Lynn Swearingen (c) copyright 2011 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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“One should not forget however that NAIS still exists, just with an exciting new name : Animal Disease Traceability Framework or whatever it is being called this week.”
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In what has to be one of the most laughable complaints to emerge from the UK in the past month (besides the “hat wars” at the Royal Wedding of course Dahling), there is “dismay” from the National Farm Union over a program remarkably similar to the now defunct National Animal Identification System.
The British equivalent of The Farm Bureau here Stateside, not so long ago words emerged from the leadership as to the effect of EID on the Brit’s Livestock Industry. Livestock Board Chairman Mackintosh says:
“As a sheep producer myself I fully understand the threat to our industry that EID poses. The Board and I will do everything within our powers to delay implementation of EID until a workable and crucially a cost effective solution can be found taking into account decisions already made at an EU level,” he said.
Oh complaints have been made over the years before the implementation, but the EU continued to “encourage” participation while ensuring that all the concerns would be taken into consideration. Of course small-scale livestock producers have been fighting since 2003 against this program (see here a short synopsis), but now the “Big Boys” are a bit miffed. One wonders why?
Well first look at the little list of what must be done to “comply”:
Tag facts
• All sheep born or first tagged from 1 January 2010 (new sheep) must be identified with two identifiers bearing the same number
• Sheep still do not have to be tagged until they are nine months old or until they are being moved off the holding, whichever is the sooner The colour of the new EID tags and the matching conventional tags is yellow, but sheep producers may choose a different colour for the matching conventional tag if useful for on-farm management purposes
• Older sheep don’t have to be upgraded to EID if they don’t leave the holding and carry at least one old green tag More
Yesterday I finally received a response to my open records request to the Department of Ag Trade and Consumer Protection for “All licenses, permits, records, reports and notices of exempt operations pursuant to State statute § 93.35 and ATCP 54.06 regarding weather modification.”
The response from Brian D. Kuhn was “We have no records of anyone ever having applied for a license or permit related to weather modification, nor have we any notices of exempt operations pursuant to statute §93.35 and ATCP 54.06.” Interesting that the response took over a month before I received it, which raises questions the greater concern is that despite the extensive private and governmental record requirements impose by statute none exist in the history of the statute. With the advent of the documentary “What in the World are They Spraying” a reasonable person would expect that an agency charged with consumer protection would be enforcing these statutes.
DATCP’s track record for this type of protection is woefully inadequate, despite thousands of complaints only few are investigated and none are prosecuted. Unless the complaint is generated by DATCP officials in order to obtain warrants to raid farms. An act itself in violation of statute as all complaints must issue from a consumer inclusively.
But living up to the letter of the law isn’t DATCP’s forte, in fact in yet another open records request it came to light that Randy Romanski, the recently appointed Secretary is operating under color of office, having never taken his oath of office and recording said oath with the Secretary of State.
§ 17.03 Vacancies, how caused. Except as otherwise provided, a public office is vacant when:
(7) A person elected or appointed or reelected or reappointed to any office neglects or refuses to take and file the official oath or to execute or renew the official bond if required, or to file the oath or bond as prescribed by law.
Don’t get your hopes up, seems as though the black robe society has ruled that because the legislature provided no penalty provisions in the statute that anyone failing to file an oath or bond can continue in that position until successfully challenged and convicted in a court, and that all acts done in this dejure/defacto status are valid. . How about plugging in a class I felony for failure to perform a ministerial duty?
Interesting note is that there were no penalty provisions in the Premises Registration statute either.
When DATCP can’t get what it wants directly they send in USDA APHIS to conduct night raids and interrogations of farmers, coercing farmers into signing affidavits, without counsel present, agreeing to answer questions regarding their farming activities. Interesting coincidence that the raids initiated on the same day the USDA announced its appointments to citizens group for animal identification. A reward for services rendered no doubt.
This is the first of a three part series delving into the goings on here in wisconSIN. Next will be the states persecution of yours truly and the final segment as to the proposed remedy by Governor elect Walker.
Marti Oakley (c)copyright 2010 All Rights Reserved
Originally published in August 2009
Greetings:
Consider this a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to all members of the Senate, all members of the House, and to President Obama. I am sure you are fully aware of the intent and implications of MOUs, as each of you, in one way or another, uses them to establish the outlining of agreements between yourselves, collectively or individually, concerning the agreements you have made with individuals acting as state’s representatives or agencies; generally to avoid Constitutional prohibitions on your intended actions and in avoidance of the Constitution. I am using it in quite another fashion as you will see in the following text. More
“Had this bill been about food safety, it would have contained provisions to expand and support family farms and ranches; it would have encouraged the entry into, and support of next generation farmers and ranchers. Instead of shoving Agenda 21 mandates on us that come with titles such as “Best Farming” Best Land Management” and other idiotic WTO platitudes that are anything but the best practices, this bill would have encouraged gathering of generational knowledge about the land, the animals, crops, harvesting, food storage and preparation”
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Why is it, every time the jackasses in the District of Criminals have run some program into the ground, squandered massive amounts of dollars while letting corporations write bills that benefit them and rape and rob the states, they always come out and say; “the system is broken”. “We’ve got to fix the system, it is broken”. It’s an emergency! We have to do something right now! And that is all quickly followed by one phony “crisis” after another as they try to scare the public into believing the “crisis” just magically and mysteriously appeared. That’s just how bad the system is broken! Like the magic egg contamination that just somehow appeared the week before they pushed S.510 the fake food safety bill onto the floor of the Senate. How damn handy was that?! Never mind that FDA knew about that way back last March when it was initially detected in Oregon. A contamination that was allowed to reach epic proportions so that it could be used to scare you into thinking the only thing that could have saved us from these terrorist eggs….was S.510.
