Burger King.....No Longer King (in my books)

Yep, Burger King too has fallen to the pressures of being more, "ethical/healthy" or whatever they choose to call it.

Burger King vows cage-free chicken and pork
Decision by the US No. 3 burger chain raises the bar for its rivals

I had heard the news last week and I started thinking about what we have talked about in my last grad level class, Communicating Ethical Issues in Agriculture.
Do people really know what they are doing and how it will effect others when they make these decisions?!

I was driving home the other day listening to K-LOVE radio and the dj was talking about the new plans for Burger King. He joked saying: who was going to be on egg gathering duty, how will they find the eggs, where will the chickens live, etc. He then asked if anyone listening could help him understand, "this cage free deal" ( I decided that was going to be me, I am emailing this post to him as soon as I finish it)
Interesting enough the dj's grandparents had a farm and I believe he grew up on one as well. I started getting upset about BKs new vow and that someone who grew up in an farm family had a lack of knowledge of what was going on. People assume that cage-free  or free range means that that the chicken is roaming free all the time NOT SO: According to USDA, free range means " Producers must demonstrate to the Agency that the poultry has been allowed access to the outside."  (Allowed access can mean that the chicken or pig was outside for 15 min.) Labeling is not as straight-forward and honest sounding as you might think or hope for. Even those against animal agriculture are not clear about proper labeling and regulations for cage-free. As of today there is not a strict and concise labeling for eggs in the United States.

We need to educate others (even if you think they grew up on a farm) about what certain terms in agriculture mean AND how these harmless looking steps can lead to something much worse. A fellow K-State grad blogged about this here.  Check out another great blog post here. We as producers and Ag Advocates need to have our voice heard- don't allow PETA & HSUS be the only voice that consumers are hearing!

What is Silage?

While feeding cattle I decided that I wanted to do a few posts on animal food stuffs. To some of you this might be old news, yet to others it might be totally new, either way I hope you learn a little something. This is a basic educational post.

SILAGE:
- High-moisture livestock feed

-It is fermented and stored in a process called ensiling or silaging, the lack of oxygen during storage is the key to silage production. Entrance of oxygen can spoil the feed

-Usually made from grass crops, including corn,sorghum/milo or other cereals, using the entire  plant (not just the grain).

-The crops are chopped to a specific size depending on the type. Usually it is 3/4inch

-Special terms may be used depending on type (oatlage for oats, haylage for alfalfa)

-Is made either by placing cut green vegetation in a silo, by piling it in a large heap covered with plastic sheet, or by wrapping large bales in plastic film.

-The optimal internal temperature during fermentation is below 100°F

-A good use of plant parts that might otherwise might go to waste.

 Close Up(the pieces are about 3/4inches each)

More Info can be found at these sites:
North Dakota State University -More in depth, and scientific (what I learned in college)
University of Florida- great info with pictures