Farm & Ranch
Consumer Perceptions of Beef Production
By Martha Crump | [email protected]
Today, we have access to a wealth of information right at our fingertips. If you don’t believe me, just hop on the Internet and spend a few hours, or even a day, finding out everything you need know. If it is posted on the Internet, it must be true. One of the assignments I used to give my university students was learning how to tell fact from fiction online, so when it came time for their papers they could be assured they were citing credible sources. It isn’t easy.
Many of these so-called experts with their fancy websites are as far removed from truth and facts as you can possibly be, but they are experts at designing their sites and presenting their emotionally based arguments.
They also have followers; lots of followers that don’t want to take the time to think about where information is coming from, or to even check the credentials of the individuals or groups pushing these so called facts.
After all, they want to be “woke,” and save the planet among other noble and notable gestures. After all, they aren’t going to be writing a paper so no sources necessary. Just tell them what to think and they are good to go. No time for that messy stuff called research or critical thinking, also referred to as common sense.
To read more pick up a copy of the October 2021 NTFR issue. To subscribe call 940-872-5922.
By Barry Whitworth, DVM
Having backyard poultry is a popular agriculture enterprise. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, 0.8 percent of all households in the United States have chickens. People keep chickens for a variety of reasons with table eggs being one of the more common reasons.
Unfortunately, some of these poultry producers are not aware of the hazards that come with keeping poultry because many times they carry pathogens but appear healthy.
Chickens are carriers of several zoonotic diseases. These are diseases that can be passed from animals to humans. According to a recent survey in Pennsylvania, a majority of backyard poultry producers were aware of the dangers of avian influenza. However, this study also revealed that far fewer producers were aware of the risk of possible exposure to Salmonella and Campylobacter.
The lack of knowledge about the hazards of raising poultry likely contributes to the continued issues of Salmonella outbreaks associated with backyard poultry. In 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 1,072 illnesses of Salmonella linked to backyard poultry, and 272 of those patients required hospitalization. Oklahoma reported 43 individuals with the disease.
To read more, pick up a copy of the April issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
By Tressa Lawrence
Babies are tucked away in every nook and cranny. Many ranchers across Wyoming have baby animals popping up all over this time of year.
By Lindsey Monk
Another load of grain in to keep feeding the calves until the green grass can really start popping.
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