#dairy farmers of canada

[fruitcage]

[bameme]

I participated in an event sponsored by the Dairy Farmer's Association. They gave everyone who entered a gift bag which I assumed would be like, a lanyard or something. Nope. Some stickers, a measuring spoon, and a straight up pound of butter. Words cannot describe my delight.

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Amy Maxmen at KFF Health News:

Keith Poulsen’s jaw dropped when farmers showed him images on their cellphones at the World Dairy Expo in Wisconsin in October. A livestock veterinarian at the University of Wisconsin, Poulsen had seen sick cows before, with their noses dripping and udders slack. But the scale of the farmers’ efforts to treat the sick cows stunned him. They showed videos of systems they built to hydrate hundreds of cattle at once. In 14-hour shifts, dairy workers pumped gallons of electrolyte-rich fluids into ailing cows through metal tubes inserted into the esophagus. “It was like watching a field hospital on an active battlefront treating hundreds of wounded soldiers,” he said. Nearly a year into the first outbreak of the bird flu among cattle, the virus shows no sign of slowing. The U.S. government failed to eliminate the virus on dairy farms when it was confined to a handful of states, by quickly identifying infected cows and taking measures to keep their infections from spreading. Now at least 875 herds across 16 states have tested positive.

Experts say they have lost faith in the government’s ability to contain the outbreak. “We are in a terrible situation and going into a worse situation,” said Angela Rasmussen, a virologist at the University of Saskatchewan in Canada. “I don’t know if the bird flu will become a pandemic, but if it does, we are screwed.” To understand how the bird flu got out of hand, KFF Health News interviewed nearly 70 government officials, farmers and farmworkers, and researchers with expertise in virology, pandemics, veterinary medicine, and more. Together with emails obtained from local health departments through public records requests, this investigation revealed key problems, including deference to the farm industry, eroded public health budgets, neglect for the safety of agriculture workers, and the sluggish pace of federal interventions. Case in point: The U.S. Department of Agriculture this month announced a federal order to test milk nationwide. Researchers welcomed the news but said it should have happened months ago — before the virus was so entrenched.

“It’s disheartening to see so many of the same failures that emerged during the covid-19 crisis reemerge,” said Tom Bollyky, director of the Global Health Program at the Council on Foreign Relations. Far more bird flu damage is inevitable, but the extent of it will be left to the Trump administration and Mother Nature. Already, the USDA has funneled more than $1.7 billion into tamping down the bird flu on poultry farms since 2022, which includes reimbursing farmers who’ve had to cull their flocks, and more than $430 million into combating the bird flu on dairy farms. In coming years, the bird flu may cost billions of dollars more in expenses and losses. Dairy industry experts say the virus kills roughly 2% to 5% of infected dairy cows and reduces a herd’s milk production by about 20%. Worse, the outbreak poses the threat of a pandemic. More than 60 people in the U.S. have been infected, mainly by cows or poultry, but cases could skyrocket if the virus evolves to spread efficiently from person to person. And the recent news of a person critically ill in Louisiana with the bird flu shows that the virus can be dangerous.

Just a few mutations could allow the bird flu to spread between people. Because viruses mutate within human and animal bodies, each infection is like a pull of a slot machine lever. “Even if there’s only a 5% chance of a bird flu pandemic happening, we’re talking about a pandemic that probably looks like 2020 or worse,” said Tom Peacock, a bird flu researcher at the Pirbright Institute in the United Kingdom, referring to covid. “The U.S. knows the risk but hasn’t done anything to slow this down,” he added. Beyond the bird flu, the federal government’s handling of the outbreak reveals cracks in the U.S. health security system that would allow other risky new pathogens to take root. “This virus may not be the one that takes off,” said Maria Van Kerkhove, director of the emerging diseases group at the World Health Organization. “But this is a real fire exercise right now, and it demonstrates what needs to be improved.”

[...] Curtailing the virus on farms is the best way to prevent human infections, said Jennifer Nuzzo, director of the Pandemic Center at Brown University, but human surveillance must be stepped up, too. Every clinic serving communities where farmworkers live should have easy access to bird flu tests — and be encouraged to use them. Funds for farmworker outreach must be boosted. And, she added, the CDC should change its position and offer farmworkers bird flu vaccines to protect them and ward off the chance of a hybrid bird flu that spreads quickly. The rising number of cases not linked to farms signals a need for more testing in general. When patients are positive on a general flu test — a common diagnostic that indicates human, swine, or bird flu — clinics should probe more deeply, Nuzzo said. The alternative is a wait-and-see approach in which the nation responds only after enormous damage to lives or businesses. This tack tends to rely on mass vaccination. But an effort analogous to Trump’s Operation Warp Speed is not assured, and neither is rollout like that for the first covid shots, given a rise in vaccine skepticism among Republican lawmakers.

KFF Health News reports on how America lost control on containing the bird flu that could set the stage for another pandemic. If we see another COVID-level or even Ebola-level pandemic, America will be in for a world of hurt, thanks to the rise of anti-public health sentiments.

See Also:

CNN: How America lost control of the bird flu, setting the stage for another pandemic

[larryfanfiction]

Silver Fox Louis AU

🩶 Gray hair is our forever by beardyboyzx @beardyboyzx (1k, G)

Harry put his lips together and his smile became bashful, one hand coming back in Louis' hair to caress it lovingly. He had seen Louis' first gray hair. His boyfriend was growing older and Harry was there to see it happening. "You've got one gray hair," he said, voice wet but full of wonder, as if that hair was made out of pure silver. "Your first gray hair."

🩶 HOT TO GO! by allwaswell16 @allwaswell16 (2k, T)

 When Harry does something weird at the barricade, he leaves Louis’ show devastated and hoping he can somehow make things right. Or the accidental pervert fic

🩶 I'll Still Feel the Same Around You by crinkle-eyed-boo @crinkle-eyed-boo (2k, E)

He finds himself wishing that the bedsheet would slip down a few more inches so he could get a good look at Harry’s perfectly pert– Louis’ breath hitches as his cock stirs, suddenly very interested in this train of thought. Oh. Oh. The answer to all of Louis’ troubles is so fucking obvious he can’t believe he didn’t think of it until now. Nothing puts him to sleep like a good orgasm. Louis finds the cure for his insomnia in the form of his husband.

🩶 Figure This Out by haztobegood @haztobegood (2k, E)

Louis is everything Harry could have imagined when he’d typed “silver fox enthusiast” into his Grindr profile. Too bad he's probably scared Louis off by giving him too many expensive gifts.

🩶 The Referral by disgruntledkittenface @disgruntledkittenface (5k, E)

Louis has noticed that since he turned fifty, his sex drive has started to slow down. Unfortunately, that’s not the case for his younger boyfriend Harry. A problem solver by nature, Louis wants to do something special for Harry, to show him how much he appreciates him even after ten years together. When he suggests getting a referral for a sex worker to give Harry what he hasn’t been lately, it doesn’t take long for Harry to agree. And then they meet Tom.