The battle over S.510, The Fake Food Safety bill is not over. At stake are the severely reduced numbers of family and independent farmers and ranchers who have historically been the backbone of our economy and who produced the safest and most abundant food supply in the world. If the intent of S.510 was to preserve and protect our agricultural sector, I would support it. The fact is, it is intended to industrialize agriculture and centralize it in the hands of multi-national corporations. While USDA and FDA and Homeland Security and a host of other privately owned government corporations, harp about the centralization of the food supply and how this must be avoided, the truth is, they are intending to do just that.
If this fake food safety bill had actually been written to deal with food safety in the US, it would have been centered on several key issues, none of which are addressed in the bill, and would not be focused on how to criminalize the ownership and control of agricultural property and the products derived from it for family and independent producers here in the US. More
While Wisconsin politicians turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to the police state actions being carried out by the rogue Department of Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) agents for DATCP kick the efforts to eradicate family and independent farmers into high gear.
In an effort to force compliance to the Premises ID program, designed to convey title of property through the use of deception and coercion, to the federal government, agents arrived this morning on the private property of Paul Griepentrog, without warrant or complaint. The agent for DATCP handed Paul several papers most of which were not applicable under the law, and several of which were in direct violation of Supreme Court rulings.
DATCP, a rogue agency which has been challenged multiple times for its harassment of Wisconsin farmers and most especially dairy farmers, interfering in the lawful conduct of business, seizing and destroying personal property without cause or authority to do so, have just met their match.
A message from Paul Griepentrog:
Folks,
It has come to my attention that DATCP has ramped up enforcement of premises registration. I received a visit from Randy Niederkorn this morning accompanied by a sheriff’s deputy, informing me that I would have to register in ten days or face prosecution. I also received a call from Mark Brothen of Viroqua yesterday morning that he had received summons and complaint for failing to register.
In Mark’s case DATCP refused to grant an administrative hearing twice. DATCP is entering private property without warrant and complaint as required in the 1967 Supreme Court decision Camara v. Municipal Court were it states “Entry onto property by Public officials unconstitutional without warrant and complaint.”
The harassment of the states farmers by DATCP is in clear defiance of legislative intent as exemptions were written into statute however Dr. Ehlenfeldt refused to grant them. There are others who have been notified of prosecution however have requested I not use their names.
I personally cannot go against the Word of my God and will endure all, even death, rather than comply.
by: Marti Oakley (c)copyright 2010 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Vilsack alludes to the fact that USDA will establish “partnerships” between state and federal government. These partnerships are necessary as Title 7 of the US Code is non-positive law. This means Title 7 Agriculture, has never been codified into law and is not enforceable on the federal level as agriculture is not in the enumerated powers of the federal government.
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A March 2, 2010 Agriculture Committee hearing televised live on CSPAN gives a clear picture of what’s ahead for domestic farmers, ranchers and herders in the US.. Deputy Secretary Kathleen A. Merrigan cheerfully announced the “new age of enforcement” citing the intent to increase “risk assessment and better surveillance”. In other words……based on only their assumption there might be a problem but with no real cause or evidence, the USDA in cooperation with bought and paid for state agriculture departments that took bribe money to implement the USDA business plans for creating a police state, USDA is stepping up its assault on domestic farming and ranching.
One way or another, the seizure of privately owned agricultural property is going to take place; the USDA will seize control of the US food supply. More
Paul Griepentrog (c)copyright 2010 All Rights Reserved
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While listening to WPR’s broadcast debate between the candidates for the 87th district I couldn’t help but notice that jobs and the economy were the high point of debate. Interestingly enough, I’ve tried to contact both Mary Williams (incumbent) and Dana Schultz for interviews regarding issues concerning non corporate farms; they haven’t had time to respond. Or is it: they don’t want to face the music?
Could it be that the legislature itself has failed to recognize that their onerous lawmaking and subsequent rulemaking by administrative agencies has been stifling our economy?
