emergency food preservation

Need More Reasons To Grow Your Own Food? WATCH!

2009-07-22T12:39:00.001-07:00

House Bill 2749 Must Be Stopped! Take Action Today

2009-06-17T15:03:00.000-07:00

Do you enjoy farmer's markets? Do you ever envision yourself as a small entrepreneur of artesian breads or gourmet cheeses from your homestead kitchen? How about providing fresh herbs or vegetables to a local restaurant...or buying such things from a local, small time farmer? Well heads up...AGAIN! A new bill, HR 2749 is being fast-tracked in Congress to alter all that. You may ask, Why would "they" do that? It's called money...big money from big agri-business...and it WILL affect you one way or the other. Please read excerpts from a great article, which you may read in full, at Food Freedom

HR 2749: Totalitarian Control of the Food Supply
June 16, 2009 ·
A new food safety bill is on the fast track in Congress-HR 2749, the Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009. The bill needs to be stopped.

Alarming Provisions:
HR 2749 would impose an annual registration fee of $500 on any “facility” that holds, processes, or manufactures food. [isn't this every home in the US, every garden?]
HR 2749 would empower FDA to regulate how crops are raised and harvested. It puts the federal government right on the farm, dictating to our farmers.
* HR 2749 would give FDA the power to order a quarantine of a geographic area, including “prohibiting or restricting the movement of food or of any vehicle being used or that has been used to transport or hold such food within the geographic area.”
* HR 2749 would empower FDA to make random warrantless searches of the business records of small farmers and local food producers, without any evidence whatsoever that there has been a violation.
HR 2749 charges the Secretary of Health and Human Services with establishing a tracing system for food. Each “person who produces, manufactures, processes, packs, transports, or holds such food” [Is this not every home in the US?] would have to “maintain the full pedigree of the origin and previous distribution history of the food,” and “establish and maintain a system for tracing the food that is interoperable with the systems established and maintained by other such persons.” The bill does not explain how far the traceback will extend or how it will be done for multi-ingredient foods.
HR 2749 creates severe criminal and civil penalties, including prison terms of up to 10 years and/or fines of up to $100,000 for each violation for individuals.

Please take action and contact your Congressman! Here's how:
Contact your Representative now! Ask to speak with the staffer who handles food issues. Tell them you are opposed to the bill. Some points to make in telling your Representative why you oppose HR 2749 include:

1. The bill imposes burdensome requirements while not specifically targeting the industrial food system and food imports, where the real food safety problems lie.

2. Small farms and local food processors are part of the solution to food safety; lessening the regulatory burden on them will improve food safety.

3. The bill gives FDA much more power than it has had in the past while making the agency less accountable for its actions.

HR 2749 needs to be defeated!! Please take action NOW.

To contact your Representative, use the finder tool at www.Congress.org or send a message through the petition system (the petition will be on our website this evening) athttp://www.ftcldf.org/petitions_new.htm. Or call the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121.

To check the status of HR 2749, go to www.Thomas.gov and type “HR 2749″ in the bill search field
To read a detailed account of the bill, go to: http://www.ftcldf.org/news/news-15june2009.htm

BIGGEST CHICKEN EGG LAID? Check This Out!

2009-06-16T11:38:00.001-07:00

No! Your eyes aren't scrambled, and this could not have been "over-easy"...please click this link to view the biggest chicken egg I have ever seen! I'll have to find out the feed supplement on this one!

EGG

Food, Inc.--New Movie...New Motivation To Grow Your Own!

2009-06-15T15:40:00.001-07:00

This past weekend, a movie called, Food, Inc. was released. If you have the proverbial "stomach" to go see it, perhaps it may entice you once again to take garden hoe in hand, canning jar to task, and 5 gallon bucket to fill...with whole grains and cereals. Here are a few comments about this lastest release:

New film exposes unsavoury side of US food industry

By Leonard Doyle in Washington
Published: 7:05PM BST 14 Jun 2009
The much-anticipated documentary Food, Inc. opens this week, many may find themselves unable to finish their snacks as the film exposes some unsavoury realities about how food reaches the dinner table.

Major food producers would not agree to be interviewed for the movie and they tried to ban the filmmakers from their stock yards, pig farms and chicken barns.

The documentary claims cows are fattened up on heavily subsidised corn, even though they cannot digest the grain properly and their guts become breeding grounds for deadly E. coli strains as a result.

It also says chickens with oversized breasts are grown to maturity and are ready to be slaughtered twice as quickly as they would be naturally, thanks to chemicals in their feed.

There is also stomach-churning footage of conveyer belts packed with little yellow chicks being pushed around like mechanical parts; a cow, barely alive, being dragged around by a forklift; and herds of squealing pigs being forced onto a factory "kill floor".

Food Inc is being released as America is finally starting to wake up to the public health crisis fuelled by its eating habits and food industry

In the film, the best-selling food writer Michael Pollan says: "The way we eat has changed more in the last 50 years than in the previous 10,000. You go into the supermarket and you see pictures of farmers, the picket fence and the 1930s farmhouse. The reality is, it's not a farm, it's a factory. That meat is being processed by huge multinational corporations that have very little to do with ranches and farmers."
The film addresses the country's epidemics of obesity and diabetes. Among young Americans born after 2000, one in three will contract early onset diabetes. For blacks, Hispanics and American Indians a staggering one in every two will contract the disease.

"The industry doesn't want you to know the truth about what you're eating because if you knew, you might not want to eat it. We've never had food companies this big and this powerful in our history."

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/film-news/5533075/New-film-exposes-unsavoury-side-of-US-food-industry.html

Fast-Food Nation Kills Kids, Sickens Corn-Fed Cows: Interview

June 12, 2009
By Rick Warner
Bloomberg

Food is like air, an essential ingredient of life that most of us consume daily without much thought. “Food, Inc.” may change your attitude.

The new documentary dramatically shows how the U.S. food industry is controlled by a handful of conglomerates that churn out products that can make us -- and their workers -- sick.

“It’s all about producing food that’s cheap and plentiful,” Michael Pollan

Warner: Monsanto, Tyson, Smithfield, Perdue. Why are so few companies producing most of our food?

Pollan: Fast-food franchises have a lot to do with it. They need huge quantities of beef for hamburgers and huge quantities of chicken for chicken nuggets. And they want their food to taste the same everywhere in the country. So they’d rather deal with one producer instead of 50.

Warner: Cows are now being fed corn instead of grazing on grass because it makes them grow bigger and faster. How does that affect the health of the cows and the quality of the meat they produce?

Pollan: Cows aren’t designed to eat corn, so it makes them sick and their guts become a breeding ground for E. coli. Forty percent of the animals on feed lots are carrying it. It gets into the food supply through manure. And when you’re slaughtering 400 cows an hour, the way some of these places do, it’s very easy for the manure to get into the meat.
The government can recall toys and cars, but it doesn’t have the power to recall meat. That’s left up to the companies. Which tells me the government can’t ensure the safety of our food supply.

Revolving Door

Warner: Isn’t part of the problem the revolving door between the industry and government agencies? The movie documents how industry officials end up running the agencies that are supposed to regulate their former businesses.

Pollan: People go back and forth all the time. The food industry is one of the most powerful lobbying forces on Capitol Hill. They usually get what they want

Warner: What can the average person do to change the system?

Pollan: They can do a lot. Never underestimate the power of the consumer. Wal-Mart listened when consumers said they didn’t want milk from cows treated with (artificial growth) hormones. And McDonald’s stopped using genetically modified potatoes after consumers complained. People can vote with their pocketbooks.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5i9lvgmYFkJHFOGOpJbIb5xfmnGuwD98O27A82

Instead of spending money to go see the movie, maybe you should invest in a couple packages of seeds...

Raising Chickens: Scaly Legs Got You Down? Get Your Chorus Line Kicking and Scratching Again!

2009-06-10T15:53:00.000-07:00

Have you noticed that your chicken legs....oops, your chickens' legs have developed a scaly appearance? Scaly legs on chickens is caused by mites. To get rid of these tiny pests, dip the affected limb/limbs of your poor poultry into a mixture of 2 parts linseed oil and one part kerosene. Make sure you dip the extremity right up to the drumstick feathers. This should take care of the problem, and get your "girls" back into action doing what they are supposed to do...scratching, kicking high and laying lots of delicious eggs!

Preserving Eggs with Water Glass...and other egg things

2009-06-03T15:26:00.000-07:00

If you have fresh farm eggs and want to make boiled eggs...let me give you a quick piece of advice...plan ahead. Pick a dozen or so eggs that you want to boil and set them aside in your refrigerator, at least 1 week. Otherwise, your eggs are SO fresh (such a problem to have!) they will be a real pain to peel! Also, for every 3 quarts of water used to boil the eggs, add 1 T. of salt. And, rinse the eggs in cold water as soon as they are boiled...if you do the above, the shells should slip off nicely.

I wrote an article on preserving eggs with water glass...you can find the article on http://ezinearticles.com/ or http://goarticles.com/ and type in the title of the article: You Can Preserve Eggs Without Refrigeration! Here's the Secret! You can get water glass, or sodium silicate, at your local drugstore...but it is very expensive this way. However, the best source for water glass I have found is Lehmans!
Find thousands of unique products for a simple lifestyle from Lehmans.com. Click here.

Not only can you find water glass, but a bunch of other very cool and practical homestead type tools! You'll be hooked!

June 3, 2009: WHO Close to Declaring Swine Flu Pandemic

2009-06-03T15:23:00.000-07:00

I know we have all heard it before, but this was in today's headlines, so I wanted you to have a heads-up:

"The World Health Organisation is close to declaring a global flu pandemic after a surge in cases around the world, including the first Briton to fall critically ill solely because of the virus.

Keiji Fukuda, the official overseeing the WHO's flu strategy, said the virus had now reached 64 countries and was spreading fast outside Mexico and the US, the most heavily affected countries.

Fukuda said the organisation was now "getting closer" to declaring the outbreak had reached phase six, the highest level on their alert scale. Overnight, Chile became the latest country to declare its first swine flu death."

With that, I still would like to reiterate the importance of boosting your immune system naturally and getting healthy to resist this strain of flu. Please read my other posts and infomation on the flu. As I get more information, I will post. But, here are a couple of items to consider. This on Tamiflu and Relenza:
"Tamiflu is worse than worthless. It kills people. Japan has banned it. Even the FDA—after review of nearly 600 cases of neuropsychiatric events reported by patients on Tamiflu and 115 cases of neuropsychiatric events by patients taking Relenza—has warned that Tamiflu’s label be strengthened to note: “In some cases, these behaviors resulted in serious injuries, including death, in adult and pediatric patients.
The FDA staff said Relenza, a drug in the same class as Tamiflu, should have a warning label of “reports of hallucinations, delirium and abnormal behavior” observed in some patients taking the drug."
http://www.americanfreepress.net/html/flu_remedies_177.html

Also, this on the proposed swine flu vaccine:

"The only problem is (as in regards to a vaccine) that to date neither the WHO nor the US Government’s Center for Diseases Control (CDC) have succeeded to isolate, photograph with an electron microscope and chemically classify the H1N1 Influenza A virus. Even more bizarre is the admission by the US Government’s Food & Drug Administration, an agency responsible for health and safety of its citizens, that the ‘test’ is approved for premature release to test for H1N1 is not even a proven test. More to the point, there is no forensic evidence in any of the deaths reported to date that has been presented that proves scientifically that any single death being attributed to H1N1 Swine Flu virus was indeed caused by such a virus. European epidemiologists believe the deaths reported to date are ‘coincidental’ or what are called opportunistic infections."
http://www.infowars.com/sarkozys-secret-plan-for-mandatory-swine-flu-vaccination/

Do you need some good news? I sure do....read this headline, and then plant a garden...if not for yourself, for someone in need!

