Ye-Ha#agchat antics
(Think these Dairy Cows Standing in Toxic Feces Might need Antibiotics?)
Well, I’ve been slacking on posting for a while now cuz I’m very busy with my start-up, but I participated in the “Weekly Streaming Ag & Farm Conversation,” or #agchat, on Twitter last night and got a few people riled up.
I wasn’t even going to participate. I was gonna wrap up my work on the computer for a while but started to see the TweetDeck tweets roll in and they immediately got my attention. I couldn’t believe what people were saying and started to, uh, ‘challenge’ them.
They didn’t find me saying that I felt like some were BS-ing me and the consumer “professional.” They said my tweets were falling on “deaf ears” yet I have 20% more followers this morning than yesterday morning. Someone took an interest in my challenges to their answers.
Anyway to the issues. Mine are relatively simple.
I want to join with others, such as #profood, for instance, who want food production transparency; healthy, sustainably, and locally (when possible) raised and grown food; and not to be treated like I’m stupid by companies that market their food as to give you an impression that it’s something that it’s not.
There, that’s the one sentence elevator pitch.
On to the players and their Tweets:
#agchat is hosted by Michele Payn-Knoper, principal of Cause Matters Corp.
#agchat is a “weekly moderated conversation on Twitter for people in the business of raising food, feed, fuel, fiber.”
Hmmm… distinct omission of “consumer.” And that’s how I felt on #agchat.
Last’s night’s topic was “Antibiotics and their use in food production.” A topic about which I am most passionate.
Question 1: Can someone explain why we use antibiotics in livestock?
Great question! Time for some honest answers…(NOTE: not in chronological order, well, except for the first one.)
First answer: AgriBlogger (Chuck Zimmerman is the professional agriblogger, farm podcaster and President of ZimmComm New Media): For the same reason we use them in people. Doesn't that make sense?
Pure genius. NOT.
It’s good enough for Imwordin, though lmworden (lmworden; Vermont, USA; Farm girl at heart, Badger for life. I love Holsteins, the dairy industry, and everything related to it! Trying to be the best that I can to support what I love): RT @AgriBlogger: For the same reason we use them in people. Doesn't that make sense?
This guy at least questioned it, I like him cuz he bicycled across the USA to do research, but that can always change follownathan (Nathan A. Winters; Rural Vermont; www.follownathan.org; 5 months/4300 miles via bicycle across USA with a piqued curiosity into food chains, agriculture and environmental issues. Writing a book about my experiences.): @AgriBlogger of course it makes sense... but like any situation it can be abused and become problematic or misunderstood
More not helpful replies:
FVCattle (Grant E. Stufft DVM <that means veterinarian> ): Obviously to treat disease.
organicnymilk1 (Dean Sparks; Greene, NY; organicnymilk.wordpress.com; Milk Marketer, Dad, Farmer): Easy - we use antibiotics (in the organic world) to save the life of the animal. Part of being good stewards. <Queue harp music>
agchat agrees agchat: RT @OrganicNYmilk1: Easy - we use antibiotics (in the organic world) to save the life of the animal. Part of being good stewards.
That one worked on this guy too TopProducerMag (Greg Vincent; Smithville, Missouri; www.agweb.com/TopProducer; I'm the editor for Top Producer, a business publication for farmers): RT @organicnymilk1: Easy - we use antibiotics (in the organic world) to save the life of the animal. Part of bng good stewards.
NateJaeger (Nate Jaeger, Alabama, www.beefusa.org, NCBA Field Representative < National Cattlemen's Beef Association > ): several reasons but 1st one is the same we use them as adults, to help animals get better when they r sick.
cowartandmore (Kathy Swift, Florida, www.cowartandmore.com, Large animal veterinarian, creator of an online art gallery catering to the agriculture industry, wife, mom of 3 boys, 1 dog and 3 cats): As a veterinarian, I use antibiotics to treat disease.
MegRaeB (Meg Brown, Butte County, CA; megraeb.wordpress.com; 5th generation commercial cattle rancher. Grass fed. Pro-farm. Pro-animal welfare. Foodie) because animals get sick too
ksfarmboy (Tom Tibbits; ÜT: 39.11226,-97.721765; farmertimes.blogspot.com; I farm in north central Kansas with my dad and granddad. We raise wheat, corn, soybeans, grain sorghum and sunflowers.): I use antibiotics to fight a disease or ailment
KyFarmersMatter (Johns Custom Meats; Bowling Green, KY; johnscustommeats.com; Cattle Producer,EX-Tobacco Grower-Meat Shop Owner~Locally grown meats from small family farms! Buy Local Kentucky! It's a 1000 miles fresher! Support Local Agr!): ~ To treat sick livestock
(I think KY is mad at me cuz I told her that I was too immature not to find “KY Farmers” funny.) ROFLMAO
Another stroke of genius from AgriBlogger: Don't we want healthy animals? I'd rather eat them than unhealthy ones.
The organizer agrees! mpaynknoper: Me, too. And healthy byproducts. RT @AgriBlogger: Don't we want healthy animals? I'd rather eat them than unhealthy ones.