🩶 'Sup by MediaWhore @mediawhorefics (7k, G)

Gemma really wants her little brother to sign up for a dating app and get back in the game after a messy divorce. Harry thinks he’s way too old to swipe. They compromise to devastatingly embarrassing results. Meanwhile, all Louis wants is to finish the play he’s been commissioned to write, but one of the regulars at his local coffee shop keeps distracting him. ft. older larry, pushy gemma, harry being a disaster gay and silver fox louis.

🩶 Someone to Fly Home To by kingsofeverything @kingsofeverything (35k, E)

Louis. 55 year old pilot who wants someone to fly home to. Harry swipes right. Or Louis and Harry’s marriage ended more than a decade ago, but fate keeps bringing them back together.

🩶 That's What I'm Here For by taggiecb @taggiecb (46k, E) 

Louis Tomlinson is a dairy farmer on a tiny farm in eastern Canada. His wife of nearly thirty years has left him and his children are all grown up and out of the house. Louis needs help running his business but has no idea where to even start looking. Luckily for him his children know just the man for the job.

🩶 The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by kingsofeverything @kingsofeverything (109k, E)

Louis’ life is steady and calm, moored by his marriage, and tied to his hometown, but after a chance encounter with another man, it’ll never be the same.

🩶 You Make Lovin' Fun by homosociallyyours @homosociallyyours (110k, E)

Harry is a 28 year old travel writer at a gay magazine who gets the assignment to go a lesbian cruise. She figures it's a nice chance to have some fun in the sun, but she's not expecting much else-- even if her partner and best friend are both encouraging her to hook up with someone while she's there. When she locks eyes with a gorgeous silver fox from across the room, she starts to think she could've been wrong. There are lots of things standing in the way of anything real happening with her and Louis, but that doesn't stop them from falling for one another. True love isn't always easy, but they do make lovin' fun.

[allwaswell16]

A One Direction fic rec of fics in which one of the characters is messy or unkempt in some way as requested in this ask. If you enjoy the fics, please leave kudos and comments for the writers! You can find my other recs here. Happy reading!

- Louis / Harry -

✧ Remember Me Before You by @kingsofeverything

(E, 293k, New Girl au) Desperate to find a new place to live after he comes home to find his boyfriend cheating, Harry moves into a loft with three strangers.

✧ Let's Fall in Love in a Place You Want to Stay by embro / @harryventura

(NR, 134k, Tarzan au) A George of the Jungle / Tarzan AU where Louis is a model who meets Wild Man Harry in the Congo. 

✧ more than just a dream by spit_on_me_larry

(E, 122k, uni) Louis detests Harry Styles. Except for the inconvenient fact that he can't seem to get Harry out of his head.

✧  That’s What I’m Here For by @taggiecb

(E, 46k, farm) Louis Tomlinson is a dairy farmer on a tiny farm in eastern Canada. Louis needs help running his business but has no idea where to even start looking. Luckily for him his children know just the man for the job.

✧ baby blue by @soldouthaz

(E, 39k, cowboy) He saunters down the front steps of the farmhouse in his Levi’s, brown snakeskin boots curving out from underneath the denim Louis’ sure he had specially made. He’s got on a plaid button-down tucked into the jeans because of course he does, curls spilling out from either side of his cowboy hat around his sunglasses and country-tan skin. 

✧ Lambing Season by @helloamhere

(E, 24k, farm) lambing season brings sleep deprivation, noisy alarms, cold barns, demanding animals, and warm strangers.

✧ The Wilds (series) by @jaerie

(E, 21k, omegaverse) The creatures that Louis observed every day weren't exactly human, but yet they were. Researchers had plucked some of them from their secluded island and transplanted them into an enclosure against their will like a bunch of zoo animals. 

✧ some evening in springtime by delsicle / @eeveelou

(M, 20k, age difference) Fresh out of veterinary school, Louis moves to a sleepy small town in Texas to take over the local animal clinic. But his new life is quickly interrupted by a middle aged rancher with a bad leg and a mysterious past, who really needs Louis's yoga skills.

✧ let me be your goodnight by theboyfriendstagram

(E, 17k, hate to love)  Harry lives with Gemma who happens to have the worst best friend in the world. The guy stays over almost every night, is completely messy and has bad manners that would cause Harry's eyes to roll so far back he sees his brain. 

✧ Prince Harry and the Expert in Motorcycle Maintenance by @juliusschmidt

(E, 15k, omegaverse) cinderella au in which prince harry rides a motorcycle and louis, a simple mechanic, fixes it.

✧  A Light Illuminated (Calling You Home) by LadyLondonderry / @londonfoginacup

(T, 14k, royal) Louis has inherited a farm from an uncle he barely knew. It's not in the best state, and he's facing the reality of having to let some of the workers go if profits don't drastically improve. It's not a nice idea.

✧ say forever, you'll be mine by dilfrry / @silverfoxrry

(E, 12k, age difference) the trucker harry fic i wrote for my own guilty pleasure

✧ it's hard to fight naked by amaltaas / @loustarlight

(E, 11k, enemies to lovers)  where Louis leaves dirty socks on the couch, Zayn does assignments while he's high, and Harry is hopelessly crushing on his roommate.

✧ rinse cycle by beautlouis / @thelovejandles

(E, 10k, humor) Louis and Harry are both students living in the same apartment complex. They end up having the same laundry night and time. Louis can't stop staring at Harry and he can't figure out why Harry consistently points out Louis’ inside-out shirts, and his untied shoes, and messy hair. 

- Rare Pairs -

✧ I Had Rather Hear My Dog Bark At A Crow by sunsetmog / @magicalrocketships

(E, 122k, Louis/Nick Grimsahw) The first time Louis Tomlinson kisses him, Nick is three sheets to the wind, wearing a pirate hat, and so fucking tired of Louis being a complete and utter knobhead that he's spent the last ten minutes snapping at him.

✧ in your hands by carissima

(M, 13k, Liam/Louis) Liam’s decided to play dress up for this session and has somehow stumbled on Louis’ favourite fantasy. Mechanic Liam, dirty, rough and smelling of cars and sweat, looking ready to mess Louis the fuck up.

[political-us]

The new tariffs imposed by the U.S. on China, Mexico, and Canada will have widespread effects on American goods and services. Here’s how they are likely to impact different aspects of the economy:

1. Higher Costs for Businesses and Consumers

Many American businesses rely on imported materials, components, and products from these countries. Tariffs increase the cost of these imports, forcing companies to either absorb the costs (reducing profits) or pass them on to consumers.

Industries such as automotive, electronics, manufacturing, and retail will see price hikes, making everyday goods more expensive for American consumers.

2. Inflationary Pressure

Tariffs function like a tax on imported goods, leading to higher prices across the board.

If companies pass increased costs to consumers, inflation could rise, making goods and services more expensive and potentially prompting the Federal Reserve to reconsider interest rate policies.

3. Supply Chain Disruptions & Business Uncertainty

Companies that rely on raw materials, electronics, and auto parts from these countries may face delays and shortages, forcing them to find alternative suppliers or move production, which takes time and money.

Some businesses might restructure their supply chains by sourcing materials from other countries or increasing domestic production, but this transition isn't immediate and could further increase costs.

4. Retaliation from Trading Partners

Canada, Mexico, and China have signaled that they may impose their own tariffs on U.S. exports, which could hurt American industries that depend on international trade, such as agriculture, aerospace, and manufacturing.