Urban gardens ease bills, brighten cityscape
By Kathleen Gray, USA TODAY

With the help of Urban Farming, a Detroit-based non-profit group, this 20-foot-by-20-foot lot and more than 600 others like it across the USA are being turned into gardens filled with fresh vegetables for hungry families.

Hey, what a way to kill two birds with one stone...help a neighbor and eat healthy yourself so you develop your immune systems against the flu!

Cell Phone Use Linked to Brain Cancer! Reduce Your Risk With These 12 Steps

2009-05-29T15:22:00.000-07:00

I found these articles and wanted to share it with any and all who follow this blog...I believe it is extremely important information!

Cancer risk in mobile phones: OfficialBy EMMA MORTON
Health and Science Editor

Published: 16 Oct 2008

MOBILE phones DO increase the risk of brain cancer, scientists claimed yesterday.
The chances of developing a malignant tumour are "significantly increased" for people who use a mobile for ten years.

The shock finding is the result of the biggest ever study by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, part of the World Health Organisation.
(for the complete article, go to:
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/article1814931.ece)

With that, here is some important information!

12 BASIC PRECAUTIONS to minimise exposure to radiation when using a mobile phone
1 -
Limit phone calls to those that are absolutely necessary, and restrict these to 6 minutes maximum, which is the time the body needs to adjust. Use a hands-free kit and hold the phone more than 20/30cm away from your body in order to limit the impact of radiation on yourself.
2 -
Do not carry your phone directly on your body, even on stand-by, and do not use it less than one metre away from another person, in order to reduce the effect of 'passive' radiation. .
3 -
Those under 15 should not use a mobile phone at all because they are still growing. With their lighter body weight the radiation is more damaging, especially to the brain, weakening the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB), and to the reproductive organs/ovaries, etc. .
4 -
Any elderly person should be discouraged from using a mobile phone, as well as anyone in a weakened state (the radiation will weaken their organism further), and any pregnant woman. Microwave radiation is readily absorbed by the amniotic fluid in which the embryo and then the foetus develops. .
5 -
Use the phone only in conditions of optimum reception: do not use it in a confined space such as an elevator, basement, underground station, caravan, etc. In these situations the strength of the signal both sending and receiving is much greater thus the radiation is much more intense.
6 -
Do not use the phone while you are in a moving vehicle, including the train, bus, etc, since its antenna will be constantly scanning for contact using the maximum signal strength, and the radiation from both incoming and outgoing signal will be intensified.
7 -
Do not use the phone while in any vehicle, even when stationary. An enclosed metal container produces the "Faraday cage" effect, which maximizes the damaging impact of radiation, reflecting not only on the person phoning but also on other passengers, especially children. Thus it is essential to step out of the vehicle before making a call. .
8 -
Do not keep a mobile phone beside the bed at night switched on, because even when on stand-by it is in contact with the nearest phone mast and emits radiation at regular intervals. .
9 -
Equip yourself preferably with:
- a mobile phone with the lowest possible SAR rating (= Specific Absorption Rate of microwave radiation by human body tissues). The regulation limit is 1.1W/kg for eye-sockets and cheeks.
- a phone with an external antenna, because even if it is less trendy, the omni-directional antenna broadcasts with maximum efficiency and therefore uses a weaker signal than one with an inbuilt antenna. The fashion factor matters less than the health factor. .
10 -
Use of a mobile phone should be avoided by anyone who has any metallic object in or on their head, whether magnetic or not, such as amalgam fillings and dental bridges, metal plates, screws, clips, body ornaments, earrings or metal framed glasses. The same is true for those with walking frames, wheelchairs or metal crutches, so as to avoid increasing radiation by the phenomena of reflection, amplification, resonance, passive re-emission, etc... .
11 -
Make use of protective items to shield yourself from radiation, such as a metal phone carrying case, protective anti-radiation fabric and veils, metallic foil wallpaper, anti-radiation paint, etc, all which have been proved to be effective. .
12 -
Make as many phone calls as possible using landlines which emit no radiation, and which can often be used for free and for unlimited time via the Internet, even for phone calls abroad.
www.next-up.org

Vaccines Found to Cause Diabetes in Children

2009-05-29T15:15:00.000-07:00

In my post (May 28,2009) concerning the potential upcoming swine flu vaccination this fall, I made the comment that vaccinations have been linked with the upswing in diabetes in children...well, here is just a small snippet of documentation lest one thinks I just pulled this comment out of the air:
Natural News
August 20, 2008
David Gutierrez

Two new studies showing that vaccines increase the risk of diabetes have been published in the Open Pediatric Medicine Journal.

In a prior study, published in the journal Autoimmunity, Dr. J. Bartholomew Classen of Classen Immunotherapies and David Carey Classen of the University of Utah compared more than 100,000 children who had received between one and four doses of the hemophilus vaccine with more than 100,000 unvaccinated children. The Classens found that after seven years, children in the vaccination group had a 26 percent higher risk of developing diabetes than children in the non-vaccine group. This amounted to an extra 54 cases of diabetes per 100,000 children vaccinated.

The Classens noted that the vaccine itself is only projected to prevent seven deaths and seven to 26 cases of permanent disability per 100,000 children.

“Our results conclusively prove there is a causal relationship between immunization schedules and diabetes,” J. Bartholomew Classen said at the time.

In the more recent study, Classen examined data on the same vaccine, this time looking only at children who had a sibling with Type 2 diabetes. He found that the hemophilus vaccine led to an extra case of diabetes in one of every 50 such children, or 2 percent. This is 40 times higher than the already-elevated rate found in the Autoimmunity study.

“The recent data shows that common childhood vaccines are especially dangerous to children with a strong family history of diabetes,” Classen said. “Parents of a child with a strong family history of insulin-dependent diabetes … should know that the administration of a full series of vaccines may have a greater than 5 percent chance of causing their child to develop diabetes.”

Another study, published in the same issue of the Open Pediatric Medicine Journal, demonstrated a connection between the hepatitis B vaccine and Type 2 diabetes."

I urge you to read my post on the upcoming swine flu vaccine, think it through, do your own research on the "other" side of vaccines...ie: the not so "pro" approach to innoculations, then make your own decisions. There are many homeopathic and natural alternatives....safe, effective, and more in line with how your body was designed and constructed.

Academy of Environmental Medicine: Issues Immediate Moratorum on Genetically Manipulated Foods!

2009-05-28T15:38:00.000-07:00

A Moratorium On Genetically
Manipulated (GMO) Foods
By F. William Engdahl
5-21-9

The American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM) has just issued a call for an immediate moratorium on Genetically Manipulated (GMO) Foods.

In a just-released position paper on GMO foods, the AAEM states that 'GM foods pose a serious health risk' and calls for a moratorium on GMO foods. Citing several animal studies, the AAEM concludes 'there is more than a casual association between GMO foods and adverse health effects' and that 'GM foods pose a serious health risk in the areas of toxicology, allergy and immune function, reproductive health, and metabolic, physiologic and genetic health.' The report is a devastating blow to the multibillion dollar international agribusiness industry, most especially to Monsanto Corporation, the world's leading purveyor of GMO seeds and related herbicides.

In a press release dated May 19, the American Academy of Environmental Medicine, which describes itself as 'an international association of physicians and other professionals dedicated to addressing the clinical aspects of environmental health,' called immediately for the following emergency measures to be taken regarding human consumption of GMO foods:

* A moratorium on GMO food; implementation of immediate long term safety testing and labelling of GMO food.
* Physicians to educate their patients, the medical community and the public to avoid GMO foods.
* Physicians to consider the role of GMO foods in their patients' disease processes.
* More independent long term scientific studies to begin gathering data to investigate the role of GMO foods on human health.

The AAEM chairperson, Dr Amy Dean notes that 'Multiple animal studies have shown that GM foods cause damage to various organ systems in the body. With this mounting evidence, it is imperative to have a moratorium on GM foods for the safety of our patients' and the public's health.' The President of the AAEM, Dr Jennifer Armstrong stressed that 'Physicians are probably seeing the effects in their patients, but need to know how to ask the right questions. The most common foods in North America which are consumed that are GMO are corn, soy, canola, and cottonseed oil.' The AAEM's position paper on Genetically Modified foods can be found at http:aaemonline.org.

The paper further states that Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) technology 'abrogates natural reproductive processes, selection occurs at the single cell level, the procedure is highly mutagenic and routinely breeches genera barriers, and the technique has only been used commercially for 10 years.'

The AAEM paper further states, 'several animal studies indicate serious health risks associated with GM food consumption including infertility, immune dysregulation, accelerated aging, dysregulation of genes associated with cholesterol synthesis, insulin regulation, cell signalling, and protein formation, and changes in the liver, kidney, spleen and gastrointestinal system.'

They add, 'There is more than a casual association between GM foods and adverse health effects. There is causation as defined by Hill's Criteria in the areas of strength of association, consistency, specificity, biological gradient, and biological plausibility. The strength of association and consistency between GM foods and disease is confirmed in several animal studies.'
GMO is toxic

The AAEM paper should give grounds for official rethinking of the current quasi laissez faire regulatory stance to GMO in which the solemn word of the GMO seed companies such as Monsanto is regarded as scientifically valid proof of safety. The AAEM study is worth citing in detail in this regard:

'Specificity of the association of GM foods and specific disease processes is also supported. Multiple animal studies show significant immune dysregulation, including upregulation of cytokines associated with asthma, allergy, and inflammation. Animal studies also show altered structure and function of the liver, including altered lipid and carbohydrate metabolism as well as cellular changes that could lead to accelerated aging and possibly lead to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS).Changes in the kidney, pancreas and spleen have also been documented. A recent 2008 study links GM corn with infertility, showing a significant decrease in offspring over time and significantly lower litter weight in mice fed GM corn. This study also found that over 400 genes were found to be expressed differently in the mice fed GM corn. These are genes known to control protein synthesis and modification, cell signalling, cholesterol synthesis, and insulin regulation. Studies also show intestinal damage in animals fed GM foods, including proliferative cell growth and disruption of the intestinal immune system. '

The AAEM study also reviewed the biotechnology industry claims that GMO foods can feed the world through production of higher crop yields. It cited contrary evidence that the opposite appeared to be true, namely that over time GMO harvest yields were lower than conventional yields and required over time, more not less, highly toxic herbicidal chemicals such as glyphosate. The report noted, 'The several thousand field trials over the last 20 years for genes aimed at increasing operational or intrinsic yield (of crops) indicate a significant undertaking. Yet none of these field trials have resulted in increased yield in commercialized major food/feed crops, with the exception of Bt corn.' However, the slight yield gain for Bt corn they report was 'largely due to traditional breeding improvements,' and not to GMO.

