About This Issue

Welcome to the special "Inauguration Issue" of The Animal Science Monitor! While the next President of the United States will be officially sworn into office today, this also marks the first appearance of a guest writer (Trent Loos) within the pages of The ASM in 2009. Coincidentally, the article, "Uncle Sam is Not a Horse Man," deals with the federal government. And for those of you seeking a bit lighter fare, we're also introducing a new annual feature in the newsletter - the staff picks for the upcoming Super Bowl. We hope that your year has been super so far, and that you enjoy this issue of The Animal Science Monitor.

Dan & Don

The ASM 'Video Link of the Month'

You can't think of the Super Bowl without also thinking of Super Bowl commercials. That's why in this month's issue of The Animal Science Monitor, we're devoting our "Video Link" segment to one of last year's funniest Super Bowl spots. As you might have guessed, it deals with animals.

In a way, it's a shame that the Philadelphia Eagles aren't playing in this year's Super Bowl. You'll find out why after viewing the video, which you can do by clicking here.

Remember, we're currently accepting submissions for our "Video Link of the Month" feature, which will run in the last issue of the month throughout the year. These videos can be humorous in nature, like the one above, or they can pertain to a university or organizational production regarding research or development. Above all, of course, they must deal with animals or animal science.

You can send your video links to matt@animalsciencemonitor.com. As always, The ASM staff reserves the right to reject any submission for any reason.

If you'd like to share other Super Bowl commercial links with ASM readers, you can do so in our forum, which is located at www.animalsciencemonitor.com.

A note from Dan Simmons:

“In June of 2008, I had the opportunity to hear Trent Loos as the keynote speaker at the American Meat Science Association’s Reciprocal Meat Conference in Gainesville, Fla. Trent engaged the audience from the first moment and held their attention until he finished. His homespun wisdom was matched by his knowledge of science. He related to everyone in the room, from the commercial professionals to the academics and even to this recruiter. Trent recently wrote an article for FeedStuffs magazine that I think deserves our attention. I hope you find it interesting.”

Uncle Sam Not a Horseman

As responsible owners of animals, the government gets a failing grade. It has been a while since I’ve visited about the issue of wild horses in the United States but a recent GOA investigation has once again brought the topic to the forefront. As a quick recap, the U.S. government owns over 33,000 horses that run in 11 western states. The problem with their management style is that they spend 74% of their budget on the 24,000 horses that have been removed from the lands of the west and are considered unqualified for adoption. These horses are all considered unable to be adopted and are simply warehoused on ranches in Kansas and Oklahoma.

You have heard the horror stories about horse owners who can no longer afford to feed their horses and have no outlet for marketing them. Well now Uncle Sam belongs to that group. First off, I have no problem with the horses in the Nevada range, which is home to 50% of all BLM horses. I think they should be managed more appropriately, particularly in ways in which they could benefit the ecosystem, but the government can’t afford to manage them in a stewardly manner because all of their funds are wasted on the warehoused horses. In fact, a friend of mine who ranches in the Flint Hills of Kansas told me that ranchers tending government horses in his area just received a pay raise and these horses are now costing the government over $2.00 per/day to keep. Incidentally, that bill is going directly to the taxpayers if you stop to think about who funds the “government” and it’s lack of fiscal responsibility.

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management needs to consider euthanizing wild horses or selling many of them to reduce spiraling costs of keeping them in long-term holding facilities was the report this past Monday. The report also noted that the agency has the authority to euthanize or sell large numbers of horses without restrictions but has not done that because of fear of outrage from the public or Congress. Fear of not being able to explain the cycle of life to 304 million American citizens seems to be a common excuse for government’s inability to make the tough choices.

Furthermore, euthanasia is not a good choice because we have a growing number of hungry people in the world. What kind of a moral person kills a horse simply to pay to bury it when people are dying every day from starvation? Zoo managers in the United States have also been struggling with access to protein for lions and tigers since we shut down the last horse harvesting facility in Illinois.

In my most recent speaking opportunities I have really been focusing how important it is for all of us to accept the challenge of explaining life.