The legislature has declared the owning of property, in the form of livestock and land, to be a crime. More
Marti Oakley w/Paul Griepentrog (c)copyright 2010 All Rights Reserved
” What remains as a “bill” is the actual assault on domestic agriculture hidden behind euphemistic terms such as “food safety”, “food security” and other deceptive language meant to deceive the reader into thinking the safety of food in this country was at risk from family and independent producers ”
The fight to maintain control of our food production and supply must begin in the states. Your governor, according to this bill, will appoint the agency that will contract with USDA/FDA for access to your state. It is your governor who will make this federal theft of domestic agriculture possible; and it is your governor who must be pressured to refuse to negotiate with corporate federal agencies. The betrayal of America’s farmers and ranchers will begin with each state governor granting corporate federal agencies access to your state and will be enforced by state agencies under the color of law. These agents will be your friends, neighbors and maybe even family members who will put on an agency badge and suddenly forget the Constitution and individual rights.
For years multi-national corporations have raided and plundered third-world countries, stealing land, raping the environment and causing the starvation and abject misery of untold millions of people. The efforts to steal farmland, to grow gmo crops for biofuels while human beings starved next to fields full of grain, is nothing new. The world wide efforts to seize control of the world’s food supply, dictating what people would eat and if they would eat, is coming full circle. The US along with Canada is now about to fall victim to the absolute takeover of food production and supply in both counties, by corporations who have orchestrated the greatest theft ever perpetrated. They could not have done it without the corruption of career politicians who sold their integrity, honor and office for corporate favors and campaign donations, increasing their own personal wealth along the way, and selling out the very people they swore to represent.
We are about to see congress come back into session; never have we as a country been in such danger from our own government. Democrat or Republican, we have no support within our own congress.
Below is a break down of S.510. As pages 1 thru 104 were struck, the provisions contained in those pages were written into broad and vague language, open to interpretation and abuse by corporate federal agencies. This was intentional. What was taken out in one place was inserted elsewhere under ambiguous language. What remains as a “bill” is the actual assault on domestic agriculture hidden behind euphemistic terms such as “food safety”, “food security” and other deceptive language meant to deceive the reader into thinking the safety of food in this country was at risk from family and independent producers.
Here are just some of the highlights of S.510. There have been several versions of this bill, so for expediency, we have simply listed the sections by number. More
Paul Griepentrog (c)coyright 2010 All Rights Reserved
“He presented the various disease trace back situations that had occurred in WI in the past conveniently omitting the pseudo rabies outbreak that involved the Emanuel Miller case.”
The latest USDA dog and pony show for implementing NAIS.
On August 18th in Madison WI the USDA presented its latest attempt to herd the producer masses down the squeeze chute to submission. Although a show of hands revealed that less than 30% of attendees were in fact producers the audience other than USDA officials was rounded out by DATCP officials, tag company representatives, private vets, UW extension personnel, livestock market, and company reps.
State and Federal personnel gave their individual spiels, WI state veterinarian Dr. Ehlenfeldt spoke about how the testimony he had given to the state legislature regarding how Wisconsin was going to lead the train in the traceability program and now it appears there is no train. He presented the various disease trace back situations that had occurred in WI in the past conveniently omitting the pseudo rabies outbreak that involved the Emanuel Miller case. Not surprising from a man who testified under oath in a Marquette Co. court room that there was no such thing as stray voltage at the outset of his career; a clear case of selective memory that has endured for some time.
Gary Tauchen, a state legislator spoke regarding how the latest traceability was needed to allow Wisconsin international access; as a long term band leader for Farm Bureau policy it was no surprise to find him playing the Codex tune. More
Join us Sunday evening at 8 CST on The Truth Squad Radio Show.
Our guest this week is Paul Griepentrog. Paul is a Wisconsin farmer who has been involved in fighting back against corruption in the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) in Wisconsin.
Paul will be reporting on the current premises registration (NAIS) cases in Wisconsin involving NAIS and Raw Milk. He will also address the FDA’s move to enable rule-making regarding food safety without Congressional approval, and the Organic illusion. More
Paul Griepentrog (c)copyright 2010 All Rights Reserved
In the matter of the State of Wisconsin vs. Pat and Melissa Monchilovich a motion hearing was held on the 18th of May. Motion was granted for a new trial and relief from judgment.
Motion for new trial was based on new evidence, as the Wisconsin Secretary of Agriculture’s, acting as agent for the state, application for grant pursuant to the implementation of the NAIS program required the state to adhere to the rules set forth in the final issue of the Federal Register which states that the state “Will comply with all applicable requirements of all other Federal laws, executive orders, regulations, and policies governing this program.” Further the Federal Register clearly defines that “It is important to note that participation in the NAIS is voluntary.” (emphasis added)
And “This rule: Preempts all State and local laws and regulations that are in conflict with this rule”. (emphasis added)
Furthermore the rules of statutory construction prohibit an administrative agency from going beyond the intent of the legislature. See prior post for complete motion.
The new trial will be on the 24th of August in Balsam Lake Wisconsin.
On February 5, 2010, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that USDA will develop a new, flexible, yet coordinated framework for animal disease traceability in the United States. Under this new direction, States and Tribal Nations must establish the ability to trace, back to their State of origin, animals moving interstate. The new framework will embrace the strengths and expertise of States, Tribal Nations, and producers, and empower them to find and use the traceability approaches that work best for them. The Secretary has pledged to develop this new approach as transparently and collaboratively as possible.