They conclude that because GMO foods 'pose a serious health risk in the areas of toxicology, allergy and immune function, reproductive health, and metabolic, physiologic and genetic health and are without benefit, the AAEM believes that it is imperative to adopt the precautionary principle, which is one of the main regulatory tools of the European Union environmental and health policy and serves as a foundation for several international agreements. The most commonly used definition is from the 1992 Rio Declaration that states: 'In order to protect the environment, the precautionary approach shall be widely applied by States according to their capabilities. Where there are threats of serious or irreversible damage, lack of full scientific certainty shall not be used as a reason for postponing cost-effective measures to prevent environmental degradation.'

Under intense public pressure, the German Minister of Agriculture recently issued a prohibition of planting for Monsanto MON810 GMO corn. Unfortunately, two weeks later she permitted planting of GMO potato seeds. Amflora, a genetically modified potato manufactured by chemicals giant BASF (a joint venture GMO partner of Monsanto), was declared by the German Ministry as posing 'no danger for human health or the environment,' The Ministry cited 'in-depth examination' and talks with scientific and economic experts as basis for the reckless decision.

The publication of the sensational critique of GMO by the American Academy of Environmental Medicine has been greeted with stone silence by most major US media and international press.

GMO politics

As I describe in great detail in my book, Seeds of Destruction: The Hidden Agenda of Genetic Manipulation, , GMO was released on the general public in the early 1990's in the USA under an executive decision by then President George Herbert Walker Bush, reportedly following closed door meetings with leading Monsanto executives. President Bush mandated that there should be no special health and safety tests done by any US Government agency before releasing GMO for food consumption. It came to be known as the Doctrine of Substantial Equivalence.

The US Government, on urging of Monsanto and the GMO lobby, further decided that labelling of a food product as 'GMO free' should be prohibited, using the vaguely formulated and entirely unscientific 'doctrine' proclaimed by President Bush in 1992, namely that GMO plants and non-GMO or ordinary plants were 'substantially equivalent' and hence needed no special testing before being released to the public.

That Substantial Equivalence Doctrine, despite the fact that it directly contradicts the demand of the GMO companies for exclusive patent rights to their GMO seeds as being 'unique' and different from ordinary seeds, enabled Monsanto, Dow Chemicals, DuPont and other GMO patent holders to proliferate their products with no control. Most Americans naively believe that the Government Food and Drug Administration and US Department of Agriculture are there to make certain industrial food products are confirmed fully safe for human and for animal consumption before licensing.

That de facto prohibition on labelling GMO foods has meant that most Americans have no idea how much of their daily diet from store-bought Corn Flakes to soybeans to corn and additives in every food on the supermarket shelf contained GMO contamination.

Coincident with the mass introduction of GMO into the human and animal diet in the United States beginning the end of the 1990's, there have been reported epidemic levels of allergic outbreaks in humans, strange diseases and numerous other health issues. The fact it is forbidden by Federal law to label GMO products means most health professionals are not even aware there might be any connection to a GMO diet for millions of Americans. The US population, since the 1992 ruling of President Bush-a ruling reaffirmed by presidents Clinton, George W. Bush and now by Barack Obama and his pro-GMO Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack-has been in effect treated as human guinea pigs in mass experimentation for substances never independently proven in long-term (ten years or longer) studies to be safe.

It remains to be seen if the scientific critique of the AAEM is given the attention it warrants.

F. William Engdahl is author of Seeds of Destruction: The Hidden Agenda of Genetic Manipulation (www.globalresearch.ca). He also authored A Century of War: Anglo-American Oil Politics and the New World Order (Pluto Press). His newest book, Full Spectrum Dominance: Totalitarian Democracy in the New World Order (Third Millennium Press) is now in print and will be available by mid-June. He may be contacted over his website, www.engdahl.oilgeopolitics.net.

Swine Flu Vaccination Program Slated for This Fall...don't take the fall!

2009-05-28T15:08:00.000-07:00

Vaccines...there is much debate as to the safety and need. During the "swine flu outbreak" in 1976, a swine flu vaccine was developed with catastrophic consequences...the vaccine killed more than the actual virus. Vaccines are often laced with mercury or other chemicals that are incredibly dangerous to the body. According to Tim O'Shea, author of "The Sanctity of Human Blood: Vaccination is Not Immunization",

It is becoming increasingly obvious that our country is becoming more and more physically disabled. Our nation's poor health is increasing in accordance with our expanding mandated vaccine policies. Accurate, unbiased and referenced information, concerning vaccines, is very desperately needed.
By the time the average person reaches adulthood they will have accumulated approximately 68 vaccines. We need to start asking questions. How many are too many? What are the short and long term consequences of the various combinations? Do vaccines really achieve their advertised purpose or are facts and figures manipulated for the monetary benefit of the corporations? Are there any long term studies proving the safety of vaccines ...or......are we and our children the long term studies? Most importantly, what are the ingredients in vaccines and how are these ingredients determined and tested?"
Here are just a couple of recent stories linking vaccinations with severe health consequences...sometimes death!
hepatitis B vaccination leads to infants death

And, according to the guardian.co.uk of the UK,
"The number of cases of insulin-dependent diabetes among children under five is expected to double in the next 11 years, according to experts. If present trends continue, by 2020 the number of children with type 1 diabetes will be twice the number it was four years ago." Diabetes has been linked to vaccinations....google it!

As mentioned in the above video...you might have to just "trust your government" in the case and safety of this soon-to-be swine flu virus...but please just remember...this swine flu virus is a virus "never seen before" (google it)...and keep an eye out for which companies will be given the "funding" aka mass profits from such a program.

May I humbly suggest that you be the author of your own fate...start naturally boosting your immune system, drink plenty of fresh, clean water, straighten out your diet...may I ask you to peruse the various companies on this blog that can provide you with such options...take action now...fall is just around the corner.

Raising Backyard Chickens: Too many eggs? Make Homemade, Great Tasting Mayonnaise

2009-05-20T14:47:00.000-07:00

Making homemade mayonnaise is not only economical (has the price of mayonnaise at the store shot up or what!!!!!), it is also very easy, and great tasting!

BLENDER MAYONNAISE:

A whole egg is needed when making mayonnaise in a blender. If you are using a food processor, to get the correct consistency, use one whole egg plus a yolk.
1 egg, 1/4 t. salt, 1/2 t. dry mustard or 1 t. dijon mustard, 1 c. oil ( peanut, or vegetable), 1 1/2 T. vinegar or lemon juice, 1 T. boiling h20, salt to taste.
Place egg, salt, mustard, and 1/4 c. of oil in blender. Turn on the motor and add the remainder of the oil slowly in a thin stream. Add the lemon juice or vinegar and water. Taste...season to taste.

FOOD PROCESSOR MAYONNAISE:

Follow the above recipe, only add an egg yolk and omit the water.

Personally, I like using lemon juice and dijon mustard...but, just experiment. Another fun thing to do is to add your choice of herb...cilantro, garlic, parsley...experiment with your batches...it adds great flavor to sandwiches and salads.

The above recipe renders 1 1/2 cup of mayonnaise. I usually double my recipe, unless I make those small, personalized batches. My mayonnaise lasts...I read somewhere that it is only good for 1 week...NOT. But, because it is fresh, and FREE FROM UNWANTED CHEMICALS, it may not last as long as the store!

Here's to good healthy eating...and don't forget to thank the feathered girls for their contribution!

Raising Backyard Chickens: Sexing An Egg

2009-05-14T16:10:00.000-07:00

So you finally got those harried hens! Congratulations! Now...all those eggs, and what to do with them! If you have a rooster, well, you can save out a few of those eggs and hatch them out and expand your flock for the next season/s...if you have an incubator or a hen who will actually "brood". At our place, we have hens that will actually brood. In my limited, but expanding experience with poultry, I have found that bantams are very good brooders, and so are the Buff Orpingtons...one very good reason why we have had and still have this breed around. Much to our surprise, however, we actually had a Rhode Island Red and a Wyandotte both "set" on eggs last year. Any way...
In selecting your eggs that you want to incubate, it is a good idea to select the most "choice" eggs. And, I have heard from some fairly reliable sources, that if you want to have more hens, you should select eggs that are more roundish...if you want to raise roosters for the BBQ, you should select eggs that are more...how shall I say..."pointy".
Presently, we have a Buff sitting on 7 eggs...which is probably a good number, being its probably the best number she can handle, and for the little "roll of the dice" experiment we are attempting. We have 4 roundish eggs, and 3 pointy eggs. And, in approximately 15 more days (chicken eggs take just 21 days to hatch), we shall see how the sexing of eggs "hatches" out. Of course, it will take about 2 months to really know how things went, but in the mean time, I thought I would pass on this little tid-bit of info and perhaps you may be interested in trying this experiment yourself!

Grow Heirloom Tomatoes! They're Yummy for Your Tummy!

2009-05-02T13:49:00.000-07:00

There is nothing like a home grown tomato...the taste is exceptional. Tomatoes take a while to grow, and if you are fortunate to live in a warm climate, apparently I don't because there is a foot of snow around my house still! and it snowed again today!) they are easy to grow from seeds. Most of the time it is advisable to start your tomato seeds sometime in February or March...but, I have had success getting my starts going in April. However, if you can't get your seedlings started, you can always resort to buying plants at the local nursery. You won't regret the investment.
Heirloom tomatoes have sometimes gotten a rotten rap...as per this article which appeared in The Examiner, Chicago entitled Hurray for Heirloom Tomatoes. But never fear, as this article points out, heirloom tomatoes are wonderful tasting and wonderful plants.

If you want a variety of tomatoes in your garden, how about stopping in at

You can get an amazing amount of heirloom tomato seeds, plus pick up some great gardening tools and supplies!

Click here to visit TomatoFest.com

Happy Planting!

Backyard Gardening: Grow Potatoes In A Barrel

2009-05-01T13:53:00.000-07:00

Now is the time to truly consider growing your own vegetables. But, what if you don't have a large plot to grow a garden? You can grow vegetables in an assortment of containers...buckets, recycled plant containers, old barrels, etc. One vegetable that is EASY to grow and delicious (once again, once you eat one of your own potatoes, you'll not want for the potatoes in the store!...TASTE is back!)is the potato. And, you can grow potatoes in a container...anything from a 1/2 barrel to a full 55 gallon barrel. Here are some tips to get you going:

Choose the size of container/s in which to grow your potatoes...it can be plastic, metal or wood.

Drill holes in the bottom of your container to allow for drainage. You may have to put a screen over the holes once they are drilled to prevent soil leakage, etc..depends on how big you drill the holes! The holes should be about 6 inches apart.

Set barrels on blocks, old pallets, or whatever, to ensure that there is good drainage. And make sure your barrels are in a spot that receives a good amount of sunshine.

Place some gravel in the bottom of the barrel...again, to help with drainage.

Put down at least six inches of clean soil, mixed with a good compost, sand and maybe some sawdust.

