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"Working together we harvest solar energy with grass grown on healthy soil to sustainably produce delightful food that nourishes people and strengthens our community."

Mafia USDA Goes After Small Farm to Protect their Big MEAT Clients

Posted by Mark Grieshpo on 2/25/2024 to A Word from Mark

During my flying years I had the opportunity to meet, work / fly with people from around the world. (Next year, 2025) – 10 years out of the flying gig is when I plan to share some of the cool experiences from the 16 year airline pilot career you may be interested in hearing. One experience, which I think of often, has some immediacy in timing to what is going on presently concerning "mafia" style government actions toward a smaller REAL food farm / distributor. 

Sometime around 2008-2010  I had the opportunity to fly with Igor. Igor, if you couldn’t tell already, is Russian. In fact, he was a former Mig fighter pilot in the Russian Air Force. Igor, was a typical Russian chauvinist man (demeaning statements about women, bragged how he could get (laid) with (any) women) with the cockiness of a fighter pilot, intelligent, brash, full of bullshit in one hand and unabashedly honest and direct in the other, to give you a picture of who I was working with this particular trip. (We had flown together several times prior).

Two stories that stick out in my mind from flying with Igor. The first is when I told Igor about how I was in the raw milk business, raw milk being illegal to sell in (most) of the USA. Igor exclaimed “you mean to tell me that in the United States of America – THE “leader of the free world” it is illegal to sell raw milk?! Heck, it is legal to sell raw milk in Russia! My grandma used to buy it from a local farmer.” I don’t know for sure if raw milk technically is or isn’t legal to sell in Russia, but a farmer in Russia is not going to have their farm raided for selling raw milk to locals, that is for darn sure, according to Igor. He said this more or less tongue in cheek, knowing that the USA is not the bastion of freedom it portends to be on the world stage / in the news.

A couple months later I'm crewed with Igor once again. Up at cruise altitude we got to talking as we usually did, this time about the (Russian) mafia. Being curious about it, I asked Igor, “so what is the mafia in Russia?” Igor wasted no time eagerly explaining to me what it is, how it works. The best I can recall he explained the mafia is a (thug) outfit an entity (business) pays for protection (mostly from competition). Usually that meant physical, deadly threats, and sometimes financial threats levied toward competitors – that helped alleviate said entity (a grocery store, a bar, car dealership, etc.) from competition in their vicinity. (He mentioned also that in Russian owned clubs / bars in USA there will usually always be a mafia guy in there, and it isn’t terribly difficult to pick out who they are. I’ve been in such venues and do recall seeing these fellers.)

What’s interesting is what Igor went on to say. Igor stated, “though Russia has the mafia don’t think that you don’t have same sort of mafia shenanigans going on in the USA. It is your EPA, FDA, CDC acting as the mafia - protecting the interests of big business. He failed to mention the USDA, but I can safely assume they are also part of the mafia protecting “Big Ag”. Igor further stated “the difference between Russians and Americans is, Russians KNOW the mafia exists and their government is corrupt while Americans are ignorant of how corrupt their government is.” Keep in mind, he said this 10-15 years ago. I believe most Americans today have at least some awareness that things with our government are not on the “up and up” as many once believed it to be. And if you, reading this, do genuinely believe the USA government can be trusted to be working in the best interest of the citizens of the United States, please explain to me how you believe this – tell me about our sources of information, what you read, listen to – I am genuinely curious and interested in knowing how any person alive and supposedly thinking coherently in today’s America can place blind faith in the government of the United States. Please fill me in on what I may be missing / unaware of. 

The following story about the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) going after the Amos Miller farm cooperative (Bird In Hand, Pennsylvania) is a great example of the political mafia protecting Big Ag interests.

YouTube video:

AMISH FARMER RAIDED (again) 2024 | Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture v Amos Miller Organic Farm

While I’m not terribly intimate with all the details and particulars of the Miller Organic Farm situation (I encourage you to do your own homework), what I am gathering is Amos Miller does his own meat processing. USDA regulations mandate spraying carcasses with some kind of chemical (citric acid / lactoferrin) to prohibit bacterial growth while in the cooler. Amos Miller has his reasons why he doesn’t think that requirement is necessary and/or a good idea, for processing / providing his customers a safe product. (don’t ask me, I don’t know). Here’s the thing, no one is forcing anyone to purchase meat from Millers Organic Farm. If people place their trust in the USDA’s practices / standards, that is their prerogative. Furthermore, people were opting into a private membership cooperative (not unlike a golf club membership that many of these Government mafia, and BIG Ag executive types belong to). Members of this Private Food Cooperative know the “rules” that meat they purchase through this cooperative does not conform to USDA oversight and regulations – particularly those that involve spraying meat with chemicals.

A couple additional takeaways from the video. Dual system of justice. Do you believe if Tyson, Cargil, JBS, or National Beef had a similar (portended) infraction that they would be shut down? Inventory seized? Or even not be allowed to conduct their own independent testing?