USDA held an initial traceability forum with States and Tribes in March to discuss how to begin creating the framework and gather feedback on possible ways of achieving traceability. USDA is now hosting three public meetings to discuss animal disease traceability more fully and to share the information from the March State and Tribal meeting with industry representatives. Additionally, USDA hopes to obtain feedback on the approaches that were discussed regarding the regulatory framework. More
by: Paul Griepentrog (c)copyright 2010 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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Testimony to the Assembly Committee on Agriculture regarding AB 279
Voluntary Premises Registration
Whereas this committee has deemed it prudent to hold hearing on this issue at such a late date is in and of itself questionable. However the Judicial evolution of this issue has brought to light the immediate fact that the presumption of premises registration as a method of disease control to be false and misleading if not outright fraud. More
Editor’s Note: Past Sec. of Agriculture, now Senator Mike Johanns was the chief NAIS enforcer fighting for a mandatory NAIS just a couple years ago. He was charged with cutting the first deals with Farm Bureau, the Holstein Assn USA Inc, National Pork Producers Council, Indian tribes, the American Angus Assn and every state department of agriculture, providing “grants” to enroll their producer’s premises in NAIS — over one hundred million dollars.
His repentant pleadings and demands for the complete death of NAIS is clear. Seldom does a Senator define their views with this detail and clarity.
Now, for the first time, his presentation is the exact position of the US livestock producer. Finally, a clear defined true picture is offered by a USDA insider who promoted NAIS with his whole heart, then with no notice, resigned, realizing NAIS was devastating to USDA and the producer. This is the voice of experience.
We compliment Senator Johanns for his honesty, at this time.
NEILLSVILLE, Wis. (AP) — An Amish livestock farmer who refused to follow a 2005 Wisconsin law requiring him to register his land and livestock has won a legal battle with state regulators.
Clark County Circuit Judge Jon Counsell on Tuesday ruled in favor of Emanuel Miller Jr., of Loyal, who was accused of violating the law meant to help regulators track animal diseases.
Some Amish say the tracking system would amount to the “mark of the beast” mentioned in the Bible as being related to Satan.
Counsell determined that the state did not show why alternatives that would not affect Miller’s religious freedom would not be just as effective.
Assistant state veterinarian Paul McGraw told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that he expects the state to appeal.
The writer does not understandthe numbers, that $2 billion more beef is imported annually than is exported by the USA. Beef exports are not a significant concern for any beef grower. Also Hoof & Mouth does not affect the quality or safety of the gound beef or milk. Get it together before you write.It is totally understandable that bureaucrats in Wisconsin want NAIS —want it real bad. (See attached) The Wisconsin Livestock Identification Consortium and Wisconsin Dept of Ag Trade & Consumer Protection love the NAIS bribe/grant funding and will fight to keep it. So far USDA has doled out $12,181,982 to them. Is there any reason on God’s snow covered earth that they want the funding to stop because some beef producers don’t like NAIS???? Does everyone understand who the players are and who wants what??? Darol DickinsonDairy Talk
USDA’s ID Decision Leaves U.S. Vulnerable
2/12/2010
By Jim Dickrell
Critics of USDA’s National Animal Identification System (NAIS) were celebrating last week after the Ag Department announced that it was going back to square one on NAIS. But this may be a case of being careful what you wish for.
In its announcement Feb. 5, USDA says it wants to develop a new, more flexible framework for disease traceability incorporating the four following tenets:
• Federal animal ID rules will only apply to animals moving interstate.
• The program will be administered by states and Tribal Nations to provide flexibility.
• The program will encourage the use of lower cost technologies, including freeze and hot brands.
• The program will be implemented transparently through federal rulemaking. More
While USDA and Vilsack claim this program is scrapped the truth is it will simply be renamed and trotted out as “new and improved” and the program will roll on. There is no way USDA is going to forfeit the theft of agricultural lands and property on behalf of the coporate federal government. Just my thoughts. Marti
USDA Signals NAIS is Dead
“Independent cattle producers must remain directly involved in the development of this new program to ensure that it does not infringe upon their rights and privileges as did NAIS.” More
The Associated Press misreported this morning that “The USDA Abandons Stalled Animal ID Program.” A press release issued last Friday by the USDA hints at another fate. More
Obama gave us a hint of things to come in his recent State of the [Agriculture] speech. We did not have to wait long before we had “earth-shattering” news regarding NAIS. Supposedly the government listened to the people and responded. But if you dig deeper you will find out the truth of the matter. More
There are 7 pages of government prepared repetitive gobbledygooking. Within the code verbiage are signs of things to come, and thankfully things to end.
It says nothing about dealing with the only disease that USDA says is costing the US dairy industry a $200,000,000 loss annually — Johne’s. No acknowledgement for a valid test method and a valid vaccination is on the horizon for Johne’s, the only costly cattle disease in the nation. More
After implementing policies for many years which complicate, if not make impossible, tracebacks to the source, USDA/FSIS seems to indicate it is willing to consider a midstream change in its attitudes, and policies, regarding Tracebacks to the TRUE ORIGIN of contamination.
