Another Week, Another Headline Roundup

Nov 9

We need more transparency.

We need more honesty.

We need more people who are willing to leave Facebook and visit docs.house.gov/floor and read the actual language of proposed bills instead of sharing misinformation and emotionally-charged memes.

Politicians work for us. Their work is publicly accessible. They’re not our friends, they’re our employees.

When I say there is no tax/fee on agricultural methane emissions in the latest bill I’m speaking the truth. $6,500 “per dairy cow” would cost me and my farm 6.5 million dollars.

If it was in the actual language I would tell you.

Link Roundup

Missing teen rescued after making a hand gesture she learned from TikTok to signal for help

There is always good when we look for it. Even on social media. While I’m not on TikTok, and have no plans to be, I’m grateful it was used for good in this case.

30 in 2030: Planning for the Future

Kinzie Burtrum, a 21-year-old rancher from Stillwater, Okla., said, “I see farmers and ranchers as the original conservationists.”

I couldn’t agree more.

How a desert plant's DNA could help save Arizona's farm crops in a changing climate

If soybeans behaved more like succulents, could we grow more soybeans in harsher climates? Historically, farmers work to maintain, or even increase, yields with fewer resources. Will this help move the needle? Only research will tell.

McDonald’s Joins Collaboration to Reduce Agriculture Emissions

A few thoughts on this one. First, if “soil and farmlands already sequester one hundred more times carbon than is emitted in a year” wouldn’t that mean we’re already knocking it out of the park as farmers?

Second, I love that companies are invested in agriculture, but is it possible they’re deflecting from what they could be doing to improve their own efficiencies?

Third, why is (insert sarcasm font here) a sub committee of a sub committee of a committee who is not versed in the every day happenings of operating an environmentally and fiscally sustainable farm weighing in on how we should be farming?

And, finally, I’m already fatigued with this narrative and these headlines.

Derrick Josi

Derrick Josi is a 4th generation dairy farmer from Tillamook, Oregon, where he milks Jersey dairy cows and farms corn and grass silage.

Wilsonview Dairy, a family farm established in 1918 by Derrick’s great grandfather, Alfred, after arriving from Switzerland as an indentured servant in 1912, is located near the Pacific Ocean where dairy cows enjoy a relatively mild climate on their centennial farm.

The Josi family is proud to play a part in making delicious cheese by providing quality milk to the Tillamook County Creamery Association.