Everything lives, everything dies and death with a purpose gives full meaning to life. I truly believe that the challenges to the future of food production lie within the basic understanding of that saying. What value comes to the horse or to humans when we warehouse wild horses on ranches in Kansas? The basic natural instinct is removed because these animals are not allowed to reproduce (thank goodness). Let’s face it, if a horse cannot reproduce, what does it have to live for? Simply to satisfy that whims of an animal-ignorant society that has never provided any care for one these animals?

We were given a warning about the worship of animals and it seems to me that we have lost sight of that. When 84% of American pet owners consider themselves mother or father of their pet, how is it that we believe that they will understand the natural course of life for a food animal, including a horse.

I agree that the BLM needs to find a solution for the glut of unwanted horses in the long-term holding facilities but the solution lies in acting like a stallion and not a gelding and getting the job done! We quit using horsemeat in pet food 15 years ago because of what people might think about it if they knew they were feeding horsemeat to their dogs. We have now increased the plane of nutrition and extended the life a BLM horse in long-term facilities out of fear over public concern. Since when is public sentiment more important than common sense and responsibility? If we are so concerned about what the John Q. Public has to say, let him take a look at the feed bill for these horses and ask him how long he wants to continue paying it.

I, too, am the public and while I am upset about this unwarranted use of natural resources and tax dollars, I am even more concerned that the human race can’t tell the difference between a four-legged animal and one with only two!

Trent Loos is a sixth generation United States farmer with a passion for the rural lifestyle.  He is heard on more than 100 radio stations as host of “Loos Tales” and “Rural Route” radio shows.  He is a public speaker and founder of Faces of Ag.  Loos also can frequently be found addressing agricultural and non-agricultural groups alike.  Among his favorite audiences are our nation's youth, where he takes the opportunity to talk with them about the importance of food as a matter of national security and the value of their involvement in today's food production system.

Trent was raised on a diversified farm near Quincy, Ill.  He entered the hog business at a young age and has been involved in livestock production ever since.  He and his wife, Kelli, operate a purebred Limousin and Angus herd. They enjoy working cattle, training horses, and raising their three daughters on their ranch in central Nebraska.

The ASM Staff Picks the Super Bowl Winner!

While Dan Simmons is most certainly bummed that the Baltimore Ravens did not make it to the Super Bowl, we at The Animal Science Monitor have still decided to release our first annual picks for the big game.  This year’s Super Bowl, scheduled for Sunday, February 1, will feature the Arizona Cardinals and the Pittsburgh Steelers.  Below are the staff’s predictions for the game, and we also invite you to post your thoughts in our forum, which is located at www.animalsciencemonitor.com.

(Editor's Note: All picks are for fun only; no wagers should be placed based upon the information contained in this newsletter.  Not that you would do that, after all.)

Dan Simmons, executive recruiter:

"If the Steelers were able to beat the Ravens, I think they can go all the way."

Don Hunter, executive recruiter:

"As a Detroit Lions and University of Michigan fan I’m probably the least qualified to assess 2 fine football teams and come up with a prediction as to who is the best team. However, let me give you my best guess. In my opinion defense wins "Championships" and the Steelers led the NFL in defense for the third time in five seasons. They allowed the fewest yards and points this season and also led the NFL in pass defense. I’m going with the Steelers – no prediction on points."

Beth Hilson, web designer:

"I'm going to have to go with the Cardinals. Living in Northeast Ohio, you are taught young not to root for the Steelers, unless, of course, they are playing the Ravens!"

Matt Deutsch, managing editor:

"The Cardinals are a great Cinderella story, and while it's difficult to root against Kurt Warner, the Steelers’ defense is tenacious and unrelenting.  I can see Arizona making a few big plays, but not enough to win.  Look for a 27-21 Pittsburgh victory."

Coming Up in the Next Issue...

You've got questions (about this economy)? We've got answers! Specifically, Dan and Don have answers. In the next issue of the Animal Science Monitor, they'll tackle some of the questions that are paramount on people's minds these days, especially those that deal with how you as an employee can become more valuable to your company, expand your abilities, sharpen your skill set, and stay on course in regards to your career goals and ambitions. Dan and Don have the knowledge and experience to help guide you through just about any situation, so this is one newsletter that you won't want to miss.

The next issue of The Animal Science Monitor is scheduled for publication on Tuesday, February 3.