Anyone wishing to accompany OSU Camp Turf’s students and advisory’s/supporters is welcome. This is the 4th annual tour for OSU Camp Turf. The OSU Camp Turf agro-ecology tour begins about 11am and lasts 3.5 to 4 hours on June 18th in Woodward. This year lunch consisting of mostly local farm foods, will be provided adding about one hour to the event.

If you plan to attend with OSU Camp Turf students, please let us know how many to expect by RSVP so we may have enough food on hand. A friend and rancher/chef from Taloga will be grilling, Donnie Hay. Everyone is welcome who wishes to come. (FYI – The farm is Spartan, uses Ecological Practices and has been subject to high winds from tornadoes or other storms, late freezes, grapefruit and tennis ball size hail, drought and lack of attention while I’m a student commuting to OSU.)

This year’s tour will also be attended by SSARE (S. Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education) Communications Staff, Candace Pollock, who will be available to share producer, student and other grant funding opportunities.

Please RSVP to attend and obtain directions.

Kathy

Kathy Moore, Owner
Anichini Moore Ranch & Farm
Founder: OK Composting Council

Action Alert: Call Senators to Support Farm Bill Amendments

Updated May 24, 2013:

Tell your Senators to support amendments for small farmers, non-GMO agriculture, and food freedom in the Farm Bill!

The U.S. Senate is debating the Farm Bill, S.954, right now. Can you help us speak up for both farmers and consumers in this massive legislation?
Although the proposed Farm Bill strongly favors the large consolidated corporate agriculture system, several good amendments have been filed. The amendments cover a range of topics, from repealing the Monsanto Protection Act to protecting small farmers from new federal regulations.
Please take action – call your Senators today and urge them to support the amendments shown below!

TAKE ACTION

Call the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121, tell them your State, and ask to be connected to your Senators’ offices. Remember that you should call BOTH Senators from your State.
You can also find out who your Senators are and their contact information at www.senate.gov. If you prefer to use email, you can find the Senators’ online contact forms through that site.
Be sure to add a few sentences to personalize the message!
MESSAGE:
I am a constituent from ____ (state), and I urge Senator _______ to vote YES on all of the following amendments:
1. King’s Amendment #1042 to clarify the exemption for small farmers under the Food Safety Modernization Act;
2. King’s Amendment #1033 to require FDA to do an analysis of the science and costs imposed by its proposed regulations under the Food Safety Modernization Act;
3. Tester’s “Seeds & Breeds” Amendment #972 to dedicate a portion of USDA’s research to classical breeding;
4. Merkley’s Amendment #978 to repeal the biotech rider, aka “Monsanto Protection Act”
5. Begich’s Amendment #934 to ban GMO salmon
6. Boxer’s Amendment #1025 to support labeling of GMOs
7. Wyden’s Amendment #952 to remove the prohibition on planting hemp;
8. Boxer’s Amendment #1027 to protect honeybees and other pollinators;
9. Grassley’s Amendment #969 to improve enforcement of antitrust laws and address consolidation of our agricultural system;
10. Cruz’s Amendment #1083 to prohibit mandatory check-off programs.
More information about each amendment is provided below.

