Many people in the agriculture community like to complain about the law, but only a select few take the time to do something about it. In the recent Grassroots newspaper published by the New York Farm Bureau (“NYFB”), there is a great article by Jeff Williams (on page 13) about how a New York agriculture producer took the initiative to …
Celebrating One Year of Blogging About Food and Agriculture Law
I want to give a big thank you to all of my readers out there. I have had a great time blogging over the last year about food and agriculture law issues on this blog. I am excited to implement video blogs and guest blogs in the next year. In case you missed them, here were some of my favorite …
AAW Spotlight: Interview with Mary Meinhart
If you recall, last fall I did several interviews with several other members of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (“NCBA”) Young Producers’ Council (“YPC”) leadership board. In case you missed it, you can go back and read the interviews with Brandon Carlson, Dustin Dean, Holly Foster (Part I and Part II), and Ben Neale. I am still on the YPC leadership …
AAW-Syngenta “Leadership At Its Best” Conference
I spent last week in Greensboro, North Carolina at the American Agri-Women (“AAW”) – Syngenta “Leadership At Its Best” Conference. It was a great week and I had a nice time getting to know other AAW members. I was invited to participate on behalf of New York Agri-Women. Female leadership in the agriculture industry is so important. If you don’t …
AAW Currently Having Mid-Year Meeting in Denver
Women involved in the agriculture industry from coast-to-coast are gathered in Denver, Colorado today for the Mid-Year Meeting of the American Agri-Women (“AAW”). I was hoping that I would be able to break away for the conference (and some time for fresh air in the mountains); unfortunately my caseload is keeping me here in NYC. After reviewing the agenda, I am …
“Farmers Fight… Farmers Fight…”
“Fight! Fight! Farmers, Farmers Fight!” If you have ever been to a Texas A & M football game, you have most likely heard this “yell” followed by a “Whooop!” (Please note that Aggies don’t “cheer”- we have “yell” leaders in Aggieland). If you didn’t know, I’m a proud Fightin’ Texas Aggie and have very fond memories saying this yell while watching the Ags play …
What are Some Changes in Farm Animal Care Laws That Should Take Place at the State and/or Federal Level?
Last week on #AgChat on Twitter, @RinckerLaw posed this question to the “ag tweeps” during the forum discusssing animal care issues. You can read what folks on Twitter had to say on this question here. @CowNutritionist and @rosehartshuh both liked what Ohio did last fall with the creation of the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board. @Amsjost believes that every farm …
Will Be a Panelist at the Sigma Alpha/Alpha Gamma Rho Leadership Seminar
I have been asked to be a panelist to speak on agriculture law and policy issues at the Sigma Alpha/Alpha Gamma Rho Leadership Seminar in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on February 20th from 1:15 to 2:45 pm at the Holiday Inn – Historic District Hotel located at 400 Arch Street. I’m really excited about this event for a few reasons. First of …
New York Agri-Women Are Now On Facebook and Twitter
Several women involved in the agriculture industry in New York are starting a New York affilate of the American Agri-Women Association (“AAW”) (a.k.a. @Women4Ag). I have always particularly admired strong female leaders involved in agriculture – afterall, we’re the ones really running this industry! (don’t tell the guys I said that). New York Agri-Women will give females involved in agriculture in the …
Back from the NYBPA Annual Meeting
Had a great time at the New York Beef Producers’ Association‘s (“NYBPA”) annual meeting in Syracuse, New York. It was so wonderful to meet several cattle producers here in this beautiful state and I look forward to making some farm visits this spring and summer. I was overwhelmed by the welcoming spirit of New York cattle producers. It’s part of what I …
Starting a New York Affiliate for American Agri-Women
I first heard of the American Agri-Women (“AAW”) (a.k.a. @Women4Ag) when I was interned on Capitol Hill for Congressman Kevin Brady (R-TX). They are a national organization of women involved in the agriculture industry who help shape legislation at the national, state, and local levels. They have affiliates in several states but not New York. AAW is working with some …
What Will Be The Biggest Agriculture Policy Issue of 2010?
I asked my “ag tweeps” on Twitter and this is what they had to say (in 140 characters or less): @itweetmeat – “Greater food policy legislation.” @allenlivingston – “I think Cap & Trade will be the biggest #ag policy issue 2010 – far reaching consequences.” @Fastline – “Animal rights will continue to be huge. Maybe something more for the dairy …