One of the assumptions that regulators use to justify themselves and their actions is food from unregulated sources is deemed automatically dangerous, failing to recognize the cognitive dissonance of the many food recalls from regulated operations and the relatively infrequent issues involving unregulated sources.

As a taxpayer, given all the pressing issues afflicting our nation – one of the most notable being the vulnerability of the power grid to EMP, solar flare, cyber warfare., do you believe it is wise for USDA to spending precious financial resources going after an Amish Farmer whose food has gotten no one sick – and even if it did, the market place would take care of business by doing business elsewhere if his products were to have  actually sickened people? Meanwhile many families, paying taxes, after being sickened through our food system (sources, lifestyle – getting away from gardens and fresh food), have to choose between buying Type 1 diabetes medication, and putting food on the table for their kids – and the USDA is worried about an Amish farmer? The gall of the USDA mafia! The USDA mafia is funded and enabled to get away with this un-American treachery so long as WE THE PEOPLE continue to enable the present day corrupt government of the United States to work against the ideals of that our country was founded upon. United WE Stand. United WE fall.

Let me know what you think!

 

Fall on the Farm

Posted by Mark Grieshop on 11/4/2014 to A Word from Mark
Farmer Mark Grieshop elaborates on the nuances of grass-based raw milk dairying in the fall.

Celebrating 5 years!

Posted by Mark Grieshop on 9/9/2014 to A Word from Mark
Mark Grieshop looks back at Pasture's Delights 5-year history, looks forward to a promising future, and gives thanks to everyone who contributed to the farm's success.

How Big Government enriches Big Business at the expense of our health (Part 3)

Posted by Mark Grieshop on 8/5/2014 to A Word from Mark
In this, part 3 of a multi-part series on Food Choice started in January, Mark paraphrases from a talk given by Joel Salatin, a self-proclaimed “lunatic” farmer who can also best be described as the voice and face of the ecological agricultural movement. This segment focuses on Food Policy.

Julien's Chocolate Banana Milk Shake

Posted by Troy Fisher on 5/1/2014 to Recipes
As the weather warms up, try this recipe for a deliciously cold sweet treat, courtesy of herd owner Shelli Yason's son Julien. According to Julien, this is his favorite use for their "Happy Cow" milk from Pasture's Delights.

A1/A2 Milk: What's the deal with that?

Posted by Troy Fisher on 5/1/2014 to REAL Food Science
If you've done research on raw milk, you may have come across references to A1 vs. A2 milk. At Pasture's Delights, we recently tested our cows to find out our herd's A1/A2 beta-casein composition. Before we get into that, let us explain a little about what this means.

How Big Government enriches Big Business at the expense of our health (Part 2)

Posted by Mark Grieshop on 5/1/2014 to A Word from Mark
In this, Part 2 of a multi-part series started in January, Mark paraphrases from a talk given by Joel Salatin, the voice and face of the ecological agricultural movement, as he explains how our Big Government is enriching Big Business at the expense of our health.

Increasing the Minimum Wage

Posted by Mark Grieshop on 3/6/2014 to A Word from Mark
In this letter, Mark discusses the proposed minimum wage increase and how this change would effect you, Pasture's Delights, and everyone else.

How to Make Cottage Cheese

Posted by Troy Fisher on 3/6/2014 to Recipes
In days gone by, cottage cheese was made from raw milk, which was poured into a pot and set in the cool corner of the cook stove to stay warm over several days until the bacteria in the unpasteurized milk increased the lactic acid levels enough to form the soft curds that are the base for cottage cheese. In this recipe, we use a mesophilic starter to better control the milk's culturing, but the principle is the same.

Big Government, Big Business, and YOUR Health

Posted by Mark Grieshop on 1/10/2014 to A Word from Mark
Happy New Year! In this first letter of 2014 (Part 1 of a multi-part series), Mark paraphrases from a talk given by Joel Salatin, a self-proclaimed “lunatic” farmer can also best be described as the voice and face of the ecological agricultural movement.

Milk Shortage: One Mother's Story

Posted by Carrie Fisher on 1/10/2014 to Raw Milk Stories
Pasture's Delights REAL food enthusiast Carrie Fisher talks about her first month feeding her daughter Marin. After grappling with milk supply issues, she must decide what kind of formula supplement to use. She shares her experiences and research as she made this choice. Article includes Raw Milk Baby Formula instructions.

A Time to Give Thanks

Posted by Mark Grieshop on 11/24/2013 to A Word from Mark
Pasture's Delights Mark Greishop looks back at 2013, comments on trials overcome, and gives thanks to all who supported the farm and guided us through.

Traditional Holiday Eggnog

Posted by Troy Fisher on 11/24/2013 to Recipes
Toast to prosperity and good health for 2014 with this traditional English holiday drink. Eggnog is the perfect mix of raw milk, eggs, and honey with a dash of spices—and liquor too if that suits your fancy. For a new twist on the old classic: put it in the ice cream maker for a delicious frozen treat!