MORE INFORMATION on FARM BILL AMENDMENTS

I. YES on Senator King’s Amendment #1042 that helps protect more small-scale, direct-marketing farmers from burdensome new federal regulations. The FDA has undermined the original intent of the Tester-Hagan amendment to the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) by basing farmers’ qualifications on all the food they sell, rather than the food subject to FSMA. Senator King’s Amendment restores the original intent and brings more farmers within the protections of the Tester-Hagan provision, preventing them from being driven out of business by new federal regulations.
II. YES on Senator King’s Amendment #1033: The FDA’s proposed rules under FSMA are not based on sound science. Instead, they basically assume the worst of every situation and then force the farmers to find science on their own to prove that their farming methods are safe. Many traditional and sustainable methods of cultivation will be guilty until proven innocent. Senator King’s amendment would require the agency to do an analysis of the scientific information used to develop the proposed rules, as well as analysis of the rules’ economic impacts. The analysis would specifically include the impact on local food systems and the availability of local food.
III. YES on Senator Tester’s Classical Breeding Amendment #972 to provide alternatives to genetically engineered crops. Senator Tester’s amendment prioritizes public cultivar and breed development through classical breeding. The amendment does not call for any new expenditures by the government, nor does it stop all funding for GMO research. It is a modest approach that allocates some existing research money for non-GMO research.
IV. YES on Senator Merkley’s Amendment #978 to repeal the Monsanto Protection Act. In the last continuing budget resolution, pro-biotech forces inserted a provision that allows companies like Monsanto and DuPont to continue to sell genetically modified (GMO) seeds for planting even when a court of law has found they were approved illegally. The provision forces USDA to grant temporary permits and deregulate GMO crops even if a Federal court has ruled that USDA hadn’t adequately considered the environmental or economic risks to farmers. Senator Merkley’s amendment repeals the provision and restores judicial review of GMO crops.
V. YES on Senator Begich’s Amendment #934 to ban GMO salmon. The FDA continues to consider the application for AquaBounty’s genetically engineered salmon, and appears likely to approve it despite objections from hundreds of thousands of Americans and many scientists. Since it will not be labeled, people will have no way of choosing to avoid genetically engineered salmon in the stores if this fish is approved. In addition, the GMO salmon poses a threat to those who wish to eat wild salmon or other seafood; scientists have predicted that escaped GMO salmon would likely wipe out wild salmon populations, which will destroy the livelihood of coastal communities that depend on fishing. Senator Begich’s amendment protects both consumers and our important wild fish populations.
VI. YES on Senator Boxer’s Amendment #1025 that expresses support for labeling of GMOs, although it does not directly mandate labeling. “It is the sense of the Senate that the United States should join the 64 other countries that have given consumers the right to know if the foods purchased to feed their families have been genetically engineered or contain genetically engineered ingredients.”
VII. YES on Senator Wyden’s industrial hemp amendment #952: Senator Wyden has introduced an amendment to allow American farmers to once again grow hemp to the extent that it is allowed under state laws. Industrial hemp is the non-psychoactive, low-THC, oilseed and fiber varieties of the Cannabis sativa plant. Hemp has absolutely no use as a recreational drug. Hemp is planted in many countries, and it is legal to use in the U.S. – but it is not legal to plant it in the U.S. The seed is known for its healthy protein and rich oil. The outer fiber from the stalk can be used for clothing, canvas and rope; the inner core fiber can be used for construction and paper production. This crop provides excellent opportunities for farmers for a sustainable, profitable crop.
VIII. YES on Senator Boxer’s Amendment #1027 to protect honeybees and other pollinators.
Senator Boxer’s amendment would require the USDA, the Department of Interior, and the Environmental Protection Agency to protect the long-term viability of honeybees and other pollinators. Honeybees are disappearing at an alarming rate, and the federal agencies have been just sitting by and watching it happen. This poses a threat to all food production and we cannot afford to let it continue.
IX. YES on Grassley’s Amendment #969 to create a USDA special counsel on consolidation and fight back against the corporate takeover of our food system. A small handful of companies control the vast majority of our agricultural system. This unprecedented level of consolidation has gone almost entirely unchallenged, allowing these companies to squeeze out farmers. For consumers, this means lower quality food at higher prices. Senator Grassley has filed an amendment that would create a USDA special counsel to monitor consolidation in agriculture. The counsel would coordinate antitrust enforcement and efforts to improve competition in the industry.
X. YES on Cruz’s Amendment#1083 to prohibit mandatory check-offs. Under the current “checkoff” programs, anytime a farmer sells a cow or a gallon of milk or any other covered commodity, the farmer is required to pay a fee to industry-run organizations. These funds are used to pay for things such as the “Got Milk?” and “Pork, the other white meat” advertising campaigns. The problem is that these advertising campaigns benefit primarily the retailers and grocery stores, not the farmers, but the farmers are stuck paying the bills.
When it comes to raw milk, the industry adds insult to injury by promoting only pasteurized milk products and running ads against raw milk — yet raw milk farmers are still required to pay into the Checkoff to support those ads. And now there is a proposal for an organic checkoff, to tax even more farmers. The Cruz Amendment would bar any Checkoff program from being mandatory. If producers wish to fund a joint advertising campaign, they still could, but they would no longer have been coerced to support advertising efforts that are not in their interest.

May 24, 2013

Kathy Moore, Owner
Anichini Moore Ranch & Farm
Founder: OK Composting Council

“Barley forage will contain approximately 4,600 IU of vitamin A per pound of dry matter. An average sized, gestating beef cow requires approximately 26,000IU of Vitamin A daily. Hence, 5.6 pounds of barley forage daily would meet the cow’s requirement for vitamin A”.

We can look forward to more education forage information Stacey is working on in the future to help producers! We will stay in contact and post Stacey’s information here.

I have been researching barley forage in conjunction with some of my courses at OSU/OKC and my farm. I discovered that unless the producer has existing buildings, greenhouse or other buildings the capital costs will be too great for many small farmers. I think growing fodder may be doable in a hoop house or high tunnel or possibly outside covering the trays with low tunnels. Hopefully, some of us may write a SSARE grant or otherwise experiment and share the results.

Since barley fodder could be considered a value added supplement (more nutrition with 6 day old plant material) and it will provides Vitamin A and other nutrients including proteins it may be an option to explore. Growing barley fodder is certainly a better option than losing beef calves during droughts!

If my memory serves me correctly about one pound of soaked barley seed grown directly in a tray for about 6 to 7 days barley seed would yield about 7 to 10 pounds of fodder. The trays commercial units supply hold about 7 pounds of soaked seed. The seed mat or roots and seedlings are rolled up and fed directly to cattle or other livestock.

Many thanks to Stacey Gunter for lending his expertise and assistance!

Kathy

Kathy Moore, Owner
Anichini Moore Ranch & Farm
Founder: OK Composting Council

I also researched kelp and discovered that indeed kelp contains vitamin A. Kelp is available in both meal and extract forms. The farm is a distributor for Neptune Harvest products. If there is sufficient interest, perhaps we could share a pallet or more? I think we should explore fodder, or growing and feeding 7 day old seedlings to determine if this type of supplementation may eliminate Vitamin A deficiency. I’ll research the nutrients provided in barley fodder, and post the findings.

