Short Thoughts On Mad Cows
Mar. 2nd, 2005 09:20 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
jamesq1) BSE is spread by bad feed procedures (grinding up dead animals and mixing the goo into the live animal's feed).
2) Bad feed procedures persist because its a cheap way to get protein into the animals.
3) A "don't do that" directive from Ottawa will never be followed by an Alberta farmer unless the farmer can make an immediate and obvious connection that it's in his best interest. Remember, these are the same people who, after a hail storm has wiped out their crops, will shake their fist at the heavens and shout "Damn you Ottawa".
4) Better than half of the feed tested (in a recent check) was in violation of the standards. Thus proving point #3.
5) R-CALF, the American rancher association, will be able to keep the border closed as long as they can convince people that Canadian cattle is unsafe.
What does all this mean? It means that we have to test every single head of cattle. This will keep the farmers honest and it's a great stick to beat R-CALF (and their counterparts in other countries) with.
2) Bad feed procedures persist because its a cheap way to get protein into the animals.
3) A "don't do that" directive from Ottawa will never be followed by an Alberta farmer unless the farmer can make an immediate and obvious connection that it's in his best interest. Remember, these are the same people who, after a hail storm has wiped out their crops, will shake their fist at the heavens and shout "Damn you Ottawa".
4) Better than half of the feed tested (in a recent check) was in violation of the standards. Thus proving point #3.
5) R-CALF, the American rancher association, will be able to keep the border closed as long as they can convince people that Canadian cattle is unsafe.
What does all this mean? It means that we have to test every single head of cattle. This will keep the farmers honest and it's a great stick to beat R-CALF (and their counterparts in other countries) with.
"Canadian cattle isn't safe."Yeah, the ranchers are going to hate it (they have to change their feed practices) and yeah, the packers are going to hate it (they're going to have to administer the tests) and yeah it's going to be expensive. Suck it up, it's better than not selling any cattle at all.
"Yes it is. here's proof."
Re: Short Thoughts On Mad Cows
Date: 2005-03-03 07:10 am (UTC)Caethes