I wanted to let you all know what a big success the petition to stop HR875 has been.  I am pleased to announce that today, I sent the 12,954 signatures and comments collected from LeaveMyFoodAlone.org to Congressman Peterson.  I sent them in the old fashion way; printed on paper, being delivered via FedEx.  I thought that the sheer size of the list would be impressive and help reinforce our concerns.  The petition signature list was 1,824 pages total.  (10 point font, some people wrote more than others) I realize that some of you might think it was a waste of paper, but I think this way will help make a bigger impact. (plus I used recycled paper) 

Here are some pictures (click the picture to see more):

I have invited Congressman Peterson (Chairman, House Committee on Agriculture) to answer our concerns and provided him with my contact information to follow up.  I guess we will just have to wait and see what happens next.  In the mean time, you can track the FedEx package in route to Washing DC through the following tracking number: 468417810156689

Thanks again for participation and don’t forget to subscribe to my RSS feed (upper right)  so you can be kept up to date on what transpires with the congressman.

--------------------

Update As of May 12, 2009: Petition Delivered! It was signed for by R. Walker at 10:53 AM Eastern.  Click Here to View the Deliver Confirmation

--------------------

Reminder: If you appreciate my blog, please support it by clicking on the advertisements in the far right column.

There’s a saying out there among computer people that goes like this, “There are only two kinds of people out there; those who back up their computers frequently, and those who WILL after they lose something important.” Slate me in the, did-it-fairly-frequently category, and boy am I glad I did.  I had a computer issue the other night that could have ended tragically.  I mean really bad. Theoretically I could have lost the in-progress book I have spent endless hours working on, my family photos, financial and tax records and more.  I have files on this computer that date back to 1997.  Wow.  That would have been awful.  I was lucky because I have a trusty little back up drive sitting next to my computer that I periodically use.  Luckily, I had just used it.  Anyway, this experience got me thinking; aside from a hardware meltdown (which happened to me), how much risk am I at for losing all my important stuff.  I decided that I am at great risk.  I decided that I need to back up to a source that is not in my home. (just in case it burns down, blows away, floods (unlikely), or gets broken into)  I researched high and low and I’ve decided to try out an online backup company that offers a pretty good deal and a good service.   (I called to double check) I know this is a bit off my usual topic, but since we all use computers now for both farming and personal uses, I thought I would share. -Sometimes it’s better to learn from someone else’s mistakes. 

The survey I posted back in march to help me with research for my future farmer book was a big success.  In the end, I received 135 fully completed surveys that qualified for the drawing for the $100 gift card to Tractor Supply.  Thanks to all of you who participated.  Your insight will certainly help make my business book for future farmers a useful tool that is full of relevant information. 

The winner of the drawing was Kyle Wendland.  Klye lives with his wife near Fredericksburg, Iowa and farms 560 acres of corn and soybeans.  He grew up on a 700 acre dairy and attended Iowa State and Northeast Iowa Community College.  Kyle has gradually been growing his operation over the past four years and hopes to one day farm all of the 1,400 acres that his dad owns.  He is an avid supporter of ethanol and has invested in two plants that are close to his hometown.  He is also involved as a managing partner in AgReportsNetwork a new website that has farmers from across the nation upload videos for other to view. 
Although I didn’t know Kyle before this survey, I think he is exactly the kind of young farmer we can all learn from.  He is diversifying some of his efforts into nontraditional ag projects while maintaining a clear focus on his long-term farm goal. 

Congratulations Kyle and thanks to all of you who participated!