Mothers

After a restless night - feeling for Craig and Tom. Had my own 'near death' experience with Mum in July 2010. Here's a little something I put together this morning...for all our Mums.
As a fellow dairy farmer - I though that 'Milking It' was the best spot to post it.

Beyond the call, they do, whatever needs be done
And self-lessly their actions for a daughter...or a son

I saw it in my Mother, as her work would never end
It's continued in my sisters, as they couldn't buck the trend

Most of all I see it every day - in my own life
As a mother's work continues for my children, by my wife

Their desire to serve is constant as they focus on the prize
That one day their kids will shine, they'll just be a different size

For anyone who's experienced the bond between their Mum
Though different for us all, there is no 'rule of thumb'

They're as many and as varied as their children yet unborn
But from day one they're powerless, starting to transform

Yes with a heart of gold and intentions without doubt
Little things in the day to day is what Mothers are about

No matter what the challenge - no matter how seemingly tired
Throughout their days - until the end, it's just the way they're wired

So life goes on, continuing the legacy.....as a son
Too true as it is said, "A Mothers work is never done"

RIP Karen

But it is Dangerous....Right?

My fascination with the outlaw-ing of raw milk continues to grow. It did serve a valuable purpose in its day. Prior to effective sterilization of dairy equipment, and more recently, the implementation of bulk refrigeration at farm level, there were genuine risks to consumers.

Today however, the bacterial prevalence is of a much lower level. The disease and viral infections that did in fact cause many deaths a hundred years ago, have been completely eliminated in Australia today. To my knowledge, a likely risk comparison could be draw to eating from a salad bar, or fast food outlet - with an outcome of maybe a 'belly ache'.

In fact, if you are highly motivated, please read (at least in part) the 119 page FSANZ document I've linked. The premise of their recent 'Assessment' (P 1007), and subsequent decline of legalization, appears to be based on HYPOTHETICAL RISK and SCIENTIFIC ASSUMPTIONS!

Wouldn't it be a common courtesy, that FSANZ at least base their 'assessment' on FACT, and real evidence from within Australia? I'm happy for OPINION to be expressed - but not when it comes to the legislation dictating our food choices. As tax paying citizens, we deserve better!

http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/_srcfiles/P1007%20PPPS%20for%20raw%20milk%201AR%20SD1%20Cow%20milk%20Risk%20Assessment.pdf

http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/legalize-the-sale-of-raw-dairy-products.html

Raw Milk Petition

    

As I have stated over recent posts and blogs, I've been working on a petition. The end target is FSANZ - the endeavour to have them re-address their 2011 review of the sale of raw dairy products in Australia.

Their outcome is just as surely flawed, as it is biased. There was seemingly no consideration given to the health benefits of cow's milk, in its unproccessed state. The life threatening health risks can be considered no greater than that incurred when consuming many of our daily foods.

In a democracy, don't we at least deserve the right to choose the dairy products we purchase and consume. During FSANZ's review, the general public were invited to lodge submissions, regarding their preference to purchase raw milk. I am yet to speak to anyone who was personally aware of this invitation.

The intention of the petition is to create a level of awareness at federal level (through FSANZ), as to the true extent of public sentiment surrounding the RAW MILK debate. For this to achieve any positive outcome, the sharing and support of this concept needs to be of 'epic proportions'!

Seriously - while I'm thrilled with nearly 250 signatures in 3 days....we'll need 10's of thousands, if not in excess of 100,000, to get the attention required!

http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/legalize-the-sale-of-raw-dairy-products.html