Healing Nature's Way: the Cooks' Story

Posted by Carrie Fisher on 5/7/2013 to Raw Milk Stories
Jeannette and Katia Cook's experience with illness and conventional medicine lead them on the path to raw milk and Pasture's Delights. When Jeannette first found Pasture's Delights in the fall of 2009, she was working as an LPN (licensed practical nurse). "I had seen too many well people get sick, and I was looking for safe, natural health remedy alternatives…"

Founding Fathers Were Farmers and Gardeners First

Posted by Mark Grieshop on 4/29/2013 to A Word from Mark
Washington, Adams, Jefferson – comfortable with either a hoe or pen in their hands or seeds or parchment paper in their pockets, possessed an enthusiastic appreciation for the land and growing food. George Washington was not only a Founding Father of this great nation, he was the father of, or least a leading proponent of management-intensive, grass-based agriculture! ……let’s hear a drum roll for all grass farmers!

Quick and Easy Goat Milk Ricotta

Posted by Troy Fisher on 3/29/2013 to Recipes
With this super quick and easy recipe, you'll have ricotta cheese to use in your pasta dishes, desserts, and appetizers in no time. I like to use it in a gluten-free lasagna that substitutes spaghetti squash for the pasta noodle layers. While this ricotta recipe is heated, it is also possible to make a cultured raw ricotta with a little more effort. Works with cow's milk too!

Hoosiers, protect our right to choose our food!

Posted by Carrie Fisher on 3/1/2013 to Farm Announcements
Some want to ban all access to raw milk in Indiana, though tens of thousands in our state drink it. No matter your opinion on raw milk, tell the government you support the right of all Hoosiers to choose what they eat. Sign the petition today!

Let freedom ring loud and clear!

Posted by Mark Grieshop on 2/22/2013 to A Word from Mark
Indiana is currently considering several bills that will either legalize or further restrict access to raw milk in Indiana. If we are going to get legislation that is ultimately beneficial to raw milk consumers we will have to make our voices heard LOUD and CLEAR. Here I go over some thoughts on what I'd like to see from our legislators.

Beware of Vicious (Downward) Spirals

Posted by Mark Grieshop on 1/17/2013 to A Word from Mark
This time of year seems to be fraught with lack: lack of sun, lack of warmth, lack of fresh food, lack of energy. It is easy to get into a cycle of crutches that aren't always healthy under these conditions just to get us through. But dependency on quick fixes whether its caffeine, unemployment insurance, crop insurance, or regulation can have wide-ranging consequences!

How to make Kefir: a powerful probiotic beverage

Posted by Troy Fisher on 1/17/2013 to Recipes
In this video, learn how to make kefir, one of nature's most powerful probiotic sources. This delightfully tangy fermented beverage is packed with dozens of strains of beneficial bacteria just ready to help maintain a healthy gut. Don't bother with store-bought versions—it's super easy to make your own at home. All you need is some live kefir grains, milk (raw of course), and an adventurous spirit.

How to make REAL (raw) BUTTER

Posted by Troy Fisher on 11/6/2012 to Recipes
Once people start drinking the REAL (raw) MILK, one of the most common questions we get is: "how can I make butter?" The process is really quite simple. A blender, food processor, Kitchen Aid® stand mixer, or even a glass jar and some muscle power will do. Make butter from the herd's extra cream in the spring and fall and freeze it for use all summer and winter.

Your life. Your vote. Your choice.

Posted by Mark Grieshop on 10/5/2012 to A Word from Mark
Everything is a choice. This is life’s greatest truth and its hardest lesson. It is a great truth because it reminds us of our power. It is a hard lesson, because it causes us to realize that we have chosen the life we are living right now. Election Day is November 6. You are empowered to vote—or not—as you choose. Do your homework on the candidates and stand on principle. United WE stand for Freedom: One for all, All for one.

How to make Soup Stock from Chicken Feet

Posted by Troy Fisher on 10/4/2012 to Recipes
Learn how to make delicious gelatinous chicken stock using chicken feet with Pasture's Delights' REAL food enthusiast Troy Fisher.

For the love of food: the Merritts' story

Posted by Carrie Carpenter-Fisher on 10/4/2012 to Raw Milk Stories
Meet Pasture's Delights herd owners Matt and Ann Merritt who are starting Atom Acres, their own urban farm and greenhouse set to bring year-round vegetable production to the developing area of southwest Fort Wayne.

Sustainably Farming Through a Drought

Posted by Mark Grieshop on 8/23/2012 to A Word from Mark
Description

 Mafia USDA Goes After Small Farm to Protect their Big MEAT Clients
 Fall on the Farm
 Celebrating 5 years!
 How Big Government enriches Big Business at the expense of our health (Part 3)
 How Big Government enriches Big Business at the expense of our health (Part 2)
 A1/A2 Milk: What's the deal with that?
 Julien's Chocolate Banana Milk Shake
 How to Make Cottage Cheese
 Increasing the Minimum Wage
 Milk Shortage: One Mother's Story

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