The December 9 issue of Dow Jones also refers to the upcoming January USDA hearing, but no specific date has been set. One of many concerns I have is that the agency may well attempt to produce yet another prosaic Notice/Directive/Policy which multiplies words, but accomplishes nothing, the primary objective being to disingenuously and piously portray USDA as America’s ultimate public health agency. The agency’s historical refusal to trace-back to the origin is readily understood.
First of all, it is pertinent to note that E.coli and Salmonella are “Enteric” bacteria, which by definition means that they emanate from within animals’ intestines, and by extension proliferate on manure-covered hides. Retail meat markets (insert Lunds/Byerlys et al), restaurants (insert Sizzlers and dozens others here), and the majority of meat processing plants (review this century’s recalls) do NOT slaughter, thus do not have animal intestines or manure-covered hides on their premises. Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that the vast majority of E.coli and Salmonella-laced meat is caused by sloppy kill floor dressing procedures. More
I hope that you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoyed your time recounting the bountiful blessing that we have been given over the past year! I know that my wife and I had plenty to be thankful for and spent some quality time with both sides of our family.
This email is to serve as a reminder of some dates of events. Below is a list of the different events that we are hosting or advertising for others:
WICFA Annual Meeting – December 12, 2009 at the Dalton Town Hall in Dalton, Green Lake County, WI. This meeting is open to all WICFA members and is scheduled for 8:00 a.m.
WICFA Networking of Statewide Organizations Session – December 12, 2009 at the Dalton Town Hall in Dalton, Green Lake County, WI. This session is open to representatives from any group statewide that is interested in networking with us to improve communication about trials/prosecutions, rallies, speaking events, meetings, issues, etc…
WICFA Current Issues Discussion and Education Session –
December 12, 2009 at the Dalton Town Hall in Dalton, Green Lake County, WI. This session is open to everyone, whether or not you are associated with an organization.
Please come and listen to our speakers talk about issues such as
Fresh milk regulations/legislation,
Making mandatory premises registration voluntary,
NAIS, how WICFA can be proactive in making positive changes in these different areas that will be beneficial to independent farmers and ranchers who want to direct market their products to the consumer, and
how WICFA can help ensure that the consumer will have a multitude of choices in how their products are actually produced.
Fresh/Raw Milk Dairy Farmer Max Kane’s Trial – December 21, 2009.
Come back one of Wisconsin’s fresh milk producers in Viroqua, WI. Max Kane and supporters are planning a rally from 8:30 a.m. till 10:25 a.m. and then other events after lunch time plus a pot luck dinner at the end of the day. See Max Kane’s blog for more detailed information about his event.
The first three events are sponsored and organized by WICFA. They are all on the same day so please make an effort to attend our big day in Dalton, WI.
The last fourth event is sponsored and organized by Max Kane and supporters. Please go out to Viroqua, WI and show your support for people who participate in fresh milk sales. Thanks for all that you do and we hope that you have a great weekend.
Image. While the dictionary has numerous definitions of the word, my favorite today must be:
“the general or public perception of a company, public figure, etc., esp. as achieved by careful calculation aimed at creating widespread goodwill.”
One recently addressed issue is the freedom to choose what foods we eat through the Freedom of Farming Act as proposed by Mr. Greipentrog:
From my understanding this common sense proposal is being rejected left and right by not only Politicians, but the general farming community as well. They appear to prefer Motion (in proposing a law to “help” Raw Milk farmers in Wisconsin– as long as there is appropriate regulation) vs Action (adopting the straight forward Freedom of Farming Act)
“Wherein any family farm, defined as an operation engaged in production agriculture that employs no full time personnel, save those within the family construct, shall have exclusive right to market all products of the farming operation, raw or value added through processing, direct to consumers, or local establishments, and shall be free of all inspection, recordkeeping, and traceability requirements of any governmental agency.
The producer and consumer shall make a reasonable effort to exchange information regarding these products, and the methods of production and processing, in the formation of a covenant between them.” More
“The actions of state agencies complicit with state elected officials, shows malice and forethought with the intent to benefit not only the state monetarily, but also specific corporations who also intend to benefit from the prosecutions. It is not as if they didn’t or don’t know what they are doing. This was planned and pre-meditated, and state officials and agencies in collusion with the USDA and corporate profiteers knew full well the harm they intended to inflict on the private property owners of the state and that these actions would drive many farmers and ranchers off their land and out of business. “
It seems rather apparent with the extensive abuses of agency offices and personnel supported and encouraged by elected officials, even if only by their silence; their refusal to act on behalf of the citizens, and their obvious disregard for property and individual rights, maybe Wisconsin needs to clean house.
The oath of office taken by your elected government officials is a contract affirmed by oath. Under contract law, that oath has been breached by the various compacts, contracts, and entry into agreements, business plans and other instruments which are intended to cause harm to the citizens of the state of Wisconsin and the contract is now voided. Boot them out of office.