Farmers, in particular, could face declining demand for crops like soybeans, corn, and dairy products, which were previously targeted in retaliatory tariffs during the Trump-era trade war.

5. Impact on the Stock Market & Business Investment

Investors dislike uncertainty. If businesses anticipate lower profits due to higher costs or potential trade disruptions, stock markets may react negatively.

Companies may delay hiring or expansion plans due to concerns over higher operational costs and shifting trade dynamics.

6. Possible Job Losses in Affected Industries

If businesses face significantly higher costs and declining demand due to retaliatory tariffs, some industries could see layoffs or reduced hiring.

Manufacturing and export-dependent sectors, such as automotive, steel, and agriculture, may be hit the hardest.

Potential Silver Linings

Some industries, like domestic manufacturing and steel production, could see short-term gains if companies decide to shift production back to the U.S. instead of relying on imports.

The government may use tariff revenues to invest in domestic industries or subsidies, potentially offsetting some negative effects.

Bottom Line

The new tariffs will likely increase costs for businesses and consumers, contribute to inflation, and create uncertainty in financial markets and supply chains. While some domestic industries might benefit, the risk of retaliatory tariffs and economic slowdown poses a challenge for the broader U.S. economy.

[hlficlibrary]

Hey!

do you have any silver fox Louis fics?

thank you

Hi! You're very welcome! Here are three that I love!

Don't Want Shelter by @kingsofeverything

Louis and Harry have known each other all their lives. Friends as children, they danced around each other as teenagers, and have spent the last twenty-five years either screaming at each other or not speaking at all. Except for that one time ten years ago…

When Hurricane Nicole threatens the coast, they end up stuck together in their families' old vacation home that they begrudgingly co-own.

During the storm, and in the months after, they’re both forced to reevaluate their history and what they mean to each other.

That's What I'm Here For by @taggiecb

Louis Tomlinson is a dairy farmer on a tiny farm in eastern Canada. His wife of nearly thirty years has left him and his children are all grown up and out of the house. Louis needs help running his business but has no idea where to even start looking. Luckily for him his children know just the man for the job.

a garden in bloom by momentofclarity / @gaycousinlarry

Louis used to live the quiet sweet life of a small business owner in the English countryside.

Then Harry Styles came along.

[aimeedaisies]

The Princess Royal’s Official Engagements in April 2024

06/04 As President of the Working Clumber Spaniel Society, held a Training Day to mark their 40th Anniversary at Gatcombe Park. 🐶

09/04 On behalf of The King, held an Investiture at Windsor Castle.🎖️

With Sir Tim Opened Tideway’s Chelsea Quay, on Chelsea Embankment in London. 🌊

With Sir Tim, As Master of the Corporation of Trinity House, attended the 70th anniversary of Re-Hallowing Service at St Olave’s Church, followed by a Reception at Trinity House. ⛪️🍾

10/04 Visited Helmshore Mills Textile Museum in Rossendale, Lancashire. 🧵👕

Visited Trawden Village Community Projects in Trawden near Colne, Lancashire. 🏡

Visited HMS VENTURER in build at Venturer Hall in Fife. ⛴️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

11/04 In Northern Ireland Princess Anne; 🇮🇪

Visited Fleming Agri Products Limited in Derry. 🚜

Visited Londonderry Port and Harbour Commissioners, to commemorate its 170th Anniversary. 🚢

Visited the South West College Erne Campus building in Enniskillen. 🏫

Visited the renovated Enniskillen Workhouse in Enniskillen. 💼

As Patron of Maritime UK, attended the Northern Ireland Maritime and Offshore Cluster launch Reception at Belfast Harbour Office. ⚓️🥂

12/04 As Royal Patron of the Motor Neurone Disease Association, attended the Northern Ireland Conference at Dunsilly Hotel in Antrim. 🇮🇪👨‍🦽

As Patron of Tenovus Cancer Care, visited a Mobile Support Unit at Bronglais General Hospital in Aberystwyth. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏥

15/04 With Sir Tim As the Former President of the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers, presented The Princess Royal Award and Royal Dairy Innovation Award at Gatcombe Park. 🐄🥛🏆

16/04 As Royal Patron of the National Coastwatch Institution, this visited Fleetwood Station in Fleetwood, followed by a Reception at Marine Hall. 🔎🌊

As Patron of the Pony Club, visited Wrea Green Equitation Centre in Preston, to mark the 25th of the Pony Club Centre Membership Scheme. 🐴

As President of the Carers Trust, visited Sefton Carers Centre in Liverpool, to mark its 30th anniversary. 🧑‍🦯🩺

17/04 On behalf of The King, held two Investitures at Windsor Castle. 🎖️

18/04 Attended the Lord Mayor's Big Curry Lunch at Guildhall. 🍛

As President of The Duke of Edinburgh's Commonwealth Study Conferences, held a Dinner at Buckingham Palace for the President's Council and the Caribbean-Canada Leaders' Dialogue. 🗺️🍽️

19/04 On behalf of The King, held an Investiture at Buckingham Palace. 🎖️

21/04 Unofficial As President of the Working Clumber Spaniel Society, hosted a test day at Gatcombe Park. 🐶

22/04 As trustee of the council of St George’s House Princess Anne;

Attended a council meeting at St George’s House. 💼

Attended a Lecture in St. George's Chapel. 🎓

Attended a Dinner at the Vicars' Hall. 🍽️

23/04 On behalf of The King, held two Investitures at Windsor Castle. 🎖️

As Royal Patron of the Special Boat Service Association, held a Dinner at Windsor Castle. 🚤🍽️

24/04 As President of the Riding for the Disabled Association, visited the Cavalier Centre, and presented The King’s Awards for Voluntary Service in Farley, Much Wenlock. 🐎🏆

As Patron of Save the Children UK, visited the Lyth, Ellesmere, the birthplace of Eglantyne Jebb. 🏠

Visited the Jebb Memorial Garden at Cremorne Gardens in Ellesmere. ⛲️

25/04 Attended "DNA Day" at Illumina Centre in Great Abington. 🧬

Opened the National House Building Council's Apprenticeship Training Hub at Histon Football Club. 👷

As Patron of the Royal College of Midwives, visited Hinchingbrooke Hospital Maternity Unit. 👶🏥

As Colonel of The Blues and Royals (Royal Horse Guards and 1st Dragoons), visited The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment at Hyde Park Barracks. 🐴💂

As Chancellor of the University of London, attended an Institute of Commonwealth Studies Reception at the Senate House, to mark its 75th anniversary. 🎓

27/04 As Admiral of the Sea Cadet Corps, attended the National Drill and Piping Competition at HMS Raleigh. 🫡⚓️

30/04 As Guardian of the Chaffinch Trust, attended a Reception at the Reform Club. 🥂

As Chancellor of the University of London, attended a Graduation Ceremony at the Barbican Centre. 🎓

As Commandant-in-Chief of the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (Princess Royal’s Volunteer Corps), presented Coronation Medals at Wellington Barracks in London. 🫡🎖️

Total official engagements for Anne in April: 39

2024 total so far: 171

Total official engagements accompanied by Tim in April: 3

2024 total so far: 32

FYI - due to certain royal family members being off ill/in recovery I won't be posting everyone's engagement counts out of respect, I am continuing to count them and release the totals at the end of the year.

