In 21st century America, it is easy to take the pipes that carry potable water in and non-potable water out for granted. Out of sight should not be out of mind. My father was a plumber and routinely put me up close and personal….
Ventilation
When it comes to food safety, ventilation is neither the cause nor the solution to odors, vapors, and condensation. You prevent odors with structural containment and exhaust to the exterior, not by relocating odors elsewhere through air…
Light
Light is good. Historically, the federal government agrees. Regulations of the Bureau of Animal Industry, the first federal meat inspection agency, required that there “shall be abundant light…to ensure sanitary condition”
Herdshare Tips From Houston Mountain Ranch
One of the benefits of an FTCLDF membership is help with contractual documents—like herdshare contracts. In 2014 FTCLDF set up a herdshare contract for Kirk and Pat Dotson of Houston Mountain Ranch, a third generation family ranch in Colorado. The Dotsons provide raw milk and other raw milk products from their A2/A2 Jersey cows through a Raw Milk Herdshare Program.
Construction
As a kid, I picked cherries from the cherry tree in our backyard. Another form of cherry-picking occurs when FSIS inspectors base an allegation of noncompliance on isolated regulatory text and ignore the qualifying regulatory text. 9 CFR 416.2(b): Construction is often cherry-picked.
Things I Wish I Knew Before Beginning to Farm
Over the last few months, we have collected responses from our members and supporters about aspects of farming that they wish they would have known about before they began their journey.
Grounds and Pest Control
An undeniable truth: someone will disappoint you at some point in your life. An undeniable falsehood: 9 CFR 416.2(a) prohibits insects and rodents within an official establishment.
Appealing FSIS Noncompliance Records
A noncompliance record is the basic building block for FSIS enforcement actions. Like my grandchildren’s LEGO objects, some noncompliance records have purpose; others are pure imagination.
Introduction to the Raw Milk Map
Raw milk laws differ from state to state, due in part to the federal ban on the interstate transport of raw milk for human consumption. This raw milk map and chart reflect the statutes, regulations, and court cases in effect as of…
Farm Bill Update
The 2018 Farm Bill has been passed by Congress and signed by the President. This massive piece of legislation covers a diverse mix of government programs, everything from environmental protection, farm subsidies, food safety, international trade, and food stamps.