About the Selling of Fresh Milk
The recent offering of what is supposed to pass for a proposed bill to protect the right of Wisconsin dairy farms from further prosecution and persecution by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture and Consumer Protection (DATCP) would have been comical had it not been presented as a means to allow dairy farmers to trade freely what is known to be a wholesome and natural product: fresh milk.
The fact is, even if this limited proposal (as questionable as it is) had any legitimacy, it falls far short of what is desperately needed to reign in the activities of DATCP: an agency which has far exceeded any lawful or constitutional boundaries; yet not one state legislator has acknowledged the egregious activities this agency is engaged in against the sovereign citizens of the state. In fact, it was state and federal legislators who entered into cooperative agreements with the USDA, accepting millions on behalf of the state to implement USDA business plans that clearly violated not only state, but federal constitutions. More
Below is a letter received from Senator Kohl of Wisconsin to queries about the unconstitutional provisions of HR 2749 and the infringements on the rights of the people. Senator Kohls letter follows this response from Paul Griepentrog. Please note how Senator Kohl proudly proclaims all the federal funding that will be supplied to the FDA to prosecute, persecute and drive private property owners off the land for corporate interests.
It must suck to be a family farmer or herder in Wisconsin! With guys like Kohl…..Monsanto looks….almost marginal. Marti
Dear Senator Kohl.
Your response to my concerns of the onerous regulation that will be implemented in the present food safety bills, clearly shows your lack of concerns of the impact of this legislation on small and medium producers. It also indicates your indifference to the proposed food safety legislation as far as its inconsistencies with existing federal code and the enumerated powers of the US Constitution which was the concern I contacted you to address.
Your intent indicates that you operate under the illusion that these bills will have any effect other than to advantage the corporate agenda by displacing direct market producers.
Your indifference to the actual implications of these proposed programs is appalling.
Therefore after 30 years of direct market production we have decided to discontinue fruit and vegetable production. The revenue lost will not be available to aid the local economy.
Thank you for thinking so little of us. Senator Feingold never replied, as you both sit the Senate Judiciary committee, can we expect further complacency of this nature?
Paul M. Griepentrog
Carol A. Griepentrog
Shady Knoll Farms
Park Falls, Wisconsin
715-762-1875
Mr. Paul Griepentrog
W2402 Shady Knoll Road Park Falls, Wisconsin 54552
Wisconsin Independent Consumers and Farmers Association cordially invites you to our“Networking of Statewide Organizations Session” & “Current Issues Discussion and Educational Session”
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Dalton Town Hall
Dalton, Green Lake County, WI
10:00 a.m. – Networking of Statewide Organizations Session
12:00 p.m. – Break for Lunch
1:00 p.m. – Current Issues Discussion and Educational Session
““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““
Please RSVP by 5 p.m., Wednesday, December 9, 2009
to Clifford J. Cordell at (715) 418-0424, or cj@wicfa.org, or by requesting an invitation from our event list on our Facebook page which is accessible from our website, www.wicfa.org, and then RSVP from that invitation.
Evil is as strong a word as one can use. It is not a word I, or anyone else should use lightly. I have avoided it a long time in this situation — hoping against hope — that Steve Ingham, Cheryl Daniels, Tom Lietzke & Jackie Owens would find “better data” — reconsider their position — and what it means to Wisconsin — and find a way to work more sensibly.
They have not, they will not, and they have to go, period.
They understand what they do — and they, with purpose and malice misrepresent the Raw Milk situation — while it is in their professional responsibility to understand the situation and make sensible decisions — if it is for the benefit of the whole of Wisconsin, rather than whatever personal agenda they might have.
In this situation — and others like it — most especially as it relates to dairy farmers — it is about the application of unfettered — unobserved — power over good people in order to exterminate their will and desire to survive and grow. Why dairy farmers? Because they can. The bully bullies those they can — not those that can defend themselves.
Food Safety does not like me one tiny bit and has shown every indication that as I speak out and shine the light on them — they will find a way to silence me. More
One of the best places to follow the money behind NAIS is Wisconsin, where the Wisconsin Livestock Identification Consortium (WLIC) and its partner group, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection (WDATCP)81 have managed to secure close to $7 million in federal funding and more than a million dollars in non-federal funding over the last eight years.82,83 Bolstered by a state law requiring every farm premises to be registered in a central database, these groups are serving as administrators of what amounts to a state-level pilot project for NAIS.
The WLIC, a consortium of private industry stakeholders and government agencies, has used these federal tax dollars to fund groups that could benefit financially from NAIS. By the middle of 2005, WLIC reportedly was funding more than a dozen research projects valued at close to $400,000, with money going to the Wisconsin Pork Association,84 which currently sits on the WLIC board of directors, and Smithfield, a current member of WLIC.85
WLIC was founded in 2002 as “a proactive, livestock industry- driven effort”86 with a mission “to create a secure, nationally compatible livestock identification system.”87 The members and affiliates of the consortium read like a laundry list of the corporate and private interests that stand to gain from a mandatory NAIS. The big animal-ID tech companies, like AgInfoLink, Digital Angel, Global Animal Management, Y-Tex and Allflex USA, are all represented as members.88
In coalition with the Wisconsin Department of Trade and Consumer Protection, the WLIC has developed its own USDA-compliant Animal Tracking Database — one of six that the USDA considers fully functional and capable of providing traceability.89
The push for animal tracking in Wisconsin, however, has not gone smoothly. Some farmers continue to resist registering their premises or participating in animal identification — either because of privacy or property rights concerns, or, in the case of Amish farmers, on religious grounds.90 In 2007, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture began sending letters to dairy farmers on unregistered premises indicating their milk production licenses could be revoked if they failed to register their farms.91 This threat, which would have essentially forced non-compliant dairy farmers to go out of business, was eventually softened,92 but to critics of NAIS, it demonstrates the heavy-handed tactics that government agencies are willing to use to promote the program.