Now...plant your potatoes. To plant potatoes you must get "seed" potatoes from a garden supply store, nice neighbor (smile) or feed store...or online. Do not use the potatoes you buy from the store...they will not produce well even though the potatoes grow little "buds". Once you get your seed potatoes, cut the potato into halves or fourths, depending on the size of the potato. But, make sure you have at least 2 "eyes" in each piece of the potato. Allow your cut potatoes to rest for the night and let the cut edges dry a bit. Next morning, place the cut-side down in the dirt and the "eyes" looking up, and push the potato seed down so that the seed is just covered. Water gently. In a couple of days, your potatoes will start to sprout. Let your potatoes sprout about 2-4 inches...then cover the plant with more soil/compost/sand mixture and gently water. Continue this procedure until your barrel is full. Once you see your potatoes "blossom" you know you have succeeded. Then, let the plants die back. When you are ready to harvest, kick the barrel over, and gather your potatoes. Then, enjoy!

Influenza Pandemic 2009: Are You Physically Prepared for this Rapidly Spreading Virus?

2009-04-29T10:47:00.001-07:00

Is your family prepared for this spreading flu virus. As of today, Wednesday, April 29, 2009, there is one confirmed death in the U.S., and the virus has been found in 10 states. Does your family have enough food? Do you have a water purification system? Do you have hospital grade masks or hand sanitizer? Do you need vitamins?
Nitro-Pak.com
can supply all these and any other emergency equipment you may need.

Please also read my post on essential oils and homeopathic remedies in connection with this most pressing issue. Do not delay! Take action today

Influenza Pandemic 2009: Prevention With Essential Oils

2009-04-29T10:12:00.000-07:00

The recent influenza outbreak continues to spread. Due to the fact that this is a rare and "never-been-seen" before virus, it is essential to take immediate steps to protect you and your family.
Jonathan Campbell, Health Consultant for
Natural Therapies for Chronic Illness & Health Maintenance says, "The way to prepare yourself and protect your family from this influenza is not a vaccine or anti-viral drug. I strongly recommend that if vaccines and/or anti-viral drugs are offered to you, that you refuse them. These actually reduce your immunity; vaccines contain many toxic components, such as aluminum, mercury, and solvents, and anti-viral drugs interfere with critical body processes. Historical evidence of vaccinations has shown that they actually increase the chances of becoming severely ill. Influenza vaccines in particular are notoriously ineffective and have harmed thousands of people, and there is evidence already that Tamiflu, now being stockpiled for a possible epidemic, is useless against Avian Influenza."
So, what can a person do? An alternative step you can take immediately, is to use a combination of the essential oils clove, rosemary, cinnamon bark, lemon and eucalyptus radiata . These oils may be bought separately or already blended. During the 15th century in England there was a plague. Robbers and thieves would rub these oils on their bodies to avoid getting the plague while robbing their victims. This combination of oils has been shown to be 99.6% effective against airborne bacteria.
I have personally used these oils and can attest with 100% confidence of their effectiveness. I highly recommend, without any hesitation, these oils. You may purchase Thieves essential oil blend
or the individual oils at the same web-site.

Or you may pure essential oils at Mountain Rose Herbs. Click logo below:

For the individual oils, it is recommended that you blend approx. 200 drops of clove, 175 drops of lemon oil, 100 drops of cinnamon bark, 75 drops of eucalyptus radiata and 50 drops of rosemary. This blend of oil, or the Thieves, may be rubbed on the bottom of your feet or stomach.

Please also my post on other homeopathic remedies to fight the flu!

Swine Influenza Prevention With Homeopathic Remedies

2009-04-27T12:03:00.000-07:00

Natural Remedies Can Help!

The major pharmaceutical companies are not the only ones with solutions to the 'flu virus. Herbalists and Naturopaths have had thousands of years experience in treating Here are some additional recommendations from Native Remedies:

1. There are some excellent herbal alternatives to the pharmaceutical anti-viral drugs which have been recommended by the CDC and the World Health Organisation. Native Remedies Immunity Plus Formula contains a selection of the most powerful and effective anti-viral herbs from around the world and can be of great benefit in boosting immune functioning to protect the system against the 'flu virus. It may also be used at the very first signs of 'flu or cold symptoms in order to stop the virus in its tracks. Immunity Plus has an added benefit over and above the pharmaceutical anti-virals in that it also contains antibacterial herbs which act as natural anti-biotics. This means that you would be less likely to develop secondary infections from the 'flu virus. Although the 'flu virus comes with very uncomfortable symptoms, it is the secondary infections like pneumonia and bronchitis that are potentially very dangerous.

How Do I use Immunity Plus?

According to Michele Carelse, Clinical Psychologist and formulator of Immunity Plus, it is best to take a 6 weeks course of Immunity Plus at the very beginning of winter. Thereafter 'booster' courses of about a week can be taken at eight - ten week intervals. At the very first signs of 'flu symptoms, take a 5 - 10 day course to stop the virus in its tracks. Michele also recommends using Immunity Plus for about a week to protect yourself if you are exposed to someone with the 'flu.

2. If you have been following an unhealthy lifestyle or have been exposed to environmental toxins, we recommend a three week course of our Detox Drops along with the Immunity Plus. Please be sure to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day during this time.

3. Studies have shown that people who are suffering from stress or depression will have lowered resistance to illness and are much more likely than others to become ill, especially with viral infections. If you are depressed or suffering from stress, protect yourself by taking a 6 month's course of our Mindsoothe Capsules, accompanied by the Native Remedies Triple Complex Nerve Tonic for extra protection.

*This article is courtesty of Native Remedies and was written by:
Michele Carelse who is a Registered Clinical Psychologist and Licensed Counselor.
Michele has also developed Native Remedies - a range of natural herbal and homeopathic remedies for adults and children, specifically aimed at promoting emotional, psychological, cognitive and physiological health.

We will be following this "swine" flu outbreak very carefully. In the meantime, please take much preventative action. In addition to boosting your immune system, it is recommended that you do the following!

Tips to help you boost your immune system and natural homeopathic alternatives to the flu vaccine.

Sustaining immunity is the key factor behind cold and flu resistance, so save yourself money and sickness in the long-term by implementing healthy habits now!

Consider an effective homeopathic flu remedy to the conventional flu vaccine, either in conjunction or used alone. Orally administered, homeopathic flu remedies may be used by all ages -- without the side effects and complications sometimes experienced by the conventional flu vaccine.

Don’t Just Wash Your Hands- Wash Them Right!

Liquid soap is preferred over bar soap, as bar soap tends to harbor viruses and bacteria.

Rub your hands vigorously together with warm water, scrubbing all surfaces, including wrists.

Dry your hands thoroughly, but consider how you do so -- Bacteria and viruses can live on hand towels and sponges for hours. If you have sick ones in the house, change towels frequently or use disposable options instead.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Most germs are spread through hand-to-hand contact, so become conscious of such habits.

If you have children, wash toys thoroughly in warm, soapy water to kill bacteria and germs. At work and at home, disinfect commonly used surfaces like keyboards, phones, doorknobs, counters, etc.

When possible, open windows to allow fresh air to circulate. Germs linger in stagnant air.

Try to quit smoking, as it irritates the respiratory tract, thus increasing susceptibility to illness-causing viruses.

Be considerate when you are sick, and stay home from work and keep the kids out of school or daycare.

Limit your alcohol consumption, as alcohol dehydrates the body and leaves you more vulnerable to infection.

Strive to obtain consistent, adequate sleep and regular exercise help to ward off infections.

Reduce stress by practicing relaxation techniques, exercising, or listening to music.

AP IMPACT: Tons of released drugs taint US water : Why You Need A Water Purifier

2009-04-23T16:54:00.000-07:00

By JEFF DONN, MARTHA MENDOZA and JUSTIN PRITCHARD, Associated Press Writers - Mon Apr 20,

U.S. manufacturers, including major drugmakers, have legally released at least 271 million pounds of pharmaceuticals into waterways that often provide drinking water — contamination the federal government has consistently overlooked, according to an Associated Press investigation.
Hundreds of active pharmaceutical ingredients are used in a variety of manufacturing, including drugmaking: For example, lithium is used to make ceramics and treat bipolar disorder; nitroglycerin is a heart drug and also used in explosives; copper shows up in everything from pipes to contraceptives.

Federal and industry officials say they don't know the extent to which pharmaceuticals are released by U.S. manufacturers because no one tracks them — as drugs. But a close analysis of 20 years of federal records found that, in fact, the government unintentionally keeps data on a few, allowing a glimpse of the pharmaceuticals coming from factories.

But some researchers say the lack of required testing amounts to a 'don't ask, don't tell' policy about whether drugmakers are contributing to water pollution.

Last year, the AP reported that trace amounts of a wide range of pharmaceuticals — including antibiotics, anti-convulsants, mood stabilizers and sex hormones — have been found in American drinking water supplies. Including recent findings in Dallas, Cleveland and Maryland's Prince George's and Montgomery counties, pharmaceuticals have been detected in the drinking water of at least 51 million Americans.
Most cities and water providers still do not test. Some scientists say that wherever researchers look, they will find pharma-tainted water.

FOR THE FULL STORY, PLEASE GO TO: Tainted Water

If you are in a city or you are on a public water system, for the health of you and your family, you should consider a water purification system. Water is an essential and important nutrient. You may consider Big Berkey. Three of our advertisors, Nitro-Pak
(also an EXCELLENT source for other preparedness gear) and More Than Alive sell Big Berkey
or
Lehman's CLICK HERE
(which is also a great source for non-electric and many unique products.

Or you may select other water filters:

EdenFilters.com offers residential reverse osmosis systems and economy water filters at wholesale prices. Shipping is free and replacement cartridges are standard sizes. We offer 100% customer satisfaction guarantee and one year waranty on all purchases.

IsoPure Water

Village Resource Solutions, LLC

Growing A Backyard Vegetable Garden: Ideas to "Mulch" Over

2009-04-21T16:05:00.000-07:00

Want to have a fantastic backyard vegetable garden? I invite you to scroll down the page and click on my article written for Ezine Articles concerning this very subject. In the meantime, here are some ways and ideas of where you can obtain your mulch material.

* Ask farmers or ranchers for spoiled straw or manure. As ranchers are cleaning out their barns this time of year, you may be able to hit the jackpot!

* As neighbors begin to mow their lawns, ask them for their lawn clippings. In the fall, as neighbors if you can have their leaves and other lawn debris.

* Go to parks and do the same as above...you'll be surprised, and most likely THANKED for hauling away the debris!

* After the highway department has mowed the roadsides, rack up what you can...just keep a look out for cars!

* Go to lumber yards, cabinet shops, etc. and ask for wood chips and sawdust. You can also check out tree trimming companies for wood chips and leaves.

* In addition to the above ingredients, don't forget cornstalks, pine needles, shredded newspaper, and peat moss. All make an excellent ground cover.

So, now you have many options in which to obtain mulch...it's cheap and easy, but the value and benefits will produce great dividends!

Grow a Backyard Garden, Raise a Backyard Chicken...Together!

2009-04-16T13:51:00.000-07:00

Are you still planning to put in a garden this year and also raise backyard chickens? Here's an idea you may want to consider...plant your garden and put your chicken coop in the same area...let me explain.

