kudos to Pa. Secretary Dennis Wolff." Leonard E. Crooke, New hope, Pa.
"Going rbST free... I see it as a lose lose for everyone." Jeff True, Perry,NY
" I'd never be able to make up lost production if I take it away from late lactation cows." Bryan Neyer, Mt Pleasant, Michigan
"We feel it is important to have the choice of this approved technology." Shaun Coyne, Avon N.Y.
"We have all too often underestimated our power, they can't have milk without a cow, and we own the cows. Secondly in the public eye the average farmer is well respected and if we present a positive message we can certainly influence public opinion." Frank Doll Pocahontas, IL
Wisdom From outside our industry
"People don't get along because they fear each other. People fear each other because they don't know each other. They don't know each other because they have not properly communicated with each other."
"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience. But where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."
"In the end we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends" Martin Luther King Jr.
"Being intelligent involves being ignorant about those things that are not worth knowing" unknown
Aristotle was once asked what those who tell lies gain by it. "That when they speak truth they are not believed"
"Its not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog that determines the outcome." unknown
"The Quality of a person's life is in direct proportion to that person's commitment to excellence" Vince Lombardi, Legendary football coach
"Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do." John Wooden
"When you say a situation or person is hopeless, you are slamming the door in the face of God." Charles L. Alan
"A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is putting on it's shoes."
"Do the right thing. It will please some people and astonish others." Mark Twain
"The lord abhors dishonest scales, but accurate weights are his delight." Solomon Proverbs:11:1
"A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way." Zig Ziegler, motivational speaker
"Use what talents you possess: the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best." Henry Van Dyke
"Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors" unknown
"Nothing is particularly hard if you divide it into small jobs." Henry Ford
"God raises the level of the impossible." Corrie Ten Boom
"Buy the truth and do not sell it; get wisdom, discipline and understanding." Soloman, Proverbs 23:23
"Satan would like nothing better than to have us stop our ministry and start answering critics, tracking down wretched lies and malicious stories. By God's grace, I shall continue to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and not stoop to mudslinging, name-calling, and petty little fights over nonessentials."
"Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are stiffened." Billy Graham
"The greatest weakness of all is the fear of appearing weak." Jean Rousseau
"It is wonderful how much can be done if we are always doing." Thomas Jefferson
"I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble." Helen Keller
"I hope I shall always posses firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man." George Washington
"To do great important tasks, two things are necessary: a plan and not quite enough time." Anonymous
"Always be willing to look at both sides of the argument. Understanding the other side is the best way to strengthen your own." Jim Rohn
"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all those who are destitute" Solomon, Proverbs 31:8
"If you want to make peace, you don't talk to your friends. You talk to your enemies." Moshe Dayan
"If I had six hours to chop down a tree, I'd spend the first four sharpening the ax." Abraham Lincoln
President Lincoln was once asked about his attitude toward his enemies. Why do you try to make friends of them? You should try to destroy them. Am I not destroying my enemies, Lincoln replied gently, when I make them my friends!
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