Here’s the article: http://vetmed.iastate.edu/sites/default/files/vdpam/Extension/Vitamin-A-deficiency-in-Beef-Calves.pdf

Kathy Moore, Owner
Anichini Moore Ranch & Farm
Founder: OK Composting Council

More “food” for thought, local foods and good health are almost synonymous these days. Many experts recognize there is a connection between what you eat and being healthy. Examples include eliminating sodas from food stamp purchases and a push back from fast foods. That is why most of our recipes are simple, fast, and healthy featuring foods we grow ecologically on grass and hay. Sorry, no recipe today, still studying and finishing up papers for finals week.

We feature rare meats such as pork from Large Black Pigs, Belted Galloway Beef, Buffalo, and Finn and Shetland lamb and mutton. We also value our customers and are delighted to answer questions or grow requested produce. This month we planned to offer asparagus, however, the weather pattern supporting constant freezing temperatures has made crop yield unpredictable. If the weather decides to be agreeable we will add asparagus.

We hope all the moms had a wonderful Mother’s Day! We will be driving back from San Antonio and daughter Alexandra’s graduation from optometry school.

Thank you for being part of our family! We appreciate our relationships!

Kathy

Kathy Moore, Owner
Anichini Moore Ranch & Farm
Founder: OK Composting Council

The Agro-Ecological Tour is part of our farm’s education and outreach program to expose visitors to the diverse benefits of ecological farming practices. Everyone will share a grilled lunch from food grown on our farm and possibly from a few other producers thanks to much appreciated help from OSU/OKC Horticulture students who volunteered to drive from Edmond to grill a local foods lunch for guests! In the meantime, we are looking for a larger grill!

We have a variety of rarely available heritage and ecologically produced meats from our farm. Please consider trying our Finn and Shetland mutton and lamb, or Belted Galloway beef, Buffalo, or pork from Large Black Pigs. Your support enables us to grow diverse food and share our ecologically based farm with visitors and provide educational tours.

Thank you,

Kathy

Kathy Moore, Owner
Anichini Moore Ranch & Farm
Founder: OK Composting Council

Kathy Moore, Owner
Anichini Moore Ranch & Farm
Founder: OK Composting Council

We have limited supplies of unusual beef from our Ecologically Raised heritage tender Belted Galloway Beef, pork from rare Large Black Pigs, and lamb and mutton from scarce Finn and Shetland sheep. If you want to purchase our Belted Galloway Beef in quantity please consider purchasing halves which saves some money and will be available only through May.

Our hearty livestock are fed only grass and hay. We use fish, kelp, compost, molasses, and Azomite to feed our pastures and crops. Our meats are wonderful sources of protein and vitamins that help keep your family healthy! Buying our meats helps keep all the money in Oklahoma where we need it most!

Quick Oven Grilled Rosemary Lamb Chops

• 12 lamb chops
• 6 TBS fresh lemon juice
• 3 TBS minced fresh rosemary
• 3 garlic cloves, pressed
• Salt
• black pepper

Press garlic, mix lemon, rosemary, garlic, salt and pepper. Rub lamb chops with mixture. Preheat broiler, place seasoned cast iron skillet large enough to hold chops 5 inches below broiler for 10 minutes. When pan is hot, place chops into pan and broil for 4 to 5 minutes & serve with kale or other greens.

We appreciate our customers! We include extra meat or produce with large orders.

Thank you!

Kathy

Kathy Moore, Owner
Anichini Moore Ranch & Farm
Founder: OK Composting Council

In the meantime, we have a variety of tasty heritage lamb, buffalo and beef available for grilling, quick family meals with a few ingredients that are healthier and better than takeout!

We make a lot stir fries when we are too busy to take more time in the kitchen. We invent stir fry recipes with or without meat and incorporate greens, mushrooms, asparagus, ginger, garlic and onions that we serve over whole grain rice, noodles or quinoa. For those who need a model here’s a simple and quick recipe to try.

Stir Fry Basic Recipe

1 ½ to 2 pounds round steak or other meat cut into thin strips

Mushrooms

Snow Peas, asparagus (cut in pieces) or other produce

Onions, chopped

Garlic, minced

Ginger Root, minced to taste

Red pepper flakes or Thai red peppers whole if desired

Olive or almond oil

1 teaspoon cornstarch or 1 tablespoon flour or skip

1 tablespoon dark brown sugar or honey or skip

2 tablespoons rice wine or cooking sherry

3 tablespoons soy sauce if desired

Combine last 4 ingredients and mix in bowl. Heat pan, add oil and sauté’ ginger and garlic for one minute, add steak and stir fry until brown, add other produce and stir fry for 3 to 5 minutes. Add combined ingredients and stir fry everything until juices thicken. Serve over rice, etc.

Thank you for your business and appreciating small farms and local foods!

Kathy

Kathy Moore, Owner
Anichini Moore Ranch & Farm
www.anichinimoore.com
Founder: OK Composting Council