[rabbitcruiser]

Canada’s Agriculture Day

Canada’s Agriculture Day is a lively celebration honoring the hard work and innovation of those in the agricultural sector.

This annual event highlights the importance of agriculture in our daily lives and recognizes the dedication of farmers and agricultural professionals who ensure we have access to high-quality food.

The day aims to bring together communities across the nation to appreciate the vital role that agriculture plays in sustaining our society and economy​.

How to Celebrate Canada’s Agriculture Day

Host a Farm-to-Table Feast

Gather friends and family for a delightful farm-to-table dinner. Use ingredients sourced from local farms to create a delicious meal.

Highlight the freshness and quality of Canadian produce while enjoying the company of loved ones. Everyone will leave with full bellies and a greater appreciation for local farmers.

Share the Love on Social Media

Snap photos of your favorite Canadian meals and share them online. Use the hashtag #CdnAgDay to join the nationwide celebration.

Tag your posts with local farms and food producers to show your support. Engage with others by liking and commenting on their posts, too.

Take a Virtual Farm Tour

Dive into the world of farming without leaving your couch. Many farms offer virtual tours that showcase their daily operations.

Learn about the hard work that goes into producing the food you eat. It’s a fun and educational way to spend the day.

Cook a New Recipe

Challenge yourself to cook something new using only Canadian ingredients. Browse online for recipes that feature local produce and meats.

Try making a dish you’ve never cooked before and share your culinary creation with friends. They’ll be impressed, and you’ll have a new favorite recipe.

Support Local Markets

Visit a local farmers’ market to buy fresh produce, dairy, and meats. Chat with farmers about their products and learn more about their farming practices.

Buying directly from farmers supports their businesses and ensures you get the freshest food possible. Plus, it’s a great way to spend a Saturday morning.

Organize a Community Event

Plan a small community gathering to celebrate Canada’s Agriculture Day. Set up booths where local farmers can display their products.

Include activities like cooking demonstrations, tastings, and kids’ activities. This will bring people together and highlight the importance of supporting local agriculture.

Educate the Young Ones

Get kids involved in the celebration by teaching them about agriculture. Plan a fun, educational activity like planting a small garden or visiting a petting zoo.

Kids will love learning where their food comes from and might develop a lasting interest in farming.

Write a Thank You Note

Take a moment to write a thank-you note to a local farmer. Express your appreciation for their hard work and dedication.

A simple gesture can make a big impact, letting farmers know their efforts are valued. It’s a heartfelt way to connect with those who feed our nation.

Significance of Canada’s Agriculture Day

The celebration is a chance for Canadians to reflect on the significance of agriculture and the people behind it. Farmers and agri-food workers contribute not only to the nation’s food supply but also to its economic strength.

Canada’s agricultural industry generates billions in GDP annually and supports millions of jobs. By acknowledging this sector, the day encourages a deeper understanding and connection between consumers and producers, fostering greater appreciation for the journey of food from farm to table​​.

Canada’s Agriculture Day also promotes sustainable farming practices. Many Canadian farmers adopt innovative techniques to minimize environmental impact and ensure the long-term health of the land. Through precision agriculture, crop rotation, and conservation efforts, farmers work towards a more sustainable future.

History of Canada’s Agriculture Day

Canada’s Agriculture Day began in 2017, and it was founded by the Agriculture More Than Ever initiative. This event celebrates the hard work of Canadian farmers and agricultural professionals.

It aims to highlight the vital role agriculture plays in our daily lives and foster a stronger connection between consumers and the agricultural community​​.

The Canadian Centre for Food Integrity (CCFI) now leads the celebration. This group focuses on improving public trust in Canada’s food system.

By launching Canada’s Agriculture Day, CCFI wanted to create a national conversation about agriculture and food production. It encourages people to share their stories and experiences with farming, promoting a better understanding of the sector’s importance.

Canada’s Agriculture Day has grown each year, engaging more Canadians and raising awareness about the agricultural industry. The event features various activities, including social media campaigns, farm tours, and community events.

These efforts aim to celebrate the contributions of those who work in agriculture and to inspire future generations to appreciate and support this essential industry.

Source

[posttexasstressdisorder]

WhatMatters

Your guide to California policy and politics

By Lynn La

February 3, 2025

Presented by California Water Service, Climate-Smart Agricultural Partnership and Uber

 

 

Good morning, California.

Newsom orders more water for farmers and towns

The San Luis Reservoir, an artificial lake on the eastern slopes of the Diablo Range of Merced County, on Feb. 10, 2023. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

From CalMatters environment reporter Alastair Bland:

As downpours soak Northern California, Gov. Gavin Newsom has ordered state officials to capture and store more stormwater in San Joaquin Valley reservoirs for farmers and towns, and to “remove or minimize” any obstacles that stand in the way. 

If that sounds familiar, it is: The governor issued similar orders two years ago, when he waived environmental laws to store more water as storms drenched the state and caused disastrous flooding. Months later, the Legislature and Newsom enacted a new law that smooths the way for such actions. 

In a video posted on social media, Newsom said he aims to store more stormwater “for people and agriculture.” The three-year, statewide drought “yielded ongoing, significant impacts” on farm communities, he wrote in his order. 

Growers and cities that use water from the State Water Project welcomed Newsom’s action. 

But environmental groups worry that it will kill salmon and other fish spiraling toward extinction. By diverting and storing more water, less is left in Delta rivers for fish.

Environmentalists also noted the similarity between Newsom’s order and President Donald Trump’s order last week to waive the Endangered Species Act and pump more water out of the Delta. The Army Corps of Engineers then abruptly increased outflow from two small San Joaquin Valley reservoirs. 

Trump posted on social media that the water would have prevented the Los Angeles wildfires — but that water does not reach Southern California. It also will do little to help farmers, since they need irrigation water for crops in spring and summer, not now. 

Jon Rosenfield, science director at San Francisco Baykeeper: “Trump issued an executive order that is nothing short of an assault on California’s environment, and it’s like Newsom said, ‘Hold my beer.’”

Speaking of Trump: On Saturday Trump issued an order imposing tariffs on goods from Mexico, Canada and China. The tariffs are meant to hold the countries “accountable to their promises of halting illegal immigration” and stopping fentanyl and other drugs “from flowing into our country,” according to the order.

As CalMatters reported in November, Mexico and China made up 40% of California’s imports in 2023 and the state could feel the brunt of the tariffs. Nationally, prices are projected to rise by nearly 1 percentage point, according to the UCLA Anderson Forecast. Because Canada is also a key supplier of lumber for the U.S., Trump’s order also has major implications for Southern California as it rebuilds from the deadly wildfires.

In addition to customers and small businesses feeling a hit, leaders from Canada and Mexico said they will impose retaliatory tariffs on American goods. California’s top exports include almonds, wine and dairy products.

 How will Trump’s second presidency affect your corner of California? CalMatters is working with public radio partners to gather perspectives across the state. Share your thoughts here.

CalMatters events: On Feb. 25 CalMatters’ Adam Echelman will hold a panel to discuss what the state is doing to help employment outcomes for Californians ages 16 to 24. Register here to attend in person at the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles or virtually.

Other Stories You Should Know

 Keeping CA kids insured

A patient waits in line to pick up a prescription at La Clinica in Oakland on Sept. 26, 2019. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters

When voters approved Proposition 35 in November to lock in tax revenue to pay more to the doctors who treat low-income Medi-Cal patients, voters also nixed dedicated funding to keep kids insured, among other Medi-Cal earmarks.

That’s now a problem. As CalMatters’ Kristen Hwang explains, due to administrative errors or missing paperwork, about 400,000 children on Medi-Cal lose coverage every year for a period of time and then must re-enroll. 

To pay for this gap in coverage, Newsom and state legislators passed a law last year allocating $33 million to fund the program starting in 2026. But there’s a rub: The legislation stipulated that continuous coverage would not be funded if Prop. 35 passed, which it overwhelmingly did.

Advocates are now urging Newsom to try again, and allow low-income children to stay on Medi-Cal without renewal requirements until age 5. But they face an uphill battle: To spend Medi-Cal money this way, California needs federal approval. And Trump’s initial attempt to freeze federal funding signaled his intent to slash spending for social safety net programs.

Read more here.

 

College students seek immigration services

Artwork created by students hangs on the walls at the Dream Resource Center at Pierce College in Woodland Hills near Los Angeles on Jan. 28, 2025. Photo by Alisha Jucevic for CalMatters

Demand for immigration legal services are skyrocketing at California colleges, write Delilah Brumer and Mercy Sosa of CalMatters’ College Journalism Network. The sudden uptick follows Trump’s pledges of mass deportations and the operations that federal immigration enforcement authorities are carrying out across the U.S. and California.

California has an estimated 100,000 students who are either undocumented or come from mixed-status families — more than any state. Over the last five years, the state has provided $52.2 million to fund college immigration resource centers, also known as Dream centers, to help undocumented students navigate financial aid applications and connect them with free legal services.

Since Trump’s November victory, legal service providers say their free consultations are booked several months out. Some Dream center coordinators also say that state funding is critical to the centers, and are calling for more stable sources of money. 

Read more here.

 

And lastly: Homelessness count and AI jobs

Volunteers Michelle Lefever (left) and Maggie DuRocher (center) survey a resident experiencing homelessness for the annual point-in-time count in San Diego on Jan. 25, 2024. Photo by Adriana Heldiz, CalMatters

California’s homeless population grew at a slower rate last year than the rest of the country, according to federal data. CalMatters homelessness reporter Marisa Kendall and video strategy director Robert Meeks have a video segment on the latest homelessness rates as part of our partnership with PBS SoCal. Watch it here.

And check out another video by CalMatters College Journalism Network reporters and Robert about the state’s partnership with Nvidia to prepare college students for careers in artificial technology. Watch it here.

SoCalMatters airs at 5:58 p.m. weekdays on PBS SoCal.

 

California Voices

California Voices deputy editor Denise Amos: After completing a four-year apprenticeship, a Los Angeles County ironworker and mother of two discusses the challenges of being one of the few women in the industry.

 

 Other things worth your time:

 

Some stories may require a subscription to read.

 Trump is threatening CA in the wrong way // The Atlantic

Federal firefighters fought LA’s blazes. Then came resignation offers // The Washington Post

CA still bullish on EV trucks, despite industry opposition and setbacks in Washington // Los Angeles Times

CA saw the nation’s biggest drop in death row inmates — without any executions // San Francisco Chronicle

Experts weigh in on immigration crackdown’s effect on CA $2B citrus harvest // The Fresno Bee

Possibility of immigration raids worries San Diego County medical providers // The San Diego Union-Tribune

Contra Costa County refinery fire under control, but ‘residual smoke and flaring’ possible // San Francisco Chronicle

A rising San Diego politician abruptly quit, raising a lot of questions // Los Angeles Times

 

See you next time!

Tips, insight or feedback? Email whatmatters@calmatters.org. Subscribe to CalMatters newsletters here. Follow CalMatters on Facebook and Twitter.

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CalMatters 1017 L Street #261 Sacramento, CA 95814 United States

 

[thevagabondexpress]

i need to extend a massive shout-out thank you to dairy farmers of america for buying up all the billboards in west virginia that used to be pregnancy care and especially unexpected pregnancy in an anti-abortion state care centers and putting ads for my favorite comfort drink up there instead. you made my road trip to canada 100% less dysphoric and generally uncomfortable

[fruitcage]

[deliictum]

Walking through the picturesque streets of Cardinal Hill, you find Rowan Suthikarn, the 33 year old farmer originally from Cardinal Hill, WA. Living alongside them in such a small town, you know that they're dependable and avoidant, but what you might not know is that they are a human and that they’re hiding something… ― chai hansen, bisexual, cis male, he/him. threads / prompts / wanted connections / musings / pinterest / playlist

full name: rowan suthikarn

nickanme(s): roe

gender + pronouns: male + he/him

age: 33

birthdate: :11th of august 1957 (leo)

occupation: farmer

hometown: cardinal hill, wa

BIOGRAPHY

The eldest of three siblings, born and raised in Cardinal Hill, Rowan grew up immersed in the farm’s rhythm, adopting the schedule of nature as his own. Though he fell cursed to the unavoidable longing of small town teenagers for something else, something more. Familial duty and the comfort of farm life kept Rowan anchored to the town for a couple more years, working odd jobs besides besides being a farm hand, and it’s not until both his siblings have packed their bags and left town the second that diplome touched their hands that he finally gathers the courage for a “gap year”, well aware that he’d never leave if he didn’t allow that wind of change to sweep him up along. His family’s not extremely wealthy by any means, but they’re … comfortable. Being one of the main dairy suppliers around, sending two of three kids off to college is relatively easy - but Rowan’s backpacking trip is funded entirely by himself. He hikes his way through Canada, then spends a few months in Phuket when his Yaa sends him a check to come visit her for his birthday. [ redacted ] The call to return home comes at the right time, and Rowan can’t wait to board that flight back to Washington. Disillusion colors his 18-hour trip back home, where his father unceremoniously passes the farm down to him, too incapacitated to continue running it with only the help of a couple farmhands and his mother. His siblings nowhere to be found, familial duty once again makes him step up, the past year quickly forgotten, pushed to the very back of his mind. The truth is, uncharacteristic for many small town kids, quiet farm life had been calling out to him for quite some time, and once he sets foot on familiar ground there’s a weight lifted off his shoulder, and he’s grounded. And so he settles back into life relatively easily. Isn’t even as mad as he should be when Sterling turns up at his doorstep after vanishing off the face of the earth for two years. The comfort of a familiar face is priceless, and what kind of friend would he be not to invite him with open arms?

There’s something haunting him, though, something that not even the settled routine of generations of farmers can disperse. During the day, at least, his mind’s quiet, stifled by the chipper of birds and idle chit chat. And at night, Rowan takes his escapism to the dance floor. And if there is no dance floor, then he opens one, between bar stools in a darkened, run-down ditch of a bar. Flashing lights, a smoke machine that continuously clouds his view, he loses himself in Bronski Beat and temporary connections. He’s well aware that the two sides of his life aren’t balanced, that both are simply a means to run from something. But it works, for now.

Rowan’s sort of the “go to guy” for help, whether it’s fixing fences or lending an ear, the kind of guy that’s always there when you need him. Has a strong sense of duty towards the town. 

Your typical “Hometown Charmer”, he appears kind and approachable in public, greets everyone on the street, takes time to make chit chat with the cashiers, etc.

Likes to think he’s trusted in the community, especially older folks who live around the farms who’ve seen him grow up.

At night, when he lets the music + dance floor pull him into a trance, he’s a massive flirt. Usually shy during the day, he blossoms at night. Bit of a reputation of rarely going home alone.

Due to things in his past, Rowan has a certain mistrust of magic. Sometimes he's completely chill with it, sometimes he's suddenly anxious and makes sure to stay out of certain situations.

Personality: Grounded, empathetic, playfully charismatic. He has a wild side he carefully keeps compartmentalized, only letting it out when he feels he’s “earned it.”

MISC./HADCANONS I THOUGHT WERE CUTE

Names every cow on the farm and insists they have “distinct personalities” that only he understands.

Talks to the animals when no one is around, giving them advice like they’re his co-workers.

Absolutely cannot stand store-bought mint products—he says they taste "fake."

Hums or taps rhythms with his hands when idle.

Has a ritual of making himself a cup of spearmint tea and watching the sunrise every morning, no matter how early he has to wake up.

Can whistle a tune perfectly but refuses to admit he practices.

There’s a big, lazy barn cat who likes to sleep on warm hay bales. Rowan pretends he doesn’t care about the cat but secretly spoils it.

A rich, warm laugh that he uses to diffuse tension

WANTED CONNECTIONS SIBLING(S) - Both of his younger siblings have abandoned small town farm life the second the opportunity arose, and are presumably doing very well for themselves in a bigger city. Rowan probably doesn't keep in touch with them as often as he should - there's that weird sense of having been left behind that drove a wedge in their relationship. FARMHANDS - People that help out at the farm, could be a steady job, could be seasonal work, Rowan always welcomes help with open arms (actively breaking with his father's aversion to accepting it). Fun coworker dynamics! But on a farm! FRIENDS - Just your basic average friendly connections. Rowan is presumably well-liked around town, he's an approachable, laid-back guy and he always makes sure to take time to chat with someone when he comes into town. / Another version of this could be CLUB FRIENDS - Rowan likes to go dancing as a form of escapism, maybe at venues a little bigger outside of town, and since he's careful not to let his 'day personality' bleed into his 'night personality', he'd hang with a completely different crowd at night. FLING(S) - So, Rowan has sort of a reputation among people also frequenting nightlife venues, and that is that he rarely goes home alone. One beer in and he's more charming than he already is, the compliments flow freely (and he's a surprisingly good dancer, too). One thing leads to another - those encounters never last long or go emotionally deep, though. (Could be fun to explore a fling turning into something more though??) PLAYFUL RIVALRY - exactly what it says on the tin! Maybe someone from a neighbouring farm, maybe someone working at a place he delivers dairy or cherries to. They'd have likely grown up it Cardinal Hill, too - or it could be something new!

[brookstonalmanac]

Holidays 10.18

Holidays

Alaska Day

Anti-Slavery Day (UK)

Anti-Trafficking Day (EU)

BBC Day

Boost Your Brain Day

Chili Pepper Day (French Republic)

Clean Water Act Day

Day Without the Delaware

Developmental Language Disorder Awareness Day

Dia de la Raza Day (Colombia)

Doctor’s Day (Brazil)

European Paper Bag Day

Festival of Poetic Terrorism

Flag Day (Chile)

Flora Duffy Olympic Commemoration Day (Bermuda)

Geologic Map Day

Hard Boiled Guy and B-Girl Day

Healthcare Aide Day (Canada)

Heroes’ and Forefathers Day (British Virgin Islands)

Information Overload Awareness Day

International Legging Day

International Necktie Day

Kati Bihu (Assam, India)

King Look Under Your Mattress’s Unique Hiding Display

Mason/Dixon Line Day

Medical Assistants Recognition Day

Moby Dick Day

National Bioenergy Day

National Comic Strip Appreciation Day

National Day of Prayer (Zambia)

National Exascale Day

National Ken Day

National Louie Day

National Mark Day

National No Beard Day

National Put a Shoe on Your Head Day

National Speak Up for Victims of Sexual Abuse Day

National Statistics Day (Japan)

National Sunday Day

National Unity Day

National Work Bestie Day

National Zane Day

Necktie Day (Croatia)

Newspaper Comic Strip Appreciation Day

No Beard Day

Old Farmers Day

Operation Safe Stop Day

Persons Day (Canada)

Postman’s Day (Poland)

Procession of the Lord of Miracles (Peru)

Rocky Horror Picture Show Day (L.A., California)

Shine a Light Night (Ireland)

Timber Innovation Day

Watch a Squirrel Day

World Bank Action Day

World Cravat Day (Croatia)

World Guitar Day

World Inherited Blood Disorders Day

World Menopause Day

World Nature Protection Day

World Okapi Day

World Seitan Day

World Vasectomy Day

World Youth Day for Democracy

Food & Drink Celebrations

Chocolate Cupcake Day

Meatloaf Appreciation Day

National Mashed Potato Day

World Seitan Day

Independence & Related Days

Alaska (Official Transfer from Russia to US; 1867)

Azerbaijan (from the USSR, 1991)

Tinakula (Declared; 2021) [unrecognized]

3rd Friday in October

Buckle Up Phone Down Day (Missouri) [3rd Friday]

Comfort Food Friday [Every Friday]

Developmental Language Disorder Awareness Day [3rd Friday]

Five For Friday [Every Friday]

Flashback Friday [Every Friday]

Fondue Friday [3rd Friday of Each Month]

Food Waste Friday (Canada) [3rd Friday]

Friday Finds [Every Friday]

Friendly Friday [3rd Friday of Each Month]

Fry Day (Pastafarian; Fritism) [Every Friday]

Global Champagne Day [3rd Friday]

Library Workers Day (Canada) [3rd Friday]

National Mammography Day [3rd Friday]

National Pharmacy Buyer Day [Friday of 3rd Full Week]

TGIF (Thank God It's Friday) [Every Friday]

World Fruit & Vegetable Day [3rd Friday]

World Student Day [3rd Friday]

Weekly Holidays beginning October 18 (2nd Full Week of October)

Charlotte Craft Beer Week (Charlotte, North Carolina) [thru 10.27]

Festivals Beginning October 18, 2024

Alabama Gourd Show (Hartselle, Alabama) [thru 10.19]

Andouille Festival (LaPlace, Louisiana) [thru 10.20

Apple Butter Stirrin' Festival (Coshocton, Ohio) [thru 10.20]

Crossville Oktoberfest (Crossville, Tennessee) [thru 10.19]

Delta Hot Tamale Festival (Greenville, Mississippi) [thru 10.19]

Freimarkt in Bremen (Bremen, Germany) [thru 11.3]

