HSUS: Is the Mask Slipping Off Over Fundraising Pitch?
Wednesday, December 23, 2009 2:04:00 PM
By Greg R. Lawson, Director of Communications
Is the mask used by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) to cover its agenda slipping a bit lately?
Of course, HSUS is no stranger to controversies surrounding how they raise funds. So it should be no surprise that many people are raising questions about the latest pitch by HSUS to raise $1 million by the end of the year for its “2010 Animal Survivors Fund.” What is surprising is that many of those ringing the alarm bells do not usually share our opposition to HSUS.
The e-mail and web solicitation in question comes from HSUS Animal Fighting Campaign Manager, John Goodwin. In the plea, Goodwin refers to “Fay”, a rescued pit bull that had been abused in a large St. Louis area dog fighting ring. While nothing in the solicitation appears to be technically inaccurate, some are disputing HSUS’ level of involvement in this issue.
In particular, many blogs that follow animal rescues questioned whether HSUS has done much to help the dogs after the ring was busted. According to several blogs, they felt HSUS was capitalizing on major media coverage of the ring’s bust in such publications as Time Magazine in order to raise money while the hard work was done by local animal shelters and welfare groups.
While the HSUS subsequently did eventually offer to pay $5,000 for surgeries to fix some of the dog’s injuries, some blogs expressed disgust at what they felt was a disingenuous fundraising tactic by HSUS.
At Pet Connection.com, Fay’s actual foster parent initially expressed concerