Capital Press · Storify

USDA criticized for 'Meatless Mondays' post

Capital Press — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 20:14:15 GMT

An online flap erupted on Wednesday, July 25, 2012, over an online post of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Newsletter, called "Greening Update", that included information that encouraged USDA employees to participate in "Meatless Mondays" in the cafeteria. Here is some of the reaction.

Storified by Capital Press · Fri, Jul 27 2012 13:14:15

The Capital Press story about the flap.

USDA pulls 'Meatless Monday' post after ag groups protest | capitalpress.com

By KELSEY THALHOFER Capital Press A USDA newsletter generated swift condemnation from ag groups today because it encouraged employees to ...

Other media coverage of the controversy.

Retracting a Plug for Meatless Mondays

But by Tuesday afternoon, amid outraged Twitter messages by livestock producers and at least one member of Congress, the agency's “Gr...

USDA: Meatless Monday posting was a mistake

USDA spokeswoman Cortney Rowe says the department does not endorse the "Meatless Monday" initiative, which is part of a global ...

Seattlemet

Capital Press reporting intern @KelseyThalhofer talks about a couple of stories she has covered this week, including the USDA Meatless Monday controversy in @WillKoenig's Capital Press podcast.

Courting vegan controversy - Podcast for July 27, 2012 by Will Koenig

In this podcast, editors and reporters talk about a pair of vegan brouhahas, consolidation in the burgeoning biopesticide industry, and a...

What is Meatless Monday? According to the website meatlessmonday.com, "Meatless Monday is a non-profit initiative of The Monday Campaigns, in association with the Johns Hopkins’ Bloomberg School of Public Health. We provide the information and recipes you need to start each week with healthy, environmentally friendly meat-free alternatives. Our goal is to help you reduce your meat consumption by 15% in order to improve your personal health and the health of the planet."

Meatless Monday | one day a week, cut out meat

Chef Diane Kochilas of Greek Food TV creates Mediterranean recipe videos for MM. Wellness expert & celebrity trainer Kathy Kaehler offers...

Livestock organizations and farm groups disagree with initiative's premise. They say it's part of a healthy diet and is not harmful to the environment.

With friends like this, who needs enemies. USDA is promoting meatless Mondays and vegetarian diets. According to them, beef production harms the environment, wastes resources and is unhealthy. I called all three of my elected officials in DC to let them know about this. What are you going to do? http://greening.usda.gov/docs/HQGreeningUpdatesJuly2012.pdf
— Advocates for Agriculture · Wed, Jul 25 2012 12:00:53

@USDA Thought you guys supported American ag?! Now u mock the very ppl who feed u by supporting meatless Monday?! Appalling & disgusting.
— Cody Swainston · Wed, Jul 25 2012 12:20:32

Farmers & Ranchers, please let @USDA how disgusted you are with their support of meatless Monday! Contact your gov officials too! #agchat
— Cody Swainston · Wed, Jul 25 2012 12:27:02

NCBA angry at USDA over inner-office newsletter touting Meatless Mondays at agency. NCBA "will not remain silent" over issue.
— Chris Clayton · Wed, Jul 25 2012 12:30:21

USDA is promoting Meatless Mondays and vegetarianism. See what they say about the beef industry! http://fb.me/24A3NvLIY
— John Rose · Wed, Jul 25 2012 12:35:40

Should the @usda be taking a political stance on Meatless Mondays, thoughts? http://ow.ly/cuKYy #agchat
— Mike Haley · Wed, Jul 25 2012 12:44:28

@farmerhaley @usda They should not promote Meatless Mondays. Land used for pasture is usually not suitable for row crops. Less profit anyway
— Bruce Schindler · Wed, Jul 25 2012 12:48:58

USDA HQ meatless Mondays!!! At the Dept. Of Agriculture? Heresy! I'm not grazing there. I will have double rib-eye Mondays instead.
— Steve King · Wed, Jul 25 2012 12:56:45

USDA recent announcement that embraces the “Meatless Monday” concept calls into question USDA’s commitment to U.S. #beef farmers & ranchers.
— Doug Bear · Wed, Jul 25 2012 12:28:57

Agchat talks about media coverage of agriculture

Capital Press — Wed, 09 May 2012 04:25:27 GMT

The #agchat for Tuesday, May 8, 2012. Participants in the conversation were talking about the different types of media they rely on for making business decisions as well as learning about, and communicating with consumers. This Storify is a curation of selected tweets from the conversation.

Storified by Capital Press · Tue, May 08 2012 21:25:27

Tuesday's #Agchat will be discussing the impact of all forms of media on consumer & business decisions! DM questions @agchat! See ya there!
— #AgChat · Mon, May 07 2012 11:54:47

I'll be moderating tonight (@waynekblack) #cashcrop #farmer from Ontario Canada. Liking everything #mobile tech on #farm #agchat
— #AgChat · Tue, May 08 2012 17:01:58

Look what I received in the mail today! Which do ya'll like best? WTF or "I'm Hot. I'm Dirty. I Farm." #agchat http://pic.twitter.com/G8NNRymG · Ryan Goodman

Question 1

Q1 to get underway - Have you made a change on your farm operation as a result of a media story? #agchat
— #AgChat · Tue, May 08 2012 17:16:05

Q1. I think we are more cautious in general when having people visit the farm. Never know what will end up in the media #agchat
— Luann Erb · Tue, May 08 2012 17:18:56

Q1 always making changes! Some because of media stories, some just to improve #agchat
— Jan · Tue, May 08 2012 17:20:01

@H_O_G_ mainly hog producers and gestation crates. Driven by social media and news media. #agchat
— David Hayden · Tue, May 08 2012 17:20:58

Q1 the saddest of all recent media stories: BPI folks made changes today: they closed three plants, laid off hundreds today :( #agchat
— Joe OConnell · Tue, May 08 2012 17:21:03

Q1 Not that I'm aware of. Our operation has made changes, especially recently, but not due to media stories. #agchat
— Jennifer Heim · Tue, May 08 2012 17:23:59

#agchat q1 not a "change" per se, but have been more aware of things and more sensitive to issues due to media coverage of different topics
— David Foster · Tue, May 08 2012 17:25:42

Q1 Yes. Adjusted paperwork in response to media reports about other farms. Caused problems in farmer/worker relations, though. #agchat
— Mike Naylor · Tue, May 08 2012 17:35:34

Question 2

Q2 via @trufflemedia Do you believe consumers are swayed by tv radio & movies on how #ag produces #food? #agchat
— #AgChat · Tue, May 08 2012 17:26:10

Q2 Absolutely! Not only swayed, many are solely "educated" by media -- unfortunately much media is biased against production ag. #agchat
— Diana Prichard · Tue, May 08 2012 17:27:26

Q2 not a question of whether "you believe" - it's a fact that consumers are swayed by media re #ag #agchat
— Joe OConnell · Tue, May 08 2012 17:28:02

Q2 LFTB is a prime example, been around for 20 years, media gets a hold of it, today BPI are closing their doors, 650 jobless. #agchat
— Andrew · Tue, May 08 2012 17:28:10

Q2 Yes. I can see that influence in friends and family, especially those less familiar with what we do. #agchat
— Jennifer Heim · Tue, May 08 2012 17:28:16

Q2 of course they are. Food Inc was just that, a movie and that greatly influenced many consumers thiugh much of it was skewed #agchat
— David Hayden · Tue, May 08 2012 17:28:25

Q2 - Absolutely #agchat since we are a media-driven society. One movie negates results from a dozen research trials #Agchat
— Joan Cooper · Tue, May 08 2012 17:28:39

Early reporting & reaction to 'mad cow' found in California

Capital Press — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 04:11:51 GMT

The story of a cow that tested positive for bovine spongiform encephalopathy, known as mad cow disease, started emerging on Twitter Tuesday, April 24, 2012, in connection with cattle market prices. By noon Pacific time, the USDA announced that an infected dairy cow had been discovered in California.

Storified by Capital Press · Tue, Apr 24 2012 21:11:51

Some of the earliest posts to evolve on Twitter related to the "rumor" that BSE had been found in California.

#agchat cattle down daily limit, on mad cow scare in california
— marty cutten · Tue, Apr 24 2012 10:56:40

Mad Cow Rumor Dumps Cattle Market

The animal was from California, and was sent through a renderer and had died on farm. Milk from the cow was safe. Samples conducted from ...

Rummor of BSE cow in CA has #cattle #markets locked limit down. #agchat
— Tana Baker · Tue, Apr 24 2012 11:24:13

By mid-day, the U.S. Department of agriculture's chief veterinary officer, John Clifford, confirmed that BSE had been found in a routine test for the disease.

USDA Chief Veterinary Officer On BSE Case · usda

#BSE details from #USDA. More to follow. #farm #agchat http://fb.me/DxF4kzQ0
— Jessica Lavicky · Tue, Apr 24 2012 11:45:50

Mad Cow Rumor Dumps Cattle Market http://farmprogress.com/farmer-stockman-story-mad-cow-rumor-dumps-cattle-market-8-59245 #BSE #beef #madcow #agchat
— Andrew · Tue, Apr 24 2012 11:50:03

Reports stress that the infected cow was not destined for the food supply chain and did not go into the food supply. Experts make sure to tell people that there is no safety risk connected to the case.

Case of mad cow disease confirmed in California, USDA says; meat from animal did not enter food chain - Bloomberg News' @JHughesNews
— Breaking News · Tue, Apr 24 2012 11:51:02

USDA confirms case of Mad Cow Disease found in dairy cow in Central California.
— Reuters Top News · Tue, Apr 24 2012 11:55:16

More on Mad Cow: Found in a dairy cow in central CA; 4th confirmed case in US herd since '03 - @BloombergNews http://bloom.bg/Iauibz
— Breaking News · Tue, Apr 24 2012 12:07:27

U.S. confirms 4th BSE case, stresses no safety concerns http://dlvr.it/1TRK9b
— Kyodo News · Tue, Apr 24 2012 13:50:18

If you heard about the recent positive test for "Mad Cow Disease", read the AVMA's response to the situation.... http://fb.me/1V2aMBiol
— South Arundel Vet · Tue, Apr 24 2012 13:50:25

#Milk isn't #Mad or bad. The food supply is SAFE! http://bit.ly/I8VJVk #bse
— Farm Journal · Tue, Apr 24 2012 13:50:52

INFO: For a one-stop-shop on information regarding the BSE or "mad cow" case, make sure to visit our BSE Info Center: http://ow.ly/auEIg
— Dept. of Agriculture · Tue, Apr 24 2012 14:28:08

New Case of Mad Cow Disease in California · associatedpress

holy monkey balls. mad cow disease has been confirmed in california. stop pissin these animals off people
— mesha · Tue, Apr 24 2012 19:40:22

Be evening, there were reports that South Korean retailers were stopping sales of U.S. beef.

South Korea retailers halt US beef sales, government may act

SEOUL (Reuters) - Two major South Korean retailers halted sales of US beef after an outbreak of mad cow disease as the country's agri...

Meet Oregon State's new dean of agriculture

Capital Press — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 01:46:51 GMT

Daniel J. Arp was appointed head of the OSU College of Agriculture Sciences and Ag Experiment Station on April 18, 2012.

Storified by Capital Press · Wed, Apr 18 2012 18:46:51

OSU names Arp as dean of agricultural sciences | capitalpress.com

CORVALLIS, Ore. - Dan Arp has been appointed the Reub Long Dean of Agricultural Sciences and director of the Oregon Agricultural Experime...

The official press release from Oregon State University announcing the appointment.

OSU names Dan Arp as dean of Agricultural Sciences | News & Research Communications | Oregon State University

CORVALLIS, Ore. - Dan Arp, a longtime microbiology researcher and science educator who has led the University Honors College program at O...

Campus notes: Dan Arp, Dean of @OSUHonors named head of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Ag Experiment Station http://bit.ly/JbzHAp
— Nancy Raskauskas · Wed, Apr 18 2012 14:17:08

Links to information about Arp's research.

The Laboratory of Daniel J. Arp | Botany and Plant Pathology ...

The Laboratory of Daniel J. Arp. Department of Botany and Plant Pathology Oregon State University Corvallis OR 97331 USA. Nitrosomonas ...

Dan Arp | Center for Genome Research and Biocomputing

Dan Arp. Dean, University Honors College Professor, Botany and Plant Pathology ... Email: Dan.J.Arp@oregonstate.edu. Phone: (541) 737-1...

Arp's bio on the Oregon State University website.

Dan Arp | Administrative Leadership | Oregon State University

Dan Arp. Dean, University Honors College. Dr. Dan Arp became Dean of the University Honors College on May 1, 2008. He has been at Orego...

Oregonstate

Arp's profile on LinkedIn.

Dan Arp | LinkedIn

View Dan Arp's professional profile on LinkedIn. LinkedIn is the world's largest business network, helping professionals like Dan Arp dis...

A video featuring Arp for the Oregon State's "Powered by Orange" campaign.

Dan Arp is Powered by Orange · oregonstateuniv

The Capital Press Storify about the former dean, Sonny Ramaswamy, who was appointed earlier this year by President Obama to lead the National Institute of Food and Agriculture in Washington, D.C.

Obama appoints Oregon State ag dean Sonny Ramaswamy to ...

Mar 9, 2012 ... Sonny Ramaswamy, dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and director of the Oregon Agricultural Experiment Statio...

Building a Better Student " Terra Magazine

One research project at a time When undergraduate students do hands-on research with eminent professors on projects that matter, everyone...

A story by the Daily Barometer when Arp was named dean of the Honors College.

University Honors College chooses new leader

On April 1st, officials announced that Daniel J. Arp, an esteemed researcher and distinguished professor" at OSU, will be named the new d...

Sugar growers dispute '60 Minutes' story on 'toxic sugar'

Capital Press — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 23:48:57 GMT

Sugar growers in the Pacific Northwest say the April 1, 2012 story on CBS News ignores research that contradicts the health claims by a doctor who says all processed sugars are toxic.

Storified by Capital Press · Wed, Apr 04 2012 16:48:57

Sugar growers call 60 Minutes piece 'one-sided' | capitalpress.com

By SEAN ELLIS Capital Press The U.S. sugar industry believes a "60 Minutes" piece that claims sugar is toxic and creating a public health...

The Sugar Association provides links to sugar- and sweetner-related research.

Sugars and Sweeteners Research

How Much Sugar Do Americans Consume? Curbing weight gain has become a public health priority because of the extreme upsurge in the number...

A sampling of reaction to the '60 Minutes' story posted on social media, and one reaction to the Capital Press story linked above.

What happened to PERSONAL responsibility? Sugar growers call 60 Minutes piece 'one-sided' | http://capitalpress.com http://bit.ly/I3qEPz
— Kristin Magruder · Wed, Apr 04 2012 15:40:52

Tonight 60 Minutes reveals that sugar is bad for you. Wow. Next week they'll tell us getting hit by a car hurts.
— Albert Brooks · Sun, Apr 01 2012 17:55:01

I have a sugar addiction..it is real I saw it on 60 minutes http://instagr.am/p/JA6I_Pidr-/ · Regina Morrison

Is sugar toxic? - 60 Minutes - CBS News http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7403942n&tag=contentBody;storyMediaBox
— Vinnie Tortorich · Wed, Apr 04 2012 15:04:25

Which is healthier, high-fructose corn syrup or table sugar? Dr. Lustig: “It’s the exact same. They’re…equally toxic.” #60Minutes
— 60 Minutes · Sun, Apr 01 2012 16:24:11

The surprising cause of obesity, and its not #milk! http://www.crazymoos.com/are-you-poisoning-yourself-with-sugar/ #agchat #health
— Crazy Moos · Wed, Apr 04 2012 08:28:13

Did you see the "Is Sugar Toxic" 60 minutes special? Check out this discussion on the take-aways: http://ow.ly/a59PO
— Diabetes Daily · Wed, Apr 04 2012 14:45:12

Eating sugar makes you sweet and 'happy' says Dr Treacle of Redpath University #HamOnt #agchat #ontag #healthy
— GeoFreshCanada · Sun, Apr 01 2012 18:22:37

Has "60 Minutes" got you rethinking sugar?http://www.chicagonow.com/sugar-buzz-chicago/2012/04/60-minutes-story-are-you-rethinking-sugar/#cnblog
— Judy Marcus · Wed, Apr 04 2012 14:36:36

So now the sugar in my candy and booze may be toxic. Dear God. What does this mean for my case of Skittlebräu ?
— CapesandCloaks · Wed, Apr 04 2012 15:31:42

60 Minutes segment on dangers of sugar #obesity #diabetes #heartdisease #cancer #foodaddiction http://cbsn.ws/HRFQx4
— Drew McCaughey · Wed, Apr 04 2012 14:31:20

Did you catch Dr. Sanjay Gupta and Dr. Robert Lustig talk about sugar and inflammation on the 60 Minutes segment... http://fb.me/FJkZ8eiT
— Dr. Peggy Parker · Wed, Apr 04 2012 14:03:20

Vanilla Shortage Could Drive Up Ice Cream Prices. And 60 minutes reported that sugar is poison! http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/03/vanilla-shortage-ice-cream-prices_n_1400195.html via @huffingtonpost
— Ray Callahan · Wed, Apr 04 2012 12:08:09

Sugar causes heart disease and fuels cancer growth. Fat isn't to blame. 60 minutes says so http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cREfDcEvY4 #paleo
— Maks Goldenshteyn · Wed, Apr 04 2012 12:02:52

60 Minutes - Yup Sugar is a drug, now MRI brain scans prove it. http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7403942n
— lukasz lysakowski · Wed, Apr 04 2012 11:56:13

I've been thinking about the 60 Minutes story on sugar (from Sunday night) all week. Anyone else catch that? Thoughts?
— Jenna Braddock · Wed, Apr 04 2012 11:50:17

AgChat celebrates its 3rd anniversary

Capital Press — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 06:13:02 GMT

The Twitter-based conversation, known as #agchat is celebrating its third birthday and the 2nd anniversary of the AgChat Foundation.

Storified by Capital Press · Tue, Apr 03 2012 23:13:02

Have you ever heard of AgChat? If not, now is the time to jump in and be part of the conversation. AgChat will celebrate the third anniversary of #AgChat weekly conversations on Twitter and the second anniversary of the AgChat Foundation this week. Learn more at www.agchat.org.
— Kansas Farm Bureau · Mon, Apr 02 2012 07:49:53

I'm hungry for supper! #cattle #Hereford #agchat #farm #Iowa · crystalcattle

My dad's 80th cake a couple years ago had a tractor :-) #agchat http://yfrog.com/h07zvxbzj · Jan

Aw shucks --> Third anniversary of #agchat and I'm asked to guest moderate. We're talking "What's needed in SM for ag?" DM Q's to @AgChat
— Kathy Swift · Fri, Mar 30 2012 17:15:45

Can't believe it's been that long! @agchat: Plan to join us to celebrate 3rd anniversary of #agchat Tues, 8-10 pm. Gonna be a great party!
— Michele Payn-Knoper · Mon, Apr 02 2012 09:28:00

Farmers have been connecting with each other & people who eat food & wear fiber for 3 years on Twitter. Happy anniversary #agchat!
— Capital Press · Tue, Apr 03 2012 11:00:31

Who's joining me for a pre #agchat tailgate? It's @agchat 's 3rd anniversary! (not too much tailgating. I'm moderating tonight) #agnerd
— Kathy Swift · Tue, Apr 03 2012 15:36:59

Howdy folks! Welcome to the 3rd anniversary of the #agchat convo!! We're talking for the next 2 hrs about "what's need in SM for ag"
— #AgChat · Tue, Apr 03 2012 17:00:40

.@MarieB41 I think the 3rd anniversary gift is leather.... Good thing @agchatfound is giving away cake instead! #agchat
— Emily Zweber · Tue, Apr 03 2012 16:46:40

This is the machine used to plant sweet potatoes. Every one by hand! #agchat · Sherry

Just bouncing into #agchat to say hi to everyone on the third anniversary chat & thanks to @cowartandmore for moderating. Have fun!
— Michele Payn-Knoper · Tue, Apr 03 2012 17:05:06

Thanks all for the great first hour of convo on our third anniversary. Glad to see everyone having a good time! #agchat
— #AgChat · Tue, Apr 03 2012 18:05:27

Almost forgot to mention. My first chat was last year's anniversary chat! #Agchat
— Brian Scott · Tue, Apr 03 2012 18:57:57

Ok folks, that's a wrap! Happy Anniversary #agchat and last out turn off the lights. Enjoy the cheesecake! #agchat
— #AgChat · Tue, Apr 03 2012 19:01:43

AgChat

Mar 27, 2012 ... Agvocacy 2.0 is hosted by the AgChat Foundation, a primarily volunteer organization that aims to empower farmers and r...

AgChat » About Us

The AgChat℠ Foundation is designed to help those who produce food, fuel, fiber and feed tell agriculture's story from their point o...

Michele Payn-Knoper - #AgChat to AgChat Foundation · agchat

The Evolution of Online Agvocacy · agchat

Joel Sirmon explains how his family grows their sweet potatoes! #agchat · Sherry

Try hanging this basket on your front porch

Capital Press — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 00:00:45 GMT

Today's fun story of the day is about a nursery in Tualatin, Ore., that has created what it claims is the world's largest hanging basket.

Storified by Capital Press · Fri, Mar 23 2012 17:00:45

Mediaspanonline

Oregon nursery claims world's largest hanging basket | capitalpress.com

By MITCH LIES Capital Press TUALATIN, Ore. -- During peak times, visitors to The Garden Corner in Tualatin can take home any of 500 hangi...

Tualatin nursery boasts world's largest hanging basket - KPTV - FOX ...

4 hours ago ... KPTV - FOX 12Tualatin nursery boasts world's largest hanging basket. Member Center: Create Account|; Log In; Manage...

World's largest hanging flower basket unveiled: http://bit.ly/GLWBw3
— Digger Magazine · Fri, Mar 23 2012 15:46:26

It's been a monumental project for us but it's who we are... This, I'm very proud to announce, is the base for... http://fb.me/1pZb4gVZd
— The Garden Corner · Wed, Mar 21 2012 09:53:42

World's largest hanging flower basket unveiled in Tualatin: Plant material will be changed with each season. Wha... http://bit.ly/GSA4Q0
— Jenny Bloom · Fri, Mar 23 2012 16:20:33

Oregon: The State of Perfection wrote: World's largest hanging flower basket unveiled: http://bit.ly/GLWBw3
— viki gilboy · Fri, Mar 23 2012 16:26:20

#tualatin is now the home and mother of the worlds largest hanging basket!
— Sam Keator · Fri, Mar 23 2012 16:20:16

Tualatin nursery boasts world's largest hanging basket - http://kptv.tv/GJUR6W
— FOX 12 Oregon KPTV · Fri, Mar 23 2012 13:29:18