1. Choose a suitable place for your garden and fence twice as much growing space as you will need to grow your various vegetables.
2. Put a gate at each end of your rectangular plot.
3. Build your chicken coop directly in the center of your "compound", and divide that area right down the middle with more fencing. Make sure there is a door on each side of your new chicken coop.
4. The "first" year of your garden, plant vegetables on one half of your plot, while on the other half of your plot, let the chickens run free in their yard.
5. At the end of the gardening season, let your chickens have the run of the whole place.
6. The next gardening season, rotate the whole operation: plant your garden on the alternate side, and let the chickens have the run of the area that was your garden last year!
7. Keep this rotation system up each year. Not only will your chickens naturally fertilize the area for your future garden each year, they will do a dandy job of ridding unwanted bugs and insects!

As a reminder, order your heirloom seeds and garden supplies from:

or click on the banner for Survival Seeds

Happy Gardening! And Chicken Raising!

Raising Backyard Chickens: Build a Easy and "Cheep" Chick Feeder

2009-04-14T12:31:00.000-07:00

Here is a description of how to build a easy and efficient chick feeder. You will need:

1. A large, plastic jug. Such as an old gallon vinegar jug or juice jug.
2. 1 48 ounce juice can with both ends of the can removed.
3. 4 eye-lets
4. Hole punch, or a nail and hammer to make holes.
5. Wire

Cut away and discard all but the bottom 2 inches of your large plastic jug; this is your "bowl". Punch or bore 4 equally spaced holes in your "bowl". Insert an eyelet in each of these holes. Now bore holes in your 48 ounce juice can, also equally spaced. Wire this "feed hopper" to your "bowl". Punch a couple of holes in the top of the former juice container and wire on a handle! That's it! And "CHEEP"! too!
As your chicks get bigger, begin to hang the feeder from the ceiling, just like the big chickens! You will save on feed and scratch as these little chicks cannot waste and "muck" up their food as easily!

If you haven't read my articles on Raising Backyard Chickens...a 3 part series, please scroll down and look for the articles I have written for Ezine.com.

Emergency Food Preservation...Don't Wait Until An Emergency to Prepare

2009-04-13T13:46:00.000-07:00

Have you been following the latest headlines?

Walker's World: New food crisis looms
By MARTIN WALKER, UPI Editor EmeritusPublished: April 6, 2009

Alarm bells are starting to ring about another food crisis this summer. Last week's acreage report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture found that 7 million fewer acres were being planted for all crops. This came after the USDA's January report that noted that winter wheat acreage was down 7 percent.

This means lower output from the United States, the world's top food producer, at a time when world stocks are already low, and farmers are blaming the difficulty in getting credit and the high costs of key inputs like fertilizer.( see my post on manure!)
Mother Nature is making things worse, with the worst drought in almost 70 years hitting northern China and devastating the winter wheat crop. More than 200 million acres in China's top six grain-producing provinces have been hit, and yields are down by as much as 40 percent.

The problem is not just hitting grains. With world soybean stocks 9 percent lower than they were this time last year, a further drought in Latin America is a new concern. Yields in southern Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina are also running at 40 percent of last year's levels. All this is triggering concern in the markets, where analysts are warning that price hikes are looming, and the speculators coming into the market could drive prices even higher.

Here are some more disturbing news items!

South Florida Suffering From Drought! Crops Could Suffer!

North Florida Suffering From Flooding! Crops Could Suffer!

Tornados EF-3 reported near Mena..homes, electricity, crops(?) affected

Worst flooding predicted for Georgia. Crops Could Suffer!

Farmers Scramble in the Carolinas due to latest cold snap! Crops Could Suffer!

Wintry Weather Slams Plains Wheat; Will The Crop Recover?

Drought, Cold Devastating Texas Crops

One needs to connect the dots...there is a very great and grim potential for food shortages starting this summer. You need to prepare. Whether you grow your own garden (please see our heirloom seed providers...Survival Seeds or TomatoFest..simply click on either banner located to the right) begin a home canning program (for home canning videos see Be prepared for the coming food shortage.
), or want to stock up on freeze dried food (see Mountain House Freeze-Dried Food
or 1800prepare, LLC.
CLICK HERE or American Family Safety)

I have also written several posts on how you can prepare, store and put up bulk food. Please peruse this blog to get more information. Take action and take care.

Gold For Your Home Garden! Manure!

2009-04-12T13:34:00.000-07:00

When it comes to growing a garden, your soil needs nutrients. However, if you have gone to the local nursery to purchase some of that precious fertilizer for your garden, you might be overwhelmed by the price of that fertilizer!!!! So what's a gardener to do? When I still lived in a city, I drove out to the suburbs of town and found many willing folks who would allow me to take home some of their "x-tra" stuff from their barn. WOW! Now, I have an excess of "stuff"...including a variety of "feces species". So, here are some things you can do....

Offer to clean a stall or two in someones barn for horse manure. Or even offer to clean out a chicken coop. If this is first year manure, you will have to "age" it...in other words, it will be too "hot" for your garden and will burn your plants. Another point, especially with horse manure, is to pile your manure in the sun, cover it with black plastic, and let it "cook"...it will kill most weeds in the horse manure. If you are fortunate to find sheep or goat manure, you can directly put the manure on to your garden.

At any rate, it is best to try and put manure on your garden in the fall and till it into the soil over the winter. However, it's still not too late to till manure into your garden soil.

This post was inspired by this article that appeared last week...take a gander:

Manure More Precious Than Gold
From Gene Logsdon
by Gene Logsdon

I half-jokingly suggested about a year ago that animal manure— used livestock, horse, and chicken bedding— was going to be the hottest commodity on the Chicago Board of Trade. There are indications now that such a seemingly absurd prediction might not be so absurd after all. Last year the prices of some farm fertilizers shot up to over a thousand dollars a ton. Ammonium polyphosphate is still nearly that high. Deposits of potash in Canada, a main source of our potassium fertilizers, are declining. Natural gas, from which commercial nitrogen fertilizer is manufactured, is rising in cost as other uses compete for it. Long term, there are reasons to believe that the era of abundant manufactured fertilizers is passing.

Today, the situation has changed dramatically. With no assurance that grain prices will be high enough to cover the high prices of manufactured fertilizers, farmers are waiting in line at the animal confinement operations, willing to fork over good hard cash to get the lower-priced manure. The laugh of the day now is that maybe manure will become more profitable than the food produced, that the operations will become, in fact and not in jest, money-making manure factories which just happen to produce meat, milk, and eggs as byproducts. This seems particularly possible since some of these factories change hands about as often as partners do in a square dance.

The possibility that all of agriculture might have to rely on animal and human waste to maintain the necessary fertility to keep the world from starving is not at all something new to civilization. Only in the last century or so has it been possible to lard enough chemical nitrogen on cropland to attain record breaking yields while burning most of the organic matter out of the soil. Before this modern “progress,” human society had no other choice than to consider manure— animal and human— to be more precious than gold. At least humans did so in countries that sustained an ample food supply for very long periods of time, as China and Japan did. We all need to read again Farmers of Forty Centuries, by F.H. King, published in 1911, about oriental agriculture at that time. Manure was treated like a precious gem because it was a precious gem. Every scrap of animal waste, human waste, and plant residue was scrupulously collected, composted, and reapplied to the land. So precious was manure that Chinese farmers stored it in burglar-proof containers.

As a result, the oriental farmer for thousands of years maintained an unbelievably productive agriculture. Their little farms produced at the very least five times the amount of food per acre that American farmers were getting in 1907 when King traveled through Japan and China. Those yields still far exceed those of American agriculture even today, except where intensive, raised bed gardening is practiced here. For all practical purposes, a large part of China in 1900 was one huge intensive, raised bed garden. Indeed, the oriental farmer had no choice, because population densities were much higher than anything the United States had or has yet experienced. They either produced huge crops or starved.

Cheap, plentiful manufactured fertilizers and a seeming infinity of farmland allowed the United States over the last two centuries to become the champion wastrel of agriculture (and everything else). One can only imagine the famine and chaos that would result if we continued that kind of extravagance for forty centuries, even if we could. As sources of cheaper chemical fertilizers decline, manure will either once more become the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow or population levels will dramatically decline.
~~
Gene and Carol Logsdon have a small-scale experimental farm in Wyandot County, Ohio.
Gene is author of The Mother of All Arts: Agrarianism and the Creative Impulse (Culture of the Land),
The Last of the Husbandmen: A Novel of Farming Life, and All Flesh Is Grass: Pleasures & Promises Of Pasture Farming
OrganicToBe.org | OrganicToGo.com

Organic Farming/NAIS/ and You....

2009-04-02T11:26:00.000-07:00

Despite the arguments about H.R. 875 you may read on the internet, one thing is clear...something is up. Whenever there is "big" money involved, if we the people haven't figured it out, what is fed to the sheeples on the surface as something "good" most likely contains something we have come to know as "pork" is beneath the surface..which is not good. Most people who support H.R. 875 will even admit that some of the language is "vague" and can be misconstrued. In light of what is happening in our country today...where most language used is no longer vague, but in your face, we need to pay attention to what laws are being past and how it can affect us now and in the future. Perhaps there are some very good parts of this bill...I do not argue that...but, at least clean up the language and ensure that the rights of those that want to organic garden, participate in local farmers markets, etc. will NOT be affected by this bill...isn't that why we voted in our representatives?

Further, most bills that are presented, as stated before, present very good measures to ensure that our food supply is safe and healthy. But just as this bill has the earmarks of becoming too intrusive, so has a very innocuous bill, the NAIS, or National Animal Identification System, become intrusive, and does, in fact, threaten all people of the United States from owning and raising their own live stock.
What exactly is the NAIS? "The USDA’s proposed National Animal Identification System (NAIS) was originally designed to give the big beef producers help in getting export markets which required disease controls. The idea is that every single livestock animal in the United States will be identified and tagged. All livestock animal movements will be tracked, logged and reported to the government. The benefit is to the big factory farms who probably do need this type of regulation. They get to do single ID’s for large groups of animals. Small farmers, pet owners and homesteaders will have to tag and track every single animal.

There are no exceptions - even small farms that sell direct to local consumers will be required to pay the fees and file all the paper work on all their animals. Even horse, llama and other pet owners will be required to participate in NAIS. Homesteaders who raise their own meat and grandma with her one egg hen will also have to register their homes as ‘farm premises’ and obtain a Premise ID, tag all their animals and submit all the paperwork and fees. Absurd? Yes - There are no exceptions under the current NAIS plan. The USDA has slipped this plan in the back door without any legislation. This is going to be very expensive and guess who is going to pay for it in higher food prices… You!"

nonais.org

Grow A Backyard Vegetable Garden

2009-03-27T13:31:00.000-07:00

There are many reasons why you should grow your own VEGETABLE garden. I emphasize vegetable because in my "younger days" I had a running argument with my sister that I didn't grow any thing that I couldn't eat. She on the other hand, had a lovely lawn and a bunch of flowers. Of course, some flowers are edible...hmmm. Any way, the obvious reasons include healthy food, food (which is becoming a concern), great tasting food, etc. And with the economic woes and people staying home more often, having a garden is a positive diversion...it gives you something to do!

You really do not need a lot of space to get a garden going. If you have a five gallon bucket, you can grow something! It is much cheaper to grow your own plants from seeds. I have written an article on the pros/cons of using hybrid/non-hybrid seeds. You can find this article at http:www.goarticles.com/ and then plug in the keywords hybrid/non-hybrid seeds in the search box.

