Following is an interesting graphic from the NY Times, showing the latest info on the drought and resulting crop production.

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2012/08/24/us/drought-crops.html?smid=tw-share

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The ongoing urban sprawl reaching further into former rural areas is a growing concern for water safety and security.  Run-off from farms, industry, tainted wells - and even cemeteries! - can result in unsafe levels of all kinds of contaminants, toxins, and carcinogens.

The most recent news item is about Simcoe, Ontario, who is facing an iminent crisis.  Link to the story is below, as well as for other news reports with similar concerns.  We have also included links to news about what steps some municipalities and regions are taking to ensure their water security and an ongoing supply of safe drinking water.

http://www.brantfordexpositor.ca/2012/08/28/simcoes-drinking-water-at-risk-due-to-nitrate-levels

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/health/Fracking+poses+risk+water+systems+research+suggests/7049011/story.html

http://www.enterprisenews.com/news/x186673917/Bishop-s-Landing-residents-want-Stoughton-to-pick-up-tab-for-water

http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/ehs/newscience/2012/07/2012-0823-perchloroethylene-in-water-color-blind

http://www.bayshorebroadcasting.ca/news_item.php?NewsID=49776

http://www.cottagecountrynow.ca/news/article/1485511–district-steps-toward-program-for-source-water-protection

OxyBlast - Premium Hydrogen Peroxide based Water Treatment

Dairy farms are always busy overcoming challenges in their operations.  This year’s severe drought has dramatically emphasized the value and necessity of clean, safe water.

Our company’s focus is the quality of water and how it can contribute to better health in all animals and humans in agriculture, residential and municipal applications. Our product has been on the market for 15 years and thousands of farms now use our product on an ongoing basis with major success.

Over the past few years I have watched the Dairy Industry go through some trying times. Expenses of all kinds keep increasing, while milk prices are not. A fair margin of profit on a consistent basis for dairy farms doesn’t seem to matter to legislators and consumers.

In light of this and other ongoing challenges, what we do is help dairymen with their water. There are many reasons that water is very important to them. When you think of the fact that milk is 85% to 90% water and a milking dairy cow drinks an average of 25-30 gallons a day, how important is the water?  In fact, dairy cows actually drink more water than eat food.  It is only fair to note that many parts of the dairy play an important role to the success for those hard working owners:  feed/THM’s  (with micro toxins taken into consideration), the environment, bedding, ventilation, hoof health, fly control, stray voltage, mastitis, SCC,  just to name a few.  All of these play a big part in a dairy cow’s health and the profit & survival of the dairy operation. The list is more comprehensive than mentioned here, however, you get the point.  The belief we have, is that water is the most important for a dairy cow; without water there is just no farm. Water is the largest consumed item on a farm. Bacteria and organic matter build up and multiply very quickly.  Bacteria build slime which coats the plumbing and attaches and multiply very fast. Parasites feed on this slime and when ingested they can become a hindrance in the health of your cow.  We like to remind people that bacteria never take vacations!  They are always ready to take advantage of a suitable, vulnerable environment.

Our system is very simple.  We always start with a water analysis, and we do this by using an independent lab.  This process gives the Dairy Farmer peace of mind about the validity of an unbiased report.  Our Dealers come to the location, take the sample and either drop it off or send it to the lab.  The water report analysis is usually ready in 5 business days. Water reports are a critical first step. The evaluation of the report is then analysed at no charge to the Dairy.  After analysis, we review the specific issues may be affecting the quality and safety of their water. This is a critical time, since we are honest with the Dairy Owner and they need to be honest with us.  I personally have signed a non- disclosure agreement with customers; their business is their business and no one else’s.  We take our responsibility and trusting relationships very seriously.

With all the knowledge shared by both of us, we can do a more effective job for the dairy. We like to be considered as part of their team. Every dairy has a Veterinarian and a Nutritionist; these two professionals are very important to their success. We like to be considered as their water professional; the person taking care of another important component on their farm.   In fact, I am a certified water technician. 

We then develop a customized protocol for the farmer with a firm quotation.  This is based on the volume of water they use, the type of issues they have, and the amount of equipment that they need.