Copyright (c) 2009 All rights reserved without exception
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Having attended the trial of Pat and Melissa Monchilovich at Balsam Lake, I found it more like viewing a site being cleared by a bulldozer. Judge Molly GaleWyrick cleared the path for Wisconsin’s Department of Agriculture to further its agenda of an alleged disease control program. The Media in their true slanted fashion picked away at the obstructions around the edges, avoiding the hard facts like stones.
I had arrived at Pat’s house before the trial to find a young family supported by the community via phone calls and a helpful sister in law waiting to baby sit. Pat was understandably nervous, as a way of life he had come to know for generations was being threatened.
During the proceedings the Judge indicated that Pat and Melissa should have made their arguments in an administrative hearing not in her courtroom. Interesting thought, as the original motion to dismiss voided by the Judge was based on the failure of DATCP to provide just such a hearing.
When Pat raised the point of not having a premises on title, the Judge turned to the assistant district attorney Moria Ludvigson for an explanation of what Pat was saying, “he must mean that there isn’t a 911 address where the cattle are kept” Moria replied. More
Since I did not express my personal views in sending this link to people and groups on my list directly, I want to do so here:
What really saddens me is that these cases never had to be… But, when that could have been arranged, people would not listen. They would not give up their 4H, FFA, county and state fairs, Farm Bureau and all the rest. Now that they have happened, where is the support from people who don’t want this program to happen to them?
They have paid their money and given their support to national “heroes” and national organizations who purport to be against NAIS. I’ve fallen for that in the past as well, and have ALWAYS been sorely disappointed.
We agree with and support the premise of issue 2 but not as a constitutional amendment.
The same objective to thwart PETA and HSUS could have been accomplished by including the key words “agricultural best management practices for such care and well-being” in section 900 of the Ohio Revised Code. This we do support.
Our problem with this constitutional amendment is the excessive power it places in the hands of a 13-member group of non-elected bureaucrats. This constitutional amendment places in the Board’s hands the power to mandate whatever they choose, and it is the Department of Ag that will implement and enforce those decisions of the Board. (see the text of proposed amendment at The text of the amendment includes “consider factors that include, but are not limited to,” which gives the Board authority far beyond the scope of its stated purpose. In the text “agricultural best management practices for such care and well-being” is the part that will thwart HSUS and their cronies. “Biosecurity,” “disease prevention,” “animal morbidity and mortality data,” “food safety practices,” and “the protection of local, affordable food supplies” are already covered in Ohio Revised Code. More
Senator Kohl of Wisconsin who had a direct hand in setting up the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the USDA to force the Wisconsin farmers and ranchers into the NAIS/Premises ID and who also, along with Rep. Obey facilitated the cooperative funding agreement [bribery payment] cementing that contract with the USDA, just announced that $1,550,000 has been allotted to WLIC. This was the consortium set up after NAIS/Premises ID was shoved through the Wisconsin legislature and promoted as a strictly “voluntary” program.
Recent developments lauded by many in agricultural circles as the “end of NAIS’ as a result of funding being withheld or denied on the federal level, apparently weren’t aware that the USDA through its for-profit activities as a sub-corporation of the federal corporate government, has nearly limitless sources of funds that can be used for any thing they deem appropriate. With the agricultural industrial complex willing to supply any and all funds necessary to overthrow traditional farming and ranching in favor of industrialized operations, USDA has no shortage of funds that can be paid to bankrupted states in desperate needs of funds to continue operating. So what if traditional farmers are driven off their lands and forced to forfeit everything they have worked for so long as corporations can make a profit and states can pad their coffers with bribe money.
The U.S. and the European Union recently settled one of their longest-running trade disputes: over beef. Under the deal, the EU agreed to quadruple import quotas for hormone-free U.S. beef, but it still won’t import hormone-treated American beef, because many Europeans consider it unhealthy. More
In the most ambitious power grab we’ve ever seen, corporate agribusiness proponents are trying to write themselves into the Ohio constitution. Technically the product of the Ohio General Assembly, the ballot issue is heavily backed by groups representing major agribusiness interests, including the Ohio Farm Bureau, the Ohio Pork Producers Council, and the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association. While masquerading as an attempt to improve food safety and animal welfare, Issue 2 would give a board of political appointees unchecked power to decide any and all regulations related to animal agriculture. The board could make decisions that would radically shift policy in any direction and would not require any public input process. This could include decisions on issues like the use of antibiotics and growth hormones, genetically engineered animals, cloned animals, animal ID and traceability, and factory farm zoning reguations.