A quick gardening tip for today is: SAVE THOSE EGG SHELLS! Egg shells make great little "starter" containers for your seeds. When cracking your eggs, try to only knock off the top 1/3 of the shell (best when you really don't care if your egg breaks). Fill your egg shell with a good starting soil, plant seed, let grow. When you are ready to transplant, simply place the whole thing in the ground. I knock off the bottom so the roots can poke through the bottom of the shell. Not only do you not disturb the fragile roots, but the calcium in the egg shell will provide some extra nutrition for the plant.

In future posts I will address other gardening concerns, tips and strategies.

Lose Your Property for Growing Food?????

2009-03-18T15:28:00.000-07:00

There is a draconian bill being introduced. It is HR 875/S 425. It is imperative that you familiarize yourself with this bill. Who stands to gain from a bill that is trying to regulate all facets of agriculture? And yes, it will affect all facets...you have to read the fine print. Who is promoting and supporting such a bill? The following facts were taken from www.organicconsumers.org WHO BENEFITS FROM GM CROPS? *the real beneficiaries are the GM companies which profit from patents, expensive GM seeds, and increased pesticide sales *Monsanto is the world's largest seed firm *Monsanto holds a near monopoly in the biotech "traits" incorporated in GM seeds *Monsanto is the world's fifth largest pesticide firm *Monsanto markets Roundup, the world's biggest selling pesticide *Monsanto controls roughly 60% of the market for glyphosate (the active ingredient of Roundup) *Roundup is used in conjunction with Monsanto's 'Roundup Ready seeds'
ARE GM CROPS REDUCING PESTICIDE USE? *almost all GM crops involve just 2 traits, mainly just one trait - herbicide tolerance *herbicide tolerance is found in over 80% of all GM crops planted worldwide *GM crops have contributed substantially to increased pesticide use *most new GM crop varieties are also pesticide-promoting *GM crops have caused an epidemic of herbicide-resistant weeds *this is encouraging the use of more toxic petsicides, including ones banned in some European countries.

Please also read this timely and infomative article:

March 16, 2009
By Chelsea Schilling
© 2009 WorldNetDaily
Lose Your Property For Growing Food?

Criminalize Organic Gardening????? Watch!

2009-03-13T12:29:00.000-07:00

Please read the following article for more information!

HR 875 The food police, criminalizing organic farming and the backyard gardener, and violation of the 10th amendment

Posted by LydiaScott on 03/06/09 03:36 AM

HR 875 http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/F?c111:1:./temp/~c1112RD9bb:e11439:

This bill is sitting in committee and I am not sure when it is going to hit the floor. One thing I do know is that very few of the Representatives have read it. As usual they will vote on this based on what someone else is saying. Urge your members to read the legislation and ask for opposition to this devastating legislation. Devastating for everyday folks but great for factory farming ops like Monsanto, ADM, Sodexo and Tyson to name a few.

I have no doubt that this legislation was heavily influenced by lobbyists from huge food producers. This legislation is so broad based that technically someone with a little backyard garden could get fined and have their property siezed. It will effect anyone who produces food even if they do not sell but only consume it. It will literally put all independent farmers and food producers out of business due to the huge amounts of money it will take to conform to factory farming methods. If people choose to farm without industry standards such as chemical pesticides and fertilizers they will be subject to a vareity of harassment from this completely new agency that has never before existed. That's right, a whole new government agency is being created just to police food, for our own protection of course.

DO NOT TAKE MY WORD FOR IT, READ THIS LEGISLATION FOR YOURSELF. The more people who read this legislation the more insight we are going to get and be able to share. Post your observations and insights below. Urge your members to read this legislation and to oppose the passage of this legislation.

Pay special attention to

Section 3 which is the definitions portion of the bill-read in it's entirety.
section 103, 206 and 207- read in it's entirety.
Red flags I found and I am sure there are more...........

Legally binds state agriculture depts to enforcing federal guidelines effectively taking away the states power to do anything other than being food police for the federal dept.
Effectively criminalizes organic farming but doesn't actually use the word organic.
Effects anyone growing food even if they are not selling it but consuming it.
Effects anyone producing meat of any kind including wild game.
Legislation is so broad based that every aspect of growing or producing food can be made illegal. There are no specifics which is bizarre considering how long the legislation is.
Section 103 is almost entirely about the administrative aspect of the legislation. It will allow the appointing of officials from the factory farming corporations and lobbyists and classify them as experts and allow them to determine and interpret the legislation. Who do you think they are going to side with?
Section 206 defines what will be considered a food production facility and what will be enforced up all food production facilities. The wording is so broad based that a backyard gardener could be fined and more.
Section 207 requires that the state's agriculture dept act as the food police and enforce the federal requirements. This takes away the states power and is in violation of the 10th amendment.
There are many more but by the time I got this far in the legislation I was so alarmed that I wanted to bring someone's attention to it. (to the one person who reads my blog)
Didn't Stalin nationalize farming methods that enabled his administration to gain control over the food supply? Didn't Stalin use the food to control the people?

Last word...... Legislate religion and enforce gag orders on ministers on what can and can't be said in the pulpit, instituting regulations forcing people to rely soley on the government, control the money and the food. What is that called? It is on the tip of my tongue..........

I haven't read any of the Senate's version of the bill as I have been poring thru the House's version. Here is the link and I hope some of you can take a look and post your observations and insights below. One thing I am pretty sure of is that very few if any Senator's have actually read the legislation and when it comes up for a vote they will more than likely take someone else's word on how they should vote. The other thing I am pretty sure about is that the legislation was probably written by lobbyists and industry experts.

S 425 http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d111:s425:

Things you can do

Contact your members at 202-224-3121 and ask them to oppose HR 875 and S 425. While you are at it ask them if they personally have read the legislation and what their position is? If they have not read the legislation ask them to read it and politely let them know that just because other representitives are not reading the legislation and voting on it does not mean they can do the same.
Get in touch with local farmers and food producers by attending a local farmers market and asking them how business is.
Attend a local WAPF meeting, this is a good start to learning about what is going on in farming and local & state initiatives . The website is http://www.westonaprice.org/localchapters/index.html
Check out the Farmers Legal Defense Fund at http://www.ftcldf.org/index.html
Find out who sits on your states agriculture and farming committee and contact them with your concerns.
Continue to contact your elected officials and let them know your position on legislation and why.
Get active at the local and state levels, this is the quickest way to initiate change.

How To Make Homemade Sauerkraut: Small Batch

2009-03-05T13:08:00.000-08:00

Please click the link below to learn how to make sauerkraut in a glass jar:

Just type in the key words: homemade sauerkraut, and you will find the article!

Food Safety and Bioterrorism

2009-03-04T14:06:00.000-08:00

Another GREAT and Expedient reason to start your own food storage program! Please click the link below...then decide for yourself!

Just type in key words food safety and bioterrorism once you reach the site!

2009 Food Shortages and You: Preparedness Steps For Maximum Readiness

2009-03-04T14:00:00.000-08:00

Please read this article

Do some research for yourself! Don't delay to make provisions for you and your family!

When you reach the above link, just type in 2009 food shortages and preparedness steps to find the article

How to Can Sauerkraut

2009-03-04T13:05:00.001-08:00

If you are not going to use your sauerkraut up right away, or you were brave enough to make a big batch..., you probably will want to can up your "kraut". I tend to can my sauerkraut in pints not quarts, as we do not eat sauerkraut on a regular basis and I find that a pint of sauerkraut is plenty. So, here are the basic steps on canning your sauerkraut:

Fill pint or quart jars with sauerkraut
Add boiling weak brine to sauerkraut if needed to fill jar to 1/2 inch from top. (To make brine, dissolve 1.5 tbs. salt in 1 quart of water)
Wipe jar rims
Adjust lids and bands
Process in boiling bath for approx. 30 minutes for quarts, 25 minutes for pints

If you haven't had a chance, please read my other posts on how to make big and small batches of sauerkraut!
Enjoy that next hot dog roast!

How To Make Your Own Sauerkraut

2009-02-25T09:25:00.000-08:00

Each March I eagerly await the day that fresh cabbage goes on sale. This event usually occurs right around St. Patricks Day. Why so eager...well, it's time to gear up to make some delicious homemade sauerkraut. I have made my own sauerkraut in the fall with my very own cabbage, or cabbage given to me by a neighbor. But, usually in the fall I am too busy with all the other produce I have to deal with. Besides, when I make my sauerkraut in the spring, I'm almost guaranteed the correct "fermentation" temperature required for sauerkraut to mature and taste great. For my family, I usually only make a batch of sauerkraut that calls for 20-25pounds of cabbage...you can make bigger or smaller batches, depending on what your family, friends, or you can or want to deal with.
For a batch of sauerkraut this big, you will need:

- 4-5 gallon food-grade bucket or ceramic crock (I've used both)
- picking salt (don't use regular table salt...I think you can if you are in a pinch)
- a heavy plate that can fit inside the crock or bucket
- potato masher
- food processor with slicing blade/ or sharp knife /or cabbage shredder
- cabbage: when I buy my cabbage, I make a mental note of approx. how much each head weights...this will be important later!

To begin:
- Remove and discard outer leaves from cabbage heads...give to hungry chickens or compost pile!
- Wash, drain, cut in halves or quarters and discard cores. I usually pick 2-3 heads of cabbage to work with at a time that ALL TOGETHER WEIGH APPROXIMATELY 5 LBS.
You just have to do your best guess, or if you have a scale, great! WHY?
- Shred 5 lbs. of cabbage at a time! ( Your cabbage should be no thicker than a dime)
- Put your 5 lbs. of cabbage in bucket/crock and mix 3.5 tbs. of picking salt thoroughly together.
- Pack firmly and evenly with a potato masher until you get a "juice" that starts to cover your cabbage.
- Repeat the above step until you have used up all your cabbage. Don't forget to add the salt!
- Cover with 2-3 layers of a clean, white cloth, tucking edges down inside and against side of bucket/crock.
- Place a clean/scalded heavy plate on top of cloth. Weigh it down with a fruit jar filled with water. Press down so that the "juice" comes over the plate.
- Fermentation should begin the day following the packing. It is best to try to keep the fermentation temperature around 70 degrees.
- Give your "kraut" daily care. Remove film as it forms and wash and scald cloth covers and plate. Remove mold. Yes, there might be mold, but don't worry...just get rid of what forms on top.
- Your "kraut" should be ready in 2-3 weeks, 4 weeks if the temperature was below 70 degrees.

Now, you have some great tasting, healthy, economical sauerkraut...if you have never had your own homemade sauerkraut, you are in for a real treat. Not only is it yummy, it's fun and satisfying to create your own "stuff".
So, have fun, look for the sales this coming month, or better yet, grow your own cabbage this summer and stock up that pantry.
Next time I'll tell you how to can up all that sauerkraut!