We also like to help in 3 ways:

1. To clean your water and help with the process of having clean, clear and nutritional water.
2. To clean and protect your plumbing.
3. To help with the overall health of your animals.

With professionals like a Veterinarian, Water Physiologist, Nutritionist, Filtration Experts and Farmers as part of our team, there is a lot more to Oxy Blast than meets the eye. We do know that our customers see great results and we actually have a guarantee system that protects the customer from failing if we did not do our job. There is a protocol they have to follow after the water report in order to stay on track. 

You can just clean your water with the many different products available, however, when you clean it with the additional intention of addressing health concerns, it changes the value of what you are buying. Oxy Blast has a base of high quality Hydrogen Peroxide along with some stabilizing and proprietary ingredients, so it is not Hydrogen Peroxide as it is sometimes called, it’s Oxy Blast.  The base product has improved over the years, to address new technology as it comes along. This keeps the product at the forefront of industry dynamics and its effectiveness and ahead of our competition.   

Farms are also always looking for ways to solve their calve problems.  Many farmers add Oxy Blast to the milk replacer as it helps with scours and the immune system. One thing I would like to mention is that we cannot promise a milk increase to every farm, because it depends on many factors, as you know.  If one factor is not right, the other factor can be simply a band-aid solution against the negative results of that factor. However, we have seen a milk increase after a period of time on many farms. The average has been anywhere from 2 to 5 lbs.  We would like to guarantee a milk increase or even elimination of all the farmer’s problems including better milk prices. However, all we can focus on is the principle of cleaner, safer water, and better water for consumption and hopefully all of the rest falls into place.  We invite you all to watch our short 3 minute movie, which explains who we are and what we do. Please go to http://www.oxyblast.org/movie and give us a call if we can help.

Thanks for your interest.

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Unless we’ve been in a cave or in outer space for the past few weeks, we are all aware of the severe drought that has been plaguing the Midwest.  Actually, you can see its effects from space:

 http://www.treehugger.com/sustainable-agriculture/us-drought-so-bad-nasa-can-see-it-space.html

This is the worst drought since 1988 and may go on record for causing the worst economic and social effects since the infamous 1930s “Dustbowl”.  It may take years to recover as a nation, but many small & medium size farms may not survive it.

The USDA is issuing weekly updates …

http://blogs.usda.gov/2012/08/24/agricultural-weather-and-drought-update-%e2%80%93-82412/

http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?navid=DISASTER_ASSISTANCE

http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/

It’s estimated that this current drought is affecting over 68% of farmland and over 80% of essential crops in those areas, especially corn, hay, soya beans, etc.  And the effects will be felt across the nation with rising food prices and a strained federal budget to try and offset some of the losses.  Thank God for crop insurance!  Payouts from this year’s drought are expected to set record levels.  Unfortunately, livestock producers and dairy farmers have no such safety net.  Various government levels have tried to open up reserve land for grazing, water-sharing programs, meat buying programs, etc. but it is a drop in the bucket.  Clean water and grazing lands are becoming scarce and feed corn and hay have doubled in price since 2010.

While the debate rages on about whether global warming is the cause or whether this is just one of earth’s cycles of change and the while the policy makers on Capitol Hill bicker about their partisan lobby interests, farmers and ranchers struggle to survive, waiting for the much anticipated Farm Bill to finally become law.  It may be too late or not enough for some.   These dedicated, hearty individuals are used to struggle and adversity and being dependent on Mother Nature.   But they don’t like to depend on any level government.  Emergency drought legislation would surely help right now.

Meanwhile, more and more farmers and ranchers are taking to the internet and social media to stay connected, updated, and to network with others, sharing stories, ideas, and recommendations.  In fact, they have their own hashtag on Twitter: #drought12.

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2012/08/24/159999270/farmers-waiting-out-the-drought-tune-into-twitter

Yes, this has been and will continue to be a very tough year for those dear folks.  Next to oxygen and water, they are responsible for the most important ingredient for our life – FOOD!  We are grateful for their dedication, hard work and pioneer spirit and are proud to be a part of their operations.

Let’s all offer them whatever support we can and pray for them.