This guy’s logic is, no matter how diseased it is, let’s use antibiotics cuz we already spent the money on it bruceaking (Bruce King): Responsible use of antibiotics is good for the envoronment, we save animals that have already grown and used resources
This guy was OK with that explanation, though bencwilson (Ben Wilson; Bashaw, AB, Canada; bashawben.wordpress.com; Environmentalist & Food Activist with balanced views. I work with Social Media in agriculture for FarmOn.com and I love it!): RT @bruceaking: Responsible use of AB is good for the environment, save animals that have already grown and used resources
This guy is easily the most annoying person in #agchat (other than me), plus you just have to love his explanation samvance (Sam Vance Cincinnati, OH; Edible Intelligence OSU degree Re: Food Science & Tech. Also sarcastic/smells of cookies): anti-bio's used for herd/farm/food safety. You can't process an animal that is already dead or sick.
I think his blog name, Intelligence is an oxy-moron. <evil grin>
Here’s my favorite answer, someone else with a sarcastic sense of humor: gotmilk007 (Got Milk; Sebring, Florida; I Have Gone Broke Milking Cows): To keep the great folks at pfizer & those other antibiotic jockeys in new cars?
This is why I spent the next 3 hours on Twitter in #agchat. And, several hours this morning, blogging about it.
Next, some marketing platitudes that you might find on a corporate website or food label:
animalag(Animal Ag Alliance; Arlington, VA; animalagalliance.org; We help consumers better understand the role that animal agriculture plays in providing a safe, abundant food supply to a hungry world. (Tweets by Sarah!)): To keep animals healthy and produce a safe, secure, and affordable food supply for an ever-increasing population.
AgChat agrees agchat: RT @animalag: To keep animals healthy and produce a safe, secure, and affordable food supply for an ever-increasing population.
But wait, animalag’s Bio sounds a little suspicious. A visit to the Animal Alliance site didn’t reveal who, specifically, is in this “alliance.” But you gotta love Google:
Animal Agriculture Alliance (AAA), a lobby group for some U.S. agriculture interests
<are any of those “interests” in common with mine, I wonder?>
From Alliance's annual return for the year to April 2004:
Charlie Arnot, Chairman; Mr. Arnot is a partner in CMA Consulting, a Kansas City, Missouri based public relations firm. A media release from the Animal Agriculture Alliance, described Arnot as "a long-time swine industry insider."
This just keeps getting better. These guys deserve their own Blog post. Any volunteers?
And my personal favorite of the night: teresaroof: by using antibotics strategically we ensure the safest meat supply in the world ends up on America's tables
My reply: CulinaryHatchet: U must be in Marketing dept. RT @teresaroof: Q1 by using antibotics strategically we ensure the safest meat supply in the world
Let’s check her Bio: Teresa Roof; Des Moines, IA; Iowa farm girl working in PR. <LMAO>
Quick Google Search:
Teresa Roof, Manager Public Relations, National Pork Board, 5 years as of March 2009
<Interesting>
Editor: Pork Checkoff News from the National Pork Board, TRoof@pork.org 515-223-2616
Past Position: Marketing at La' James International College
Education: University of Northern Iowa
CowArt lady bought right into it cowartandmore: RT @teresaroof: Q1 by using antibiotics strategically we ensure the safest meat supply in the world ends up on America's tables
The teacher liked it too rosehartschuh (Rose Hartschuh; Lykens, Ohio; Really Long Link[/LINK] Farm wife, high school agriculture teacher, and dappling freelance communicator. Love making a difference in the community and worldwide):RT @teresaroof: Q1 by using antibotics strategically we ensure safest meat supply in the world ends up on tables
Now I’m locked & loaded….
rosehartschuh: Farmers are obligated to keep animals comfortable. If animals are sick, they should be cared for. That means antibiotics.
Yikes! This is what we are teaching America's children? I find this very disturbing. It’s not their health? We just don’t want them to suffer too much while they spend their lives standing in toxic waste?
But, at least her heart is in the right place rosehartschuh: ABs are for the animal's best interests. It would be inhumane to let it suffer without treatment.
Her’s too iamafarmer2 (Debbie Borg; ÜT: 42.255703,-96.845507; ouragstory.blogspot.com): dittoRT @rosehartschuh: ABs are for the animal's best interests. It would be inhumane to let it suffer without treatment.
But wait, some glimmer of helpful answers:
friendthefarmer (David Becker ; New York and Connecticut; friendofthefarmer.com; Born on the shores of the Hudson. Taking a keen interest in sustainability, farming and food news): Anitbiotics when sick with bacterial infection makes sense.
Meatcamp agrees meatcamp (Carrie Oliver; North America; MeatCamp™ We specialize in artisan steak tastings. It's Like A Wine Tasting, But With Steaks!™ You can also find me at @CarrieOliver): RT @FriendTheFarmer Anitbiotics when sick with bacterial infection makes sense.
bgfarmboy (Blue Gentian Farm; New Richmond, WI; www.bluegentianfarm.com; We specialize in naturally grown heritage breeds and heirloom vegetables): We also practice this use of AB's RT @friendthefarmer: Anitbiotics when sick with bacterial infection makes sense.
farmconnect (FarmConnect.net; Michigan; farmconnect.net; FarmConnect.net is a BRAND NEW social networking site by farmers 4 farmers and food lovers. If you eat, you are invited! Blogs, groups, forums.): We use them occasionally when animals are sick to provide for their welfare.
cowartandmore: Antibiotics are also useful in preventing manifestations of disease in high risk situations.