Codex Alimentarius: Look Out For December 31, 2009

2009-02-17T10:42:00.001-08:00

There is a saying that goes like this: "He who controls the food, controls the world." If you are unfamiliar with the term "Codex Alimentarius", it is HIGH time that you educate yourself....because it has every thing to do with you and your health. Please watch the following video (and there are many more done by this woman that are EXCELLENT):

One of the beauties of a home food storage program, is that you can remain somewhat in control of your food supply. But, you must do more! You need to educate yourself in homeopathic or alternative medicines! Learn more about the Native Remedies range of homeopathic, herbal remedies.
You must get a good, clean water supply! Check out Big Berkey
or IsoPure Water
Another alternative is to silver to your water....it has been shown to kill pathogens in your water and boost immunity...check out your options at Village Resource Solutions, LLC
And above all, you need to acquire your own food by canning or bulk food storage. Or visit Nitro-Pak.com
where you can look into obtaining a food storage package. Your family will eat more nutritiously and be more satisfied.
You don't have much time...acquire canning supplies, food storage containers, etc., non-hybrid seeds, etc. And, educate yourself as to what you are up against.

Global Food Catastrophe 2009

2009-02-12T10:16:00.000-08:00

One of the main reasons for setting up this blog was to share some of the expertise I have garnered over the years. I began storing my own food around the Y2K scare....yes, I thot something was going to happen. But, I do not regret any decision or action I took back then. I learned more about self-sufficiency, proper food storage, and basically took charge of my life and the welfare of my family. There have been times when "work" outside the home was "scanty". Needless to say, we were all happy to have healthy and hearty meals on the table regardless of our economic condition.
I read an article yesterday, and I would like to share it with you. If this article doesn't convince you to get started on a home food storage program....I'm not sure what will. You will find the article at http://www.marketskeptics.com/2009/02/2009-global-food-catastrophe.html

Start a canning program. Start putting up bulk food. Please use the tips and suggestions on this blog to help you and your family prepare for the days ahead. You don't have a lot of time!
Be prepared for the coming food shortage.

Genetically Modified Foods: Friend of Foe

2009-02-10T13:02:00.000-08:00

Be sure to visit this link http://www.centerforfoodsafety.org/pubs/guide%208_11%20layout.pdf for a list of foods you should avoid due to the fact they contain GMO's. Also discover foods which are free from these harmful chemicals. In addition, please read this informative article :

Take charge of your health!

Climate Change and the Coming Food Shortage

2009-02-08T10:47:00.001-08:00

Please read this article:

Start today by canning, putting up bulk food, buying freeze-dried foods, etc.

Genetically Modified Food! Which Foods Have GMOs and Which Foods Are Safe

2009-02-03T14:20:00.000-08:00

Please visit this very informative website http://www.centerforfoodsafety.org/pubs/guide%208_11%20layout.pdf to discover which foods you should avoid because they contain genetically modified ingredients and also find foods which are still safe to eat.

Preparedness Steps: How to Store Water

2009-02-02T13:22:00.000-08:00

In any emergency situation, you need to take proactive steps to be prepared. Besides having a food supply on hand, it is imperative that you have an adequate supply of water for your family. In order properly store water, please follow these timely tips:

To store water, containers are needed. Ideally they should be opaque so they can block light and be small enough to carry. Each gallon of water weighs approximately pounds. A five gallon jug translates into approximately 40 pounds. You should plan accordingly.

55 Gallon drums:Drums holding approximately 55 gallons can be purchased reasonably from an area beverage dealer like Pepsi or Coke. Even though they are primarily white, a coat of dark paint can be applied to the container. Restaurants also are a good place to look for these 55 gallon drums. They may have contained anything from soy sauce to jalapenos. A food grade drum suitable for storing water will be stamped with the "2" symbol on the bottom of the container. Further, Water Barrels and Storage or a 55 Gallon Water Barrel packagecan be purchased from companies that specialize in preparedness products.
While a 55 gallon container is too large to be moved easily, it's good insurance against water shortages.

Four and Five Gallon Containers can also be obtained from the local beverage dealer. These 5 gallon containers are dark blue with screw type tops and built-in handles. Soft drink companies recycle these containers for their own use, so phone first for availability.

Soft Drink BottlesAdditionally, save 2-liter soft drink bottles. They are ideal for water storage. Even though they are clear and water purity will deteriorate more quickly, their small size will make changing water easy. But of course, many 2-3 litre bottles are not clear, but colored, making them even more ideal for water storage. These bottles are easy to store because of their size and are excellent to tuck in cars and backpacks.

Other Sources of water containersCheck other area restaurants for possible containers, such as ice-cream outlets, deli's, bakeries, etc. Often they will have containers which will be suitable for storing water.

Removing Smells from Your ContainersIf you want to use food storage containers that still have a residual scent like pickles, the best way to clean them is wash thoroughly with soapy water and a little bleach. Let them sit with the lid off for a week, preferably where the direct sunlight can heat them. Wash again, wipe dry and allow to set in the sun upside down to drain any excess water.

Remember to store your water in a dark area and check your water for taste every 6 months. Water stored under these conditions need not be replaced for several years. If your storage container is light permeable, plan to change the contents every 6 months.
It is important to obtain your containers today and get those containers full of water. Do not wait for a disaster to strike...whether it be a severe winter storm where pipes, etc. can freeze, or it be the power going out....prepare today so you'll be ready tomorrow!

Disaster Preparation: Are You Ready?

2009-01-30T10:46:00.000-08:00

If you can answer the questions below,you will have a plan of action if emergency strikes today.

1. If an emergency prevents you from leaving your house, and you do not have food, running water, electricity, or heat do you have what you need to survive? Describe your plan.

2. If an emergency requires that you leave your house, but there are no shelters, no hotels, no gas stations, and no restaurants available, are you ready to grab a emergency preparedness kit with everything you need and go? Describe your plan.

Did you know that the average American home has less than 3 days worth of food on hand? Most people do not think a disaster will ever strike them. Are you ready? Can you answer some of the following questions?

1. Do you have actual emergency preparedness kits ready to go at a moments notice for each member of the family, including the pets? If not, where can you obtain the items needed? Perhaps you need an 72-hour Survival Kits for your family, or Pet Safety Kit- Cat or Pet Safety Kit- Dog.

2. Do you have a safe source of light in the event of a power failure?
You need to have a flashlite, batteries, or another source of Emergency Lighting.

3. Do you enough water stored for each person and pet in your family for at least 72 hours?
Perhaps you need to invest in Water Barrels and Storage containers.

4. Do you have a first aid kit and have you been trained in first aid and CPR?
Perhaps you need to purchase a Deluxe Compact Safety Kit + Mask.

5. How will you communicate and get news if phone lines are not working?
Perhaps you need a form of Emergency Communication

6. What will you use for shelter if you have to leave your home?
7. What will you do if you cannot flush your toilet?
8. How will you cook food if your stove does not work?
9. What will you do if all businesses are closed and all roads are closed to civilian traffic?
10. How will your answers to the above be effected if it is winter or if there is severe weather?

So, how did you come out? For Emergency Preparedness items that can fulfill your needs, please do visit the various folks we have advertised on this page. It could save your life.

Silica Gel and More Dry Ice Ideas for Bulk Food Storage

2009-01-30T09:50:00.000-08:00

Greetings to All You People Getting Prepared! Wow! What a wild winter across our nation. As I type, several folks are out of power and it is COLD. There are volcanos in Alaska, and several tremors across the land....power outages, etc. Are you getting prepared? Also, with the economic outlook, it is PRUDENT to get extra food on hand to help through difficult times. I hope you are purchasing bulk food and I hope these tips will help you in feeling like you are secure in the fact the food will keep! So, please look at these next couple of tips, and good luck!

How do you prepare your own bulk grain?
A: One simple method is to spread the grain out on cookie sheets and dry in a very low oven (150 degrees) for about 30 minutes. You don't want to cook the grain, just dry it out and kill any insect eggs that might be present.
After the grain has cooled, place 1/4 of a sheet of dry ice (1/4 pound) in the bottom of a food grade, sealable plastic 5 gallon container and fill 3/4 full with grain.

Set a packet of Silica-Gel desiccant (to absorb moisture) on top of the grain and set the lid in place, but do not seal it.

Some people like to place a couple of dried Bay Leaves in the container at this time also.

In about 2 hours you can usually seal the container.
Wal-Mart is one place to find inexpensive silica-Gel. Look in the flower section, because people use it to dry flowers. Silica-gel is not edible, so don't let it mix with the food. I have found that coffee filters work well to make containers for the Silica-gel. One coffee filter with as much silica-gel as it will hold and still tie off, is about right for a 5 gallon container of food. The container for the silica-gel must not be plastic, because it needs to be able to absorb moisture to work. If the Silica Gel has already absorbed moisture, it can be dried in a low oven, as mentioned above and will then be reusable. Your 5 gallon food container would now have had most of the Oxygen removed, and should stay dry. Also, any insect eggs should have been (hopefully) killed. Once the container is sealed, the food should keep safely for up to 5 years.

Mold/Mildew in Bulk Foods?

2009-01-16T09:36:00.000-08:00

MOLDS: Molds can be toxic and poisonous, and cannot be rinsed away once they have taken hold in foods. If grains sprout spontaneously or smell moldy, they have been damp enough to grow molds and should be discarded. Damp rye grains are particularly dangerous.

The ONLY way to prevent molding is to make sure the product is thoroughly dried when you store it and stays dry (humidity less than 12%). By adding diatomaceous earth (see other articles on this blog on that subject!) to your grains, cereals and nuts, you can help keep your food dry and prevent mold from happening.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of....dry and mold free grain! Take good care to package your food stuffs properly!

7 Essential Tips For Storing Bulk Food

2009-01-16T09:31:00.000-08:00

Bulk Food Storage: More Tips

2009-01-13T13:10:00.000-08:00

If storing grains and cereals in large containers:

Get air tight containers. Plastic containers encourage more condensation.

Use dry ice treatment: This removes oxygen the critters need to live. Using heavy gloves, place several ounces of dry ice in the bottom of the container, slowly pour the grain on top of the grain. Let stand covered, BUT NOT SEALED without disturbing for 12 hours. The air in the can is driven out by the CO2 gas which fills the container from the bottom. After 12 hours, seal the container, but check every 12 hours for any signs of pressure. If the CO2 continues to dissolve, it can push the top off or blow out the sides! Vent any excess pressure, then reseal the container.

Some more advice on diatomaceous earth (DE): Edible diatomaceous earth is a natural combination of silica and trace minerals which has not been heat treated and is available from survivalists via the internet. It acts by drying out insects and eggs so they die. It is not poisonous, or can be washed off whole grains. To use DE, mix 1 ounce (2 teaspoons) mixed into a five pound jar of grains. Mix 1 pound (just under 3/4 cup) in each 100 pounds of grains.

Tips for Storing Grains, Nuts, and Cereals

2009-01-11T14:35:00.001-08:00

Modern storage methods help reduce the chances of bugs and molds, but world-wide 1 pound of grain in every 4 is still lost to rodents, insects and molds.

In order to slow down the beasts:

Store only clean, uncontaminated grains
Store grains in a COOL & DRY environment
Store grains in a cool, dry place.
Store all containers off the floor.
Date the containers and use the oldest items first.
Do NOT mix old flours or grain with new.
Put bay leaves in flour canisters, change every 1-2 months.
Remove any container with buggy contents from the storage area.
If you find some infestation, bake the contents at 150 degrees for at least 30 minutes, then sift and store in a clean jar and use promptly. (Do NOT return this material to the storage area. After emptying the container, wash thoroughly, scald with boiling water, and air dry before reusing)

To kill any eggs:
Freeze new, unopened package for 48 hours before opening.
Bake at 150 degrees for 30 minutes (this grain will NOT sprout later).