Following are some links of interest to this ongoing story.  There are many more.

http://cropwatch.unl.edu/croprss/-/journal_content/56/1841/4969212?

http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/24/us/drought-missouri-dairy-farmers/index.html

http://www.agprofessional.com/news/Farmers-persevering-through-drought-167350075.html

http://farmprogress.com/customPage.aspx?p=382

http://science.time.com/2012/07/18/how-the-drought-of-2012-will-make-your-food-more-expensive/

http://www.businessinsider.com/photos-of-drought-devastating-american-farmland-2012-7?op=1

http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/science/topics/drought/index.html

http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2012/08/23/f-drought-climate-change.html

http://www.fb.org/

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“Where’s the Beef?”

Dairy Farmers left to fend for themselves while partisan politics delay the Farm Bill.

No emergency drought assistance forthcoming.

Small and medium sized dairy farms are barely hanging on, while some are selling off parts of their herd and others unwillingly going out of business, while Capitol Hill drags it feet in passing the omnibus Farm Bill.

The Obama administration earlier this month announced emergency drought assistance that included low-interest emergency loans; a federal buy-up of meat from livestock producers; and the opening up of some protected lands for livestock grazing.

None of those efforts are targeted at dairy farmers, however, dairy advocates say.

Missouri’s governor, meanwhile, created a cost-share program to help farmers get access to water for their cattle, but McCallister said that’s more of a Band-Aid than a real solution.

Michael Scuse, under-secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, said dairy farmers have not been offered enough of a safety net because Congress has not finalized an omnibus piece of legislation called the Farm Bill.

“Had we had a Farm Bill passed by now, there’s a very good chance we could offer some additional assistance” to dairy farmers who are struggling because of the drought, he said.

Several programs that deal with emergency assistance for livestock owners expired in September 2011; and an insurance program for livestock producers, which he said “never had adequate funding,” will be cut further in September and eliminated by October 1 unless new legislation is passed, he said.

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It might be a little late to pray for rain to save this year’s harvest, but not too late to pray for farmers and ranchers who are hurt by the lack of it. 

The American Farm Bureau Federation asked Americans to join them in a National Day of Prayer on Thursday, Aug. 23, for all those being affected by the drought. 

Let’s all continue to pray for those dedicated, hard-working people that grow our food and please spread the word.

“The farmer’s is a sacred calling because he is a collaborator with God in the work of His creation. … The farmer’s calling is one that must command great respect. Much knowledge and skill are required to manage well the farmstead with its land and fences, barns and granaries, tools, and machinery. Farming is among the greatest of human arts. The farmer must be an artisan and a craftsman, a capitalist, financier, manager, worker; a producer and a seller. He must know soil and seed, poultry and cattle; he must know when to till the soil, cultivate his fields, and harvest his crops. In the presence of his Lord the farmer should recall all this, not in a spirit of vainglory or pride, but in grateful appreciation of the calling that God gave him as a tiller of the soil. Praise and thanksgiving should rise in his heart as he reflects on the high regard the Lord has showered upon him and his work.”

(From Partnership with God, by the Most Reverend Aloisius J. Muench.)

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Take a Moment to Appreciate Farmers and Ranchers:

We all take the supply and safety of our food for granted, without really thinking of how it got to our grocers.

Please take a moment to view these videos to gain a true appreciation for all those dedicated, hard-working folks who take their responsibilities seriously to keep us fed, well-nourished, and healthy.

http://youtu.be/121obbAdQtM      

http://youtu.be/Kg_T3cZm5Ms    

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=uqYTMjintSA     

http://youtu.be/R4rzCJehqn4

And here are some interviews and insights from local ranchers and farmers:

http://eatocracy.cnn.com/2012/07/16/what-every-farmer-wants-to-hear-go-usa/?hpt=ea_r2

http://eatocracy.cnn.com/2012/07/03/no-bull-start-a-conversation-with-a-farmer/

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The resistance to over-use of antibiotics is gaining steam throughout North America after the recent release of a detailed study by Consumers Report.  Apparently 82% of those surveyed said that they would buy antibiotic-free meat and poultry if it were available. This sounds quite convincing and seems to endorse the position of the Consumers Union and its supporters:  (FixFood, Consumers Union, Center for Food Safety, Natural Resources Defense Council, etc.)