Thanks for taking action,
Sarah Alexander, Senior Organizer
Food & Water Watch
goodfood(at)fwwatch.org
The proponents of Issue 2 literally will be the foxes guarding the henhouse if Issue 2 passes, and they’re running a multi-million dollar campaign to make sure this happens. Worse yet, their slick campaign tries to trick voters into thinking that Issue 2 will support safe, local food from small farmers. We need you to help us get the truth out about Issue 2 and stop this greedy power grab in the Ohio Constitution. Help us spread the word about Issue 2 and Vote NO on November 3rd!
Ohio could become the first state to have corporate agribusiness acting as judge, jury and executioner for all animal agriculture rules and regulations. Who do you think their rules will favor? Safe, local, sustainable agriculture, or the more than 200 factory farms already in the state? We’re hoping not to find out. That’s why Food & Water Watch is working on behalf of our 5,000 Ohio supporters to Oppose Issue 2. Can you help us defeat Issue 2 in Ohio?
Food & Water Watch is a nonprofit consumer organization that works to ensure clean water and safe food. We challenge the corporate control and abuse of our food and water resources by empowering people to take action and by transforming the public consciousness about what we eat and drink.
PPJG Original Article (See attached copyright notice. All rights reserved.)
Posted September 26, 2009 6:20 pm CST
by Paul Griepentrog
The Lost People: Part II
A way of life was put on trial in Neillsville, Wisconsin on September 23, 2oo9, in the case against Emanuel Miller Jr., having been charged under complaint for civil forfeiture because he refused to register his property under the state’s premise registration program. The morning session was devoted to the evidentiary hearing in which the state, represented by Clark Co. district attorney Darwin Zwieg and Bonnie Walksmuth, a court appointed attorney representing Emanuel Miller, presented evidence on behalf of the parties.
The afternoon session was devoted to the trial phase and concluded around 4 o’clock, at which time Judge Jon Counsell gave instructions that upon the completion of the trial transcript, there would be thirty days to file motions, fifteen days after to file rebuttals, oral arguments would occur seven days later, and then he would make his final decision. More
Czar Tom Vilsack has been conducting what Obama likes to call [Rural Tours]. The obvious intent of this tour is to make it appear that farmers and ranchers are appearing by the hundreds to support the [Rural broad band] and other funding efforts to prevent the rural industries from dropping dead. NAIS, a program that was so thoroughly rejected by farmers and ranchers during the listening sessions was not supposed to be on the agenda.
One such recent meeting occurred in Zanesville, Ohio on August 31, 2009 at the Muskingum County Welcome Center, and, although Mansfield News Journal.com reported an attendance of hundreds, they failed to mention that all but about forty of those in attendance were USDA employees. Those employees had been selected to attend through a raffle of sorts when their respective departments were sent a memo instructing them to send one out of every three employees to the meeting; and to fill the place up. This was to make it appear to a casual observer that the farm and ranching community was present and being heard, and also that the crowd was controlled and mannerly. The Czar apparently believed he had his audience plants in place and would have full control of the dialogue.
A quick trip through the parking lot found that nearly every vehicle there bore government free license identification. More
For unlimited release
National Assn. of Farm Animal Welfare
Ag.Ed@nafaw.org
by Darol Dickinson – 9-23-09
Scalping the American Indian is not a new thing for the Federal Government. At certain points of history it appeared somewhat like a game to play soldiers and Indians, to test if repeating rifles compared favorably with wooden bows and arrows. The most recent game is the bribery of tribes for NAIS conquest.
Sec. Vilsack says NAIS is $170 million to date
On August 31, Secretary Vilsack stated that “…..the USDA has spent $170,000,000 to promote the NAIS program.” Although it has been the “shining program on a hill” for USDA, it has met with dismal disaster and disgust to 95% of livestock producers. More
Lynn Swearingen (c) copyright 2011 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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By: Paul Griepentrog
Having attended the trial of Pat and Melissa Monchilovich at Balsam Lake, I found it more like viewing a site being cleared by a bulldozer. Judge Molly GaleWyrick cleared the path for Wisconsin’s Department of Agriculture to further its agenda of an alleged disease control program. The Media in their true slanted fashion picked away at the obstructions around the edges, avoiding the hard facts like stones.
By: Sue Diederich 
Since I did not express my personal views in sending this link to people and groups on my list directly, I want to do so here:
We agree with and support the premise of issue 2 but not as a constitutional amendment.
Czar Tom Vilsack has been conducting what Obama likes to call [Rural Tours]. The obvious intent of this tour is to make it appear that farmers and ranchers are appearing by the hundreds to support the [Rural broad band] and other funding efforts to prevent the rural industries from dropping dead. NAIS, a program that was so thoroughly rejected by farmers and ranchers during the listening sessions was not supposed to be on the agenda.
The PPJ Gazette 