Using these tips do not guarantee that you will be "bug" free. However, taking these precautions should greatly improve the chances of your storage foods lasting a good, long time.

Prepare for Disasters TODAY

2009-01-08T11:47:00.000-08:00

We are all concerned with the possibility of further disaster emergencies arising in the wake of recent hurricanes, tsunamis, acts of terrorism, and floods, and earthquakes. The winter of 2008/2009 appears to be a severe one...and one that has just started! Though some people feel it is impossible to be prepared for unexpected events, the truth is that taking preparedness actions helps people deal with disasters of all sorts much more effectively when they do occur.
The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) says "To survive a natural or man-made disaster we must have the tools and plans in place to make it on our own, at least for a period of time, no matter where we are when the disaster strikes. Just like having a working smoke detector in the case of a fire, preparing for the unexpected makes sense."
When preparing for a possible emergency situation, it's best to think first about the basics of survival: fresh water, food, clean air and warmth.
Hurricanes are among the most dramatic, damaging and potentially deadly weather events. The force of hurricane winds alone can cause tremendous devastation, toppling trees and power lines, closing roads; they cause flooding and severe damage to buildings. Hurricane Katrina hit the southern coast of the United States with devastating effect. The storm surge breached the city's levees at multiple points, leaving 80 percent of the city submerged, tens of thousands of victims clinging to rooftops, and hundreds of thousands scattered to shelters around the country. This past hurricane season left the Gulf Coast in tatters, and many northern states were affected by the power of these storms.
Winter storms can bring heavy snowfall and extreme cold that can immobilize an entire region. Even areas that normally experience mild winters can be hit with a major snowstorm or extreme cold. Winter storms can result in flooding, storm surge, closed highways, blocked roads, downed power lines and hypothermia.
Earthquakes strike suddenly, violently, and without warning at any time of the day or night. If an earthquake occurs in a populated area, it may cause many deaths and injuries and extensive property damage.
Floods are one of the most common hazards in the United States. Flood effects can be local, impacting a neighbourhood or community, or if very large, can affect entire river basins and multiple states.
The most disturbing news that the latest surveys have given us is that fewer than 50% of households located in earthquake zones have disaster supply kits at hand. Even after the graphic videos provided by the news media, half of our population makes no effort to prepare! Remember, you will likely be on your own in the hours and days following an earthquake, flood, and severe storm or any major emergency.
It is imperative that you take action NOW, to protect your family. To prepare your family. To survive! There are several disasters which can and may strike you. Make the proper preparations now. Your life may depend on it.
Please note the various vendors, etc. on this page which can help you prepare for any disaster.

Diatomaceous Earth.....What is that?!!

2009-01-08T10:52:00.000-08:00

In storing your grains and cereals, you want to make sure you keep out little critters, bugs, insects, etc. Not only is it disgusting to find these little beasts munching on your food, it makes that food, in some cases, uneatable. That is where "food grade" (there's that word again!) diatomaceous earth comes into play. Food grade diatomaceous earth is not DIRT! It is actually broken up shells of tiny creatures called diatoms. These "dead" diatoms, with their sharp remains, have a neat little way of killing insects that might be ingesting your grain, and since you've added diatomaceous earth, are ingesting that, too! You can find suppliers of food grade diatomaceous earth on the inter net. Oh yea, it is 100% safe for the environment and non-poisonous to humans. You've probably ingested it if you've eaten commercial grains...since "they" know what to do to keep critters out of their grains, so do you!

I usually add a small handful of the powdery stuff throughout the process of filling up my buckets with beans, grains, cereals. I have YET to be disappointed with the results.

Any QUESTIONS? I'd be happy to answer

Food Grade Storage Containers: What are they Anyway?

2009-01-08T10:48:00.000-08:00

When you go to store your bulk foods, it is recommended that you store your food in "food grade" containers. Well, what does that mean? Can't I use just any ole plastic bucket? No, not really. To keep yucky chemicals, smells, etc. from leaching into your store, you should use food grade buckets. Here is a quick synopsis of what that means:

What Is Food Grade Plastic?
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) requires that plastics used in food packaging be of greater purity than plastics used for non-food packaging. This is commonly referred to as food grade plastic. Plastics used to package pharmaceuticals are held to an even higher standard than food grade.
Food grade plastic does not contain dyes or recycled plastic deemed harmful to humans. However, this does not mean that food grade plastic cannot contain recycled plastic. The FDA has detailed regulations concerning recycled plastics in food packaging.
Another aspect of food grade plastic is matching the appropriate type of plastic to the food in question. Foods that are highly acidic or that contain alcohol or fats can leach plastic additives from the packaging or container into the food. As a result, you should only use plastic containers that are FDA approved for the particular type of food the plastic will come into contact with.
Finally, it should be noted that a plastic container can no longer be considered food grade if it has been used to store non-food items like chemicals, paint, or detergent.

If you are considering the purchase of a container from some place other than a kitchen or restaurant supply store, and the container is not clearly labeled as "food safe" or being made of food grade plastic, then you should assume that it is not food grade and you should not brine or store food in it—unless you line it with a food grade plastic bag.

Canning: 3 reasons you cannot afford not to!

2009-01-01T16:01:00.000-08:00

Huge Year for Natural Disaters

2008-12-30T10:01:00.000-08:00

'Huge Year for Natural Disasters' Climate change has already started and is very probably contributing to increasingly frequent weather extremes and ensuing natural catastrophes. —Torsten Jeworrek of Munich Re
December 29, 2008 BBC The past year has been one of the most devastating ever in terms of natural disasters, one of the world's biggest re-insurance companies has said. The Sichuan quake was one of several disasters to strike Asia in 2008. Munich Re said the impact of the disasters was greater than in 2007 in both human and economic terms. The company suggested climate change was boosting the destructive power of disasters like hurricanes and flooding. It has called for stricter curbs on emissions to prevent further uncontrollable weather scenarios. Although there were fewer "loss-producing events" in 2008 than in the previous year, the impact of natural disasters was higher, said Munich Re in its annual assessment. More than 220,000 people died in events like cyclones, earthquakes and flooding, the most since 2004, the year of the Asian tsunami. Meanwhile, overall global losses totalled about $200bn (£137bn), with uninsured losses totalling $45bn, about 50% more than in 2007. Climate change has already started and is very probably contributing to increasingly frequent weather extremes and ensuing natural catastrophes. Torsten Jeworrek, Munich ReThis makes 2008 the third most expensive year on record, after 1995, when the Kobe earthquake struck Japan, and 2005, the year of Hurricane Katrina in the US. Torsten Jeworrek of Munich Re said the pattern continued a long-term trend already observed. "Climate change has already started and is very probably contributing to increasingly frequent weather extremes and ensuing natural catastrophes," he said. UNINSURED Asia was the continent worst hit by natural disasters in 2008, Munich Re reported. The year saw five major hurricanes in the North Atlantic. Cyclone Nargis in Burma killed an estimated 130,000 people and devastated much of the low-lying Irrawaddy Delta region, while the earthquake which struck China's Sichuan province in May left an estimated 70,000 dead and millions homeless. Munich Re said the losses of $85bn made Sichuan the second most expensive earthquake after Kobe. Although Nargis and the Sichuan quake brought the biggest cost in terms of human lives, the economic losses were mostly uninsured. The most expensive single event in 2008 was Hurricane Ike, which brought $30bn in losses. It was one of five major hurricanes in the North Atlantic over the year, which saw a total of 16 tropical storms.In addition, roughly 1,700 tornadoes across the US caused several billion dollars of damage, as did periods of low pressure weather activity in Europe. Munich Re quoted World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) figures showing that 2008 was the 10th warmest year since reliable records began, meaning that the 10 warmest years on record all occurred in the past 12 years. "It is now very probable that the progressive warming of the atmosphere is due to the greenhouse gases emitted by human activity," said Prof Peter Hoppe, head of Munich Re's Geo Risks Research. "The logic is clear: when temperatures increase there is more evaporation and the atmosphere has a greater capacity to absorb water vapour, with the result that its energy content is higher. "The weather machine runs into top gear, bringing more intense severe weather events with corresponding effects in terms of losses."

Emergency Food Reserves: Finding Food Storage Containers

2008-12-28T12:46:00.000-08:00

Congratulations! That is if you have started on the road to self-sufficiency and are putting up food for your family! If you've gone to all the trouble to acquire bulk foods, now you need to get those foods in a safe container: away from air, dampness, and "critters". Here are some great places to start your search for either some used or new storage containers.

1. Look in the classified ads in your local newspaper. Since Y2K, there are those who still specialize in selling 5 gallon buckets or 55 gallon plastic drums. Often these are used, but are easily cleaned! And, you will save a lot of money.

2. Visit or call restaurants. A deli or small hamburger stand are the best. Restaurateurs buy every thing from pickles to mayonnaise in bulk, and they often come in 5 gallon, food grade buckets. These establishments will often sell ( or perhaps give) these buckets to you.

3. Go to your local recycling center. I have found used 55 gallon barrels....they had had jalapenos in them! You may also find jars for canning or buckets....it's worth a look!

4. Look in the yellow pages for wholesale and retail bakers, candy and confectionary manufactures. These are prime places to perhaps pick up some new and possibly some used containers.

5. Go to your local building supply stores. They often have buckets and some times barrels!

6. Check in to a feed store....they often have barrels that can be used for food storage.

7. Finally, there are many companies that specialize in new storage containers. They are easy to find on the internet.

Take good care of your investment by getting your bulk food out of bags where bugs, mice, air, light, and dampness can spoil your best efforts.

Start Canning NOW! Tips to getting on the road to self-sufficiency

2008-12-24T14:19:00.000-08:00

It's winter time, and the last thing on most people's mind is the garden and putting up food! However, this is a great time to start preparing for the canning season! The "early bird gets the worm!"
Here are a few simple suggestions to get you thinking and STARTED with canning!

1. STOP throwing out or recycling those mayonnaise jars and pickle jars--they are GREAT for canning, especially for fruits and juices!

2. SHOP at your local thriftstore and look for jars, canners, or other canning accessories. Do not wait until the canning season. If you do....they won't be there!

3. If you do find some jars at the 2nd-hand store, carefully examine the jars for cracks and chips. Run your finger over the mouth of the jar to ensure it is smooth and free from imperfections.

4. DO go to estate and garage sales and inquire about canning supplies--often you will hit the "mother-lode" and save BIG TIME on jars, etc.

5. Put out the word at your workplace, church, neighborhood, that you are wanting canning jars, etc. You will be surprised at the response! People have basements, garages, and attics filled with empty jars waiting to be filled by YOU! (and often they are FREE!!!!!)

6. Each time you go to the store, pick up 1-2 packages of canning lids. Lids can be expensive; the cheapest source I have found is at Wal-mart. To accumulate a good supply over a period of time helps in the overall cost. When the canning season is upon you, you can spend your money on the produce instead, and have the peace of mind that you have plenty of lids on hand.

7. Be Ready to look for canning equipment sales towards the beginning of summer! Also, be aware that many stores start closing out canning supplies in late August/early September...a great time to stock up for the following year!

It may not seem the time to be thinking about canning, but there's no better time than now to prepare! So, good luck and HAVE FUN!!! You're way ahead of the game!