Garden Corner in Tualatin unveils world's largest hanging basket. Great press event. Congestions
— Lou Ogden · Fri, Mar 23 2012 10:57:21

Tualatin's @TheGardenCorner unveils world's largest hanging basket. Seriously. It's huge and it's made locally. http://tualatin.katu.com/news/business/465525-worlds-largest-hanging-flower-basket-unveiled-tualatin
— B. Scott Anderson · Fri, Mar 23 2012 15:02:59

We do hanging baskets! It's our passion. http://fb.me/Nd3POq9f
— The Garden Corner · Wed, Jan 25 2012 11:40:56

If you care: The Garden Corner in Tualatin will unveil 2-ton "world's largest free-standing hanging flower basket" at 10 a.m.
— DickHughes · Fri, Mar 23 2012 07:23:27

From the strange world record file: Tualatin nursery to unveil world's largest hanging flower basket. #onlyinoregon
— Jared Richardson · Tue, Mar 20 2012 16:29:48

Here is a link from 2011 to what was claimed to be the largest hanging flower basket at that time. Would you want to walk underneath it on that sidewalk?

World's Largest Hanging Flower Basket | Urban Gardens | Unlimited ...

Jan 3, 2011 ... The world's largest hanging basket weighs more than ¼ ton and took a team of designers, engineers and gardeners mor...

A video from The Garden Corner with the headline "Size Matters!"

Size Matters! · thegardencorner

Country Natural Beef co-founder Doc Hatfield dies

Capital Press — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 16:23:30 GMT

Eastern Oregon rancher Patrick Dale "Doc" Hatfield, who worked with his wife to form a unique cooperative to market beef in the Pacific Northwest and beyond, died Tuesday, March 20, 2012.

Storified by Capital Press · Thu, Mar 22 2012 09:23:30

Country Natural Beef co-founder Doc Hatfield dies | capitalpress.com

Doc Hatfield, co-founder of Country Natural Beef, died of pancreatic cancer the evening of March 20. He was 74. Hatfield founded the coop...

Industry mourns leader's passing | capitalpress.com

By MATTHEW WEAVER Capital Press The livestock industry bid farewell this week to a rancher it hailed as an innovator and optimist. Patric...

Noted Brothers rancher dies - Doc Hatfield, who founded the ranching cooperative Country Natural Beef in Brothers... http://url.bb/GLsPoG
— The Bulletin · Wed, Mar 21 2012 11:42:55

Some of the early reaction to Hatfield's death on Twitter and Facebook.

A true leader in Oregon's cattle industry has died. #ORAg #agchat #Cattle #ranchLife http://www.capitalpress.com/newsletter/mw-Doc-Hatfield-dies-03-23-12 via @capitalpress
— Marie Bowers · Wed, Mar 21 2012 12:14:26

RIP Doc Hatfield of County Natural Beef. http://bit.ly/GEsDfH A true leader and a good friend.
— Denise Breyley · Wed, Mar 21 2012 12:43:43

Country Natural Beef co-founder Doc Hatfield dies Doc Hatfield, co-founder of Country Natural Beef, died of pancreatic cancer the evening
— Uncle David's Farm · Wed, Mar 21 2012 14:04:15

Sorry to hear that Doc Hatfield has died. He raised grass-fed cattle in harmony with preserving rangeland and stream ecology.
— Jeff Douglas · Wed, Mar 21 2012 14:22:48

RIP Doc Hatfield, co-founder of Country (formerly Oregon) Country Beef, and early sust ranching pioneer. http://ow.ly/9NEPt
— Scott Exo · Wed, Mar 21 2012 14:27:51

Doc Hatfield was a true leader in the cattle industry. He will be greatly missed.
— Jane O'Keeffe · Wed, Mar 21 2012 13:11:00

Founder of Country Natural Beef, Oregon Rancher Doc Hatfield, Dies At Age 74. http://ow.ly/1IWFIr #pdxeats #pdxfood
— CateringBeyondBorder · Wed, Mar 21 2012 15:56:58

Rest in Peace Doc Hatfield. You were a visionary for Oregon agriculture and will be deeply missed. #countrynaturalbeef
— Agri-Biz Council/OR · Wed, Mar 21 2012 15:35:31

Country Natural Beef co-founder Doc Hatfield dies | http://capitalpress.com http://fb.me/1dCqj95P7
— Shepherd's Grain · Wed, Mar 21 2012 14:41:58

Doc Hatfield has been, and will continue to be one of my personal heroes. His impact on the cattle industry and on the people who were blessed enough to spend time with him will always be remembered. http://www.capitalpress.com/content/mw-Doc-Hatfield-dies-03-23-12?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
— Hannah Brause Capital Press · Wed, Mar 21 2012 12:22:27