However, closer inspection reveals that it was 82% of the 24% of respondents who said that the stores where they shopped did not offer antibiotic-free meat/poultry.  That in fact amounts to less than 20% of the total people surveyed.

Most large cattle ranchers and hog and chicken farmers put antibiotics in  either feed or water to help their livestock process food more efficiently and  to bulk up faster.  Veterinarians and cattle experts argue that using small doses of antibiotics  as a preventive measure cuts the risk of an animal getting sick by 25 percent to  50 percent.

But many scientists and medical doctors believe giving antibiotics to animals  when they are not sick contributes to more drug-resistant infections, known as “superbugs” in humans.  The most recent data used by the “no antibiotics” camp is a 2002 report released by the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control.  It states that the “vast majority” of the 99,000 people who died from hospital-acquired infections, were caused by antibiotic-resistant infections.

Undoubtedly, this debate will rage on for some time.  It may even become a political hot button approaching the November primaries.  For more information on this topic, we have listed some links below. 

http://pressroom.consumerreports.org/pressroom/2012/06/consumer-reports-poll-majority-of-americans-want-meat-raised-without-antibiotics-sold-at-local-supermarkets.html

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/06/antibiotics-are-widely-used-by-u-s-meat-industry/index.htm

http://notinmyfood.org/press_release/consumers-union-launches-marketplace-campaign-for-meat-raised-without-antibiotics

http://www.meatwithoutdrugs.org/#the-issue

Also, for those who prefer to examine their options, we have included a real-time map of farms, markets, eateries and retailers who serve meat raised without excessive use of antibiotics.

http://www.realtimefarms.com/fixantibiotics

http://blog.realtimefarms.com/2012/06/21/real-time-farms-powers-the-fixantibiotics-food-finder/?blogsub=confirming#subscribe-blog

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Editor’s Note:

Oxy Blast customers report drastic reduction in the need to use  anitbiotics and report improved health and weight gains in all species.

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USDA Budget Cut Could Slash 80 Percent of Produce Testing

The nation’s largest pathogen testing program may shut down this month

Budget cuts will kill safety program that caught Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria outbreaks

Food safety advocates are frantically trying to save a little-known produce inspection program that accounts for 80 percent of all government testing of produce.   According to Food Safety News, MDP tests an average of four times as many produce samples each year as the FDA, and eliminating it would cut government testing by 80 percent.

From 2009 to 2012, MDP (USDA’s Microbiological Data Program) found Salmonella 100 times, E. coli O157:H7 twice, and Listeria monocytogenes 8 times.  Over the same time period, the program sparked 23 Salmonella recalls, 2 E. coli O157:H7 recalls, and 5 Listeria recalls.

This political hot potato pits food safety advocates against growers and the United Fresh Produce Association and the Obama administration and Congress may face a backlash.

Following are links to this story:

http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/budget-cuts-kill-safety-program-caught-salmonella-outbreaks/story?id=16755177

http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2012/07/usda-budget-cut-could-slash-80-percent-of-produce-testing/

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Safe, Clean Produce

As you know, we have two daily electronic papers on our website linked to our twitter account; the Oxy Blast Digest and the Motala Water Report.  We encourage you all to subscribe to them.  There is always something of interest.

The article of interest today is testing of produce. You all should know this is a huge issue and could be solved by producers in-house.  How?  Well, the suggestion is that they shock their complete water system with Oxy Blast at 500 PPM. This dose will kill bacteria and allow for no further complications.  Of course, we also want to make sure when doing this that the pH level is at 6.  Now, they can use a maintenance dose of 50 PPM consistently, while keeping the pH at 6, and soak all vegetables in a clean disinfected sink for 30 minutes. They can now drain the sink.  This will help them stay fresh longer.

As a matter of fact if you spray left over tossed salad with a 3% solution of Oxy Blast (mix 15 parts of water with 1 part Oxy Blast 50% in spray bottle).  It will last longer and stay fresher longer in the fridge. My wife uses this formula to keep our complete kitchen and all bathrooms free of bacteria. If you spray some by the sink of your home you will see it with your own eyes – it bubbles and you can actually see it kill the bacteria!

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