Georgia Peanut Festival (Sylvester, Georgia) [thru 10.19]

GogolFest (Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine) [thru 10.20]

Greek Festival (Fort Walton Beach, Florida) [thru 10.20]

Halifax County Harvest Days (Halifax, North Carolina) [thru 10.19]

Harvest Happenings, Apple Festival, Dairy Barn Emporium (Van Wert, Ohio) [thru 10.19]

Kickin’ Chicken Wing & Chili Fest (Florence, South Carolina)

Klamath Basin Potato Festival (Merrill, Oregon) [thru 10.19]

La Fête du Champagne (Houston, Texas) [thru 10.20]

Lviv Cheese & Wine Festival (Lviv, Ukraine) [thru 10.20

Message to Man International Film Festival (Saint Petersburg, Russia) [thru 10.27]

PalmFest: Fiesta de Palmas (McAllen, Texas) [thru 10.20]

Panama City Beach Oktoberfest (Panama City, Florida) [thru 10.20]

Poquoson Seafood Festival (Poquoson, Virginia) [thru 10.20]

Sparta Persimmon Days Festival (Sparta, Missouri) [thru 10.19]

Taste of Downtown Boise (Boise, Idaho) [thru 10.27]

TASTE Philadelphia Festival of Food, Wine and Spirits (Valley Forge, Pennsylvania) [thru 10.19]

Tuzla Film Festival (Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina) [thru 10.22]

Ukiah Country PumpkinFest (Mendocino County, California) [thru 10.20]

unWINE Downtown (Starkville, Mississippi)

Valladolid International Film Festival [Seminci] (Valladolid, Spain) [thru 10.26]

WhistleStop BBQ Festival at Midcity (Huntsville, Alabama) [thru 10.19]

Yachats Village Mushroom Fest (Yachats, Oregon) [thru 10.20]

Feast Days

Amish Tripathi (Writerism)

Doburoku Matsuri (Sake Festival; Shirahigetawara Shrine, Japan) [Day 2]

Feralia: Day of Purification (Pagan)

Irony Day (Pastafarian)

James Brooks (Artology)

Julian Sabas (Christian; Saint)

Justus (a.k.a. Justin) of Beauvais (Christian; Saint)

King Look Under Your Mattress’s Unique Hiding Display (Shamanism)

Little Summer (St. Luke’s)

Luca Giordano (Artology)

Luke the Evangelist (Christian; Saint) [brewers] *

Monan (Christian; Saint)

Ntozake Shange (Writerism)

Pandrosos (Greek all-refreshing Goddess)

Peter of Alcantara (Christian; Saint)

Richelieu Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Simhat Torah (begins at sundown; Judaism) [23 Tishrei]

Shemini Atzeret (Day 2; Judaism)

Stu Mead (Artology)

Swiss Cheese (Muppetism)

Terry McMillan (Writerism)

Thomas Phillips (Artology)

Vauvenargues (Positivist; Saint)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Shakku (赤口 Japan) [Bad luck all day, except at noon.]

Premieres

Alice the Fire Fighter (Ub Iwerks Alice Disney Cartoon; 1926)

Batman and Superman: Battle of the Super Sons (WB Animated Film; 2022)

The Batman vs. Dracula (WB Animated Film; 2005)

Batman: Year One (WB Animated Film; 2011)

Battlestar Galactica (TV Series; 2004)

BBC (UK Public Service Broadcaster; 1922)

Ben & Me: An Astonishing Life of Benjamin Franklin by His Good Mouse Amos, by Robert Lawson (Children’s Biography; 1923)

Chet Baker Big Band, by Chet Baker (Album; 1956)

Cowboy Bebop (Japanese Anime Series; 1998)

Cruise Cat (Tom & Jerry cartoon; 1952)

The Cuckoo Murder Case (Ub Iwerks Flip the Frog Disney Cartoon; 1930)

Happy Hunting Grounds (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1940)

Howard’s End, by E.M. Forster (Novel; 1910)

How I Won the War (Film; 1967)

The Human Condition, by Hannah Arendt (Science Book; 1958)

I’m Getting Sentimental Over You, by Tommy Dorsey (Song; 1935)

Jingle Bells (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1931)

Jojo Rabbit (Film; 2019)

The Jungle Book (Animated Disney Film; 1967)

The Keeper of the Lions (Oswald the Lucky Rabbit Cartoon; 1937)

La Bamba, by Ritchie Valens (Song; 1958)

The Lighthouse (Film; 2019)

Little Orphan Willie (Ub Iwerks Flip the Frog Disney Cartoon; 1930)

Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (Film; 2019)

Moby-Dick (Novel; 1851)

My Pop, My Pop (Fleischer Popeye Cartoon; 1940)

Other People’s Money (Film; 1991)

The Ring (Film; 2002)

Roseanne (TV Series; 1988)

The Saint in Action (a.k.a. The Ace of Knaves), by Leslie Charteris (Short Stories; 1937) [Saint #18]

Scooby-Doo Meets the Boo Brothers (Hanna-Barbera Animated TV Special; 1987)

Sudden Fried Chicken (Noveltoons Cartoon; 1946)

Swingers (Film; 1996)

Symphony No. 3, by Aaron Copland (Symphony; 1946)

Tennis for Two (Video Game; 1958)

Tree for Two (WB MM Cartoon; 1952)

12 Years a Slave (Film; 2013)

West Side Story (Film; 1961)

What a Wonderful World, by Louis Armstrong (Song; 1967)

The Yellow Kid (Comic Strip; 1896)

Zombieland: Double Tap (Film; 2019)

Zen and Japanese Culture, by D.T. Suzuki (Spiritual Book; 1938)

Today’s Name Days

Gwenn, Justus, Lukas (Austria)

Zlata, Zlatan, Zlatka, Zlatko, Zlatomir (Bulgaria)

Flavijan, Justus, Luka, Lukša (Croatia)

Lukáš (Czech Republic)

Lucas (Denmark)

Ludvig, Lui, Luukas (Estonia)

Luka, Luukas, Säde, Satu (Finland)

Luc (France)

Gwenn, Justus, Lukas, Viviana (Germany)

Loukas, Luke, Marinos (Greece)

Lukács (Hungary)

Luca (Italy)

Lūkass, Rolands, Ronalds (Latvia)

Kęsmina, Liubartas, Lukas (Lithuania)

Kjersti, Kjerstin (Norway)

Julian, Łukasz, René (Poland)

Luca (Romania)

Lukáš (Slovakia)

Lucas (Spain)

Lukas (Sweden)

Luke (Ukraine)

Blaine, Blair, Blane, Luca, Lucas, Lukas, Luke, Wynn, Wynton (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 292 of 2024; 74 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 5 of Week 42 of 2024

Celtic Tree Calendar: Gort (Ivy) [Day 20 of 28]

Chinese: Month 9 (Jia-Xu), Day 16 (Yi-Mao)

Chinese Year of the: Dragon 4722 (until January 29, 2025) [Wu-Chen]

Hebrew: 16 Tishri 5785

Islamic: 14 Rabi II 1446

J Cal: 22 Orange; Oneday [22 of 30]

Julian: 5 October 2024

Moon: 97%: Waning Gibbous

Positivist: 12 Descartes (11th Month) [Duclos / Diderot]

Runic Half Month: Gyfu (Gift) [Day 12 of 15]

Season: Autumn or Fall (Day 27 of 90)

Week: 2nd Full Week of October

Zodiac: Libra (Day 26 of 30)

[haila-wetyios]

I come from a third world country. Which makes it easy for peeps from the first world to have several misconceptions about living conditions or even where I am (my favourite is the one where they think Nicaragua is located in Africa, or me being Russian).