Family of ranching pioneer #DocHatfield asks that gifts of remembrance be made to @HighDesertMuseum http://ow.ly/9NMSl
— Scott Exo · Wed, Mar 21 2012 16:55:52

sustainability: doc hatfield saw a way to help economically struggling ranch oregon families, improve the land, and deliver a product that consumers wanted. he was a leader and an aw-shucks country show-man; he started the brand that "mainstreamed" country beef/grass fed organic beef. this has now spread, far beyond oregon... thank you Eileen Brady for sharing his poem...that says it all, for all the senses.
— Dave Chen · Thu, Mar 22 2012 06:17:45

Thoughts prayers and condolences go out to the family of Doc Hatfield. He was a visionary and innovator for all agriculture.http://www.ktvz.com/news/30733881/detail.html
— Chris Carpenter · Wed, Mar 21 2012 18:08:48

Doc and Connie Hatfield were selected for the Ag Connection Award from the Agri-Business Council of Oregon in 2009.

Doc and Connie Hatfield Ag Connection Award Tribute · aglinkoregon

Denim and Diamonds 2009 | capitalpress.com

Posted: Wednesday, November 25, 2009 9:34 AM Doc and Connie Hatfield and Bob Terry were presented with the Agri-Business Council of Orego...

Obama appoints Oregon State ag dean Sonny Ramaswamy to USDA post

Capital Press — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 00:08:43 GMT

The Obama administration has name Ramaswamy as the next director of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Here's some of the reaction to the announcement.

Storified by Capital Press · Fri, Mar 09 2012 16:08:43

Obama appoints OSU dean to lead national ag institute | capitalpress.com

Oregon State University College of Agricultural Sciences Dean Sonny Ramaswamy has been appointed director of the National Institute of Fo...

President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts

Dr. Sonny Ramaswamy, Appointee for Director, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Department of Agriculture Dr. Sonny Ramaswamy is...

President Obama Announces Intent to Appoint Dr. Sonny Ramaswamy as Director of USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture | USDA

WASHINGTON, March 9, 2012-President Obama announced today his intent to appoint Dr. Sonny Ramaswamy as Director of the U.S. Department of...

President Announces Intent to Appoint Dr. Sonny Ramaswamy new head of NIFA. http://1.usa.gov/wkb0dY
— USDA REE news office · Fri, Mar 09 2012 14:24:57

Obama plans to appoint Sonny Ramaswamy, @oregonstateuniv agriculture dean, as director of @USDA_NIFA . Story coming to http://www.capitalpress.com
— Capital Press · Fri, Mar 09 2012 14:28:04

OSU Dean Sonny Ramaswamy will head National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) http://extension.oregonstate.edu/news/release/2012/03/osu-dean-lead-top-food-and-agriculture-agency
— Robin Rosetta · Fri, Mar 09 2012 14:39:17

Sonny Ramaswamy, dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and director of the Oregon Agricultural Experiment Station at Oregon State University, has been named by President Obama to lead the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) in Washington, DC. For more on this announcement, go to the link. Good luck, Sonny!
— Robin Rosetta · Fri, Mar 09 2012 14:36:53

Congrats, Sonny Ramaswamy. Best wishes as director of the Nat'l Institute for Food & Ag. Oregon will miss you. http://bit.ly/OSU_agnews852.
— Dave Dillon · Fri, Mar 09 2012 14:45:00

Congrats to Dean Sonny Ramaswamy - Pres. Obama picked him to head the Nat'l Inst. of Food & Ag at #USDA! http://bit.ly/zVZUqI
— Oregon State · Fri, Mar 09 2012 15:19:52

From #WhiteHouse, President Obama is "proud" to have #OregonState Dean Sonny Ramaswamy serve in the admin. So is #OSU. http://bit.ly/wl1WVj
— todd simmons · Fri, Mar 09 2012 15:22:55

President Obama taps Oregon State's Ramaswamy http://frog.ly/3n5e #Portland #Oregon
— PDXList · Fri, Mar 09 2012 15:27:44

Nice honor for OSU ag dean Sonny Ramaswamy. I've written a profile of him that runs Sunday in The O. http://bit.ly/xIPlqJ
— Eric Mortenson · Fri, Mar 09 2012 15:43:27

Good 4 @USDA, sad for @OregonState: Obama taps OSU Dean of #Ag Sonny Ramaswamy 2 head Nat Inst for Food & Ag http://ow.ly/9zhhG
— Scott Exo · Fri, Mar 09 2012 15:53:10

A photo of Ramaswamy from the 2010 Pendleton Round-Up Parade. It is customary for the OSU ag dean to ride in the parade each year.

