If for no other reason than their audacity / Straight Talk by Martha Stevens

Martha Stevens is livestock farmer who lives and farms near Hatfield, Missouri. This article is part of an ongoing series by Martha Stevens - Straight Talk - commenting on the life and politics of farming in Missouri and the U.S. as a whole.

I’ve had a lot of info pile up on my desk recently, most of which warrants a mention if for no other reason than their audacity. So-o-o here comes a potpourri of news items, faxes, and e-mail.

Topping the list has to be Iowa Select’s request for a 75% reduction in property tax assessments on their swine operations in four counties in Iowa, including Ringgold County. I am sure that there are a good many independent famrers in that locale thinking, “Me, too!” And, get this, when county officials denied the request, the mega hog operation filed suit! Maybe they can’t stand their own stink?

What connection is there between the regional Port Authority, MoDOT, and Seaboard? I find it interesting that just over a week after Seaboard’s by-invitation-only meeting to “explain their operation” and announce plans to locate in or near St. Joe, (vowing not to request special monetary benefits from the city and its residents) these three diverse entities have joined hands, so to speak, seeking taxpayer money that could benefit --- Seaboard!

The Port Authority pretty well rules the roost regarding river commerce and has been accepting requests from companies interested in conducting daily operations at the port, something Seaboard has no plan to do. BUT the Port Authority IS hoping to unload approximately 70 acres -- 30 acres already owned by them in the stockyards area and 40 acres optioned -- to Seaboard for their new processing plant.

Enter MoDOT. You remember them; they’re the ones who came up with a 15 year plan that would improve ALL Missouri roads (including north MO) if taxpayers approved a special road tax, then reneged on the plan claiming insufficient funds. Well, it appears maybe those funds aren’t so insufficient after all. According to the News Press, MoDOT has been petitioned by the Port Authority for a $500,000 grant to be used for “improvements on the land” that Seaboard is considering.

Of course, it is important to note that this request for funds from MoDOT was not made by Seaboard, but carefully crafted in the name of the Port Authority who hopes to SELL the land to Seaboard. Whew! My mind conjures up thoughts of complicity if not an outright conspiracy to benefit Seaboard, the company described by Time as a pro at milking the corporate welfare trough. But then I have often been accused of having a suspicious mind, especially when it pertains to tax money being used to benefit mega corporations.

My last comment pertains to an e-mail Stuart received that, had it not been for the reputation of the sender, I would have considered too bazaar to warrant comment. But the Catholic Diocese in Jefferson City is a pretty reliable source of information. So, disgusting or not, in the interest of protecting the reputation of every U.S. livestock producer, I quote from the communiqué from Barbara Ross, Catholic Diocese:

“In another kowtow to industry, the USDA is proposing a rule that would permit the sale of diseased meat and poultry to the public. Among animal diseases that the USDA now says are safe for human consumption if they are found in slaughtered meat and poultry include: Cancer, airacculitis (pneumonia in poultry), glandular swellings or lymphomas, sores, infectious arthritis, (and) diseases caused by intestinal worms.” (I told you it was disgustin!)

I find it hard to believe that our Food Safety and Inspection Service is contemplating such a travesty on the American people. To allow such meat to enter our food supply chain is unforgivable. Shade of e-coli! This would lend the vegetarian movement even more leverage to undermine the consumption of meat.

The USDA is accepting comment until August 29. Every farmer, and most assuredly every consumer, should have plenty to say about such an asinine proposal. Direct your comments to:

FSIS Docket Clerk,
Docket No. 97-036A,
USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service
Room 102, Cotton Annex
300 12th Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20250-3700