That said, my husband (who I now believe is the saint of patience in disguise) has done his best in the 10 years we've been together to try and at least explain to his family that no, I don't live in a hut, unaware of all commodities and twiddling my thumbs, trying to marry him to get a visa and dump him right away. Or that yes, there's several towns at my country with rich agriculture but all are modern enough that you won't feel like you're in the end of the world or in some random mountain in your tent (unless of course, you really wanted to go camping to all our green areas).

We got a half assed functioning capital city, we only have Summer all year round, and greens and dairy products are so rampant that there's tons of cheeses that I can't smuggle out to my friends because they come with zero preservatives and maybe some extra seasoning from the farmer hand that handled them that had no time to wash it before we got it.

We lack a few of the fancier things in current modern society yes (as in, old models of several things), but it reflects mostly in the lack of manners and survival of the fittest practice that we have to deal with on a daily basis against each other. And of course, the government insisting on getting the country to crumble from the inside and the oppression of those against it, but that's a topic for a different writing.

This of course, has not gotten through my dear mother in law's head, and now that I'm staying for a brief period of time with them to get the hang of Canada, everyday is a very wild day of hot takes from her strange assumptions about me, or the way she handles things in general. Here are some of them:

"That's a train! Have you ever seen/been on a train before?"

"Oh I just got organic milk! It's good for your body. Have you ever had organic milk?"

Asking which Canadian brand I have never heard off I would like for certain groceries.

Going through roads I've only seen once since first arriving and asking if they're familiar to me.

"OH I HAVE TO TEACH YOU HOW TO USE THE TV" *proceeds to press the ON button and tell me to choose Netflix on the menu*

Suggesting that since they got a bag full of toothpaste, lotions, deodorants and so on, that I could grab those and make small packets to bring back to gift to my friends and co-workers at home.

Being very confused as to why I would take a walk around the neighbourhood without my husband, who is chilling playing games and letting me do my own thing.

Asking my husband why I didn't cook him breakfast instead of us sharing duties on breakfast prepping.

Asking if I've ever had cheese from Portugal often (it's always a new different brand).

"Y'KNOWWHATIMEAN?" x8 times (minimum) to me during the day.

Trying to get me to agree that the current weather is blazing hot while I'm wearing at least 2 jackets.

Being very confused when I mentioned my parents went out on a fishing trip, asking why if our house 'is right next to the sea' (we live in the city).

Insisting that I accept several cloth donations.

Insisting that my family take several cloth donations.

Asking in different words if I've ever had boiled eggs???

Losing her mind when I mentioned we don't have sweet potatoes at home.

Being shocked that we grow our own herbs in the backyard (parsley, thyme, etc etc).

Now just in case, this doesn't upset me as much as it amuses me at this point. We deal with too much shit at home for misconceptions to get to me. But those are only the tip of the iceberg of everything I've seen and heard in roughly a week of being around. And I do have to admit, I'm both wondering while also being terrified of whatever misconception comes next. I've had several moments of giving the benefit of the doubt and my dear mother in law grabs those, and throws them into a home run far, far away.

She loves me and changing the way she thinks is definitely impossible. So just gotta take the list of things and roll with them I guess. In her eyes, I either popped out of thin air, or have been living in Canada for a long while, there's no in between image of me

[notwiselybuttoowell]

Karina Gonçalves David, a small-scale farmer representative from Brazil, is concerned by the presence of powerful and polluting firms. “If they are inside, they have an advantage. This place is about solutions to face the climate crisis but the companies are appropriating it to do lobbying. They are going the opposite way.”

The world’s top five meat companies’ emissions are estimated to be significantly larger than those of the oil firms Shell and BP, while the dairy industry’s 3.4% contribution to global human-induced emissions is a higher share than aviation.

Outspoken meat lobby groups are also on the ground in Dubai, including the North American Meat Institute, which as recently as 2022 claimed the extent of human-made climate breakdown was “unknown”.

Producers of pesticides have also turned out in high numbers this year, up 30% compared with 2022.

Together, Bayer, Syngenta, BASF and their trade association, CropLife, which has pushed back against attempts to enact new climate measures, sent 29 delegates.

Raj Patel, of the sustainability thinktank IPES-Food, said: “Just as with the influx of oil lobbyists, industrial agriculture businesses are scared. They have read the science and they know how much their business has driven the climate crisis.”

Big food and farming representatives are keen to steer conversations away from dietary change, which is under discussion at the summit. On Sunday, the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation will release the first draft of its plan for achieving a sustainable global food system, which is expected to call on rich nations to cut meat consumption.

This follows the recommendation of the Eat-Lancet Commission, which suggests people consume no more than 15.7 kg a year. In 2020, the average American consumed 126kg of meat.

Smallholder farmers are worried they will be sidelined by the power of the agribusiness lobby. A recent report showed small-scale producers get just 0.3% of international public climate finance despite producing a third of the world’s food.

Most corporations, lobby groups and NGOs that attend the Cop climate summits have “observer” status, but the analysis shows an increase in the number of industry representatives attending Cop28 with their national governments, making companies and lobby groups party to diplomatic negotiations.

Participating as country delegates, says Nusa Urbancic from the Changing Markets Foundation, means that industry may be perceived more as peers by policymakers who then give greater credibility to their positions.

The highest numbers of agribusiness representatives were brought in by Brazil, with 36 delegates linked mostly to the meat industry. Next in line was Russia, which handed out 15 passes to people affiliated with fertiliser companies and lobby groups, followed by Canada, which offered tickets to eight more delegates from fertiliser firms.

Fabrício Muriana, from Brazil’s Instituto Regenera, who is attending as an observer with the Global Alliance for the Future of Food, said: “They are here because they knew it would be a food Cop. It’s a cynical move because these people are not even beginning to scratch the surface of reducing harm, let alone addressing climate. We need stricter criteria on who is coming, and with what intentions.”

Big food companies have announced a handful of voluntary initiatives at Cop28. One is the UAE- and US-led Aim for Climate partnership, which has been criticised for skewing heavily towards techno-fixes and the commercial interests of large corporations.

The new analysis gives only a snapshot of the industrial agriculture sector’s influence. Agriculture and trade ministers, which fell outside the scope of the analysis, have been fierce advocates for the interests of agribusiness at UN events in recent years.

Government officials from Brazil and Argentina – both big producers of beef – pushed to water down scientific recommendations about reducing meat-eating in the latest IPCC report.

The US agriculture secretary, Tom Vilsack, a former dairy lobbyist, told industry groups before Cop28 that the US would use the summit to advocate for its market-based approach to agricultural policy, which shuns calls for regulation of industries such as meat and dairy.