Pendleton Round-up Parade 2010 · Oregon State University

Ramaswamy in front of the Strand Agriculture Hall on the Oregon State University campus in Corvallis.

Sonny Ramaswamy · Oregon State University

Some recent Capital Press coverage of Oregon State and Ramaswamy.

Extension services shrink with budgets 1 - Capital Press

Jan 14, 2011 ... Capital Press agriculture news website ... OSU College of Agricultural Sciences Dean Sonny Ramaswamy said if he had hi...

New ag dean thinks outside the box 1 - Capital Press

Sep 17, 2009 ... Mark Rozin/Capital Press. Oregon State University College of Agricultural Sciences Dean Sonny Ramaswamy tours the Depa...

Ag Day 2012

Capital Press — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 17:41:03 GMT

March 8, 2012, is National Agriculture Day in America. Here are some posts from social media marking the day and thanking farmers for providing the food we eat and fiber we wear. Ag Day was established in 1973 by the Agriculture Council of America. Learn more at http://www.agday.org

Storified by Capital Press · Thu, Mar 08 2012 09:41:03

Pacifier

National AG Day · adfarmchannel

Celebrate National Agriculture Day today! Thanks to our farmers and everyone connected to Ag...http://www.agday.org/
— Charlene Weis · Thu, Mar 08 2012 08:50:23

AG is in your day from the clothes you wear, to the breakfast you eat to the car you drive Ag is everywhere! #Agday http://www.agday.org/
— AgFoundation · Thu, Mar 08 2012 05:14:21

Happy #AgDay! 2day, 1 #US #farmer feeds 155 ppl in the #US & overseas. In 1940 1 farmer fed only 19 ppl.
— Monsanto Company · Thu, Mar 08 2012 07:09:14

Thank you, ranchers and farmers, for feeding us all. Happy National Ag Day! #AgDay
— John Deere · Thu, Mar 08 2012 07:00:10

National Ag Day? We should get a whole month. But thank a producer today anyway folks. We work really hard to bring safe healthy meals to your table
— Jason Bishop · Thu, Mar 08 2012 08:52:56

Happy National Agriuculture Day to all my AGgies!!!! #AgDay
— Deanna Bosse · Thu, Mar 08 2012 08:59:22

Happy National #AgDay :)
— Amanda Philipp · Thu, Mar 08 2012 08:58:55

Have a wonderful National #Agday!!! http://pic.twitter.com/yRG37jsB · Erin Ehnle

Happy National Ag Day! If you had food in your fridge this morning....thank a farmer. If you go to the grocery store and find abundant, affordable food on the shelves...thank farmers and ranchers. If you plan on having a nice dinner this evening, a nice, juicy steak perhaps...thank a rancher. America's farmers and ranchers provide the most wholesome, affordable and abundant food supply of anywhere in the world. If you get the chance, here on National Agriculture Day and in subsequent days and weeks, take the time to thank America's farmers and ranchers. Thank God for US agriculture!
— Matt Rush · Thu, Mar 08 2012 08:41:34

The view from my office window this morning. #AgDay http://pic.twitter.com/jFyVkU4J · Will Gilmer

Thank a farmer today! #AgDay http://www.agday.org/
— Linda Brahler · Thu, Mar 08 2012 08:58:02

FACT: Each American farmer feeds more than 144 people. Today is National Ag Day! Thanks to all farmers & those in the ag industry! #AgDay
— Brighton Agency · Thu, Mar 08 2012 08:57:58

Happy National Ag Day! We’d like to tip our hats to all the farmers, ranchers and agriculturists who put food on our tables - not just today, but all year round. We can’t imagine a life without our favorite specialty crops: pears, apples, watermelon, hazelnuts, peanuts, cotton and wine grapes! So raise a toast to farmers (see below for a few of our favorite cocktails!) for all they do!
— Harvest PR & Marketing · Thu, Mar 08 2012 09:01:32

On the moooove to the morning's grazing pasture. #AgDay http://pic.twitter.com/37t0x0qR · Will Gilmer

The Golden State grows more than half of our country's fruits, veggies and nuts. Happy #AgDay! #agproud
— CA Fresh Fruit · Thu, Mar 08 2012 08:57:13

National #Agday today! Celebrate your local farmers, #eatlocal .
— mona's caffe' · Thu, Mar 08 2012 08:53:30

It's Ag Day! On the Hill for festivities & networking #agday #letsmove (@ Longworth House Office Building) http://4sq.com/w5wBo1
— Maxine Teller · Thu, Mar 08 2012 08:53:14

It's #AgDay and #WomensDay. 30% of US farm operators are women & more than 7,000 women operate farms in MN.
— Arthurst Farm · Thu, Mar 08 2012 08:52:38