Nate Jaeger agrees NateJaeger: RT @cowartandmore: Q1 Antibiotics are also useful in preventing manifestations of disease in high risk situations.
Agchat agrees agchat: RT @NateJaeger @cowartandmore Antibiotics are also useful in preventing manifestations of disease in high risk situations.
KyFarmersMatter: Antibiotics used here 2treat illness when needed. Withdrawal times r req'd & USDA has survellance progs 2ensure safe food supply
PutnamAg (Glen Arnold; Ottawa, Ohio; Ohio State University Extension Agriculture ; Educator and Associate Professor; Farm, Livestock, Crops, Manure): In dairy, antibiotics are used to cure an ill animal. Antibiotics are haulted when the animal recovers.
Ah hah, a hint as to what’s *really* going on
PR girl weighs in again teresaroof: pork producers give them only when pigs are susceptible or exposed to illness, or are sick
“Only?” Doesn’t “susceptible” and “exposed” pretty much cover All the time? But, really, anything that PR girl says now is suspect in my book.
I guess this guy is trying to be helpful but his Bio and web site don’t give me a warm feeling PeteAlexion (Pete Alexion; North Pole, Alaska; www.petealexion.com; Commercial agricultural copywriter specializing in B2B lead generation, white papers, and collateral): Multiple reasons; please be more specific
Ok is it because they stand in their own feces all day and eat corn which is bad for their rumen’s and makes them sick?
bgfarmboy: Union of Concerned Scientists estd that 70% of AB's used in US is given to healthy livstk to encourage growth or prevent illness.
Yes, I have heard that as well and Michael Pollan quoted it in his book. This conclusion seems to be hotly contested. Who has supporting research one way or the other?
This is a good question: yourlocalfoods: @OrganicNYmilk1 are there different practices/policies for use in organic vs conventional? (I already knew the answer because I’ve read all of the government regulations on the requirements to label your food as “organic.”)
organicnymilk1: @yourlocalfoods Antibiotics are banned in organic production, so if we must give an animal a shot she is banned from the line
The second part of that sentence is more accurate than the first part.
Another good question: friendthefarmer: What about non-therapeutic applications of antibiotics? Animal is not sick. Under what conditions okay?
iTweetMeat (Chris Raines; State College, Pennsylvania; meatisneat.wordpress.com; I work with farmers and butchers in and around Pennsylvania on a variety of topics: mktg. quality, safety, reg's, etc. I'm an Asst. Prof. @ Penn State Univ): AB's may also be used subtherapeutically to selectively control bacteria that interfere with animal growth, thereby "promoter"
subtherapeutically: Below the dosage levels used to treat diseases: subtherapeutic feeding of penicillin to livestock.
In genetics, a promoter is a region of DNA that facilitates the transcription of a particular gene. Promoters are typically located near the genes they regulate, on the same strand and upstream (towards the 5' region of the sense strand).
Hmmmm, Chris, maybe you can shed more light on this for us consumers?
Nate Jaeger agrees, so maybe he understood it? NateJaeger: RT @iTweetMeat: AB's may b used subtherapeutically 2 control bacteria that interfere w/ animal growth, thereby "promoter"
ksfarmboy: Also provide an ionophore in feed for improved feed conversion
An ionophore is a lipid-soluble molecule usually synthesized by microorganisms to transport ions across the lipid bilayer of the cell membrane.
Tom, gonna need some help on that one too; can you please restate in layman’s terms?
Pete is still lost PeteAlexion: is very vague, can we have a specific application to discuss?
This seems helpful on the surface iTweetMeat: Certainly not a concise reason, but this summarizes it well Low Level Use of Antibiotics in Livestock & Poultry
agchat agrees agchat: RT @iTweetMeat: Certainly not a concise reason, but this summarizes it well Low Level Use of Antibiotics in Livestock & Poultry
I’m suspicious, though, because it’s published by the Food Marketing Institute, listed as a PAC under “Influence and Marketing,” opensecrets.org.
farmconnect: As a farmer, I understand their use when needed like any tool. As a dad, I worry about their overuse.
Us, consumer’s, as well and tonight’s discussion really wasn’t that helpful in increasing our knowledge and understanding for those of us hoping to learn more about “Antibiotics and their use in food production.”
And that was just question 1 of 11.
And finally, this takes the cake!
I don't know if this dropped off archive for Question 1 or if it is in another question, but it's so misinformed it deserves special treatment:
@agropinion (Jody Donohue; Editor, AgrOpinion.com; ÜT: 38.558499,-94.871352; AgrOpinion.com; Gun-toting, red meat eating, church-going, rancher): When antibiotics used, it's like getting a flu shot.
She doesn't even know the difference between a virus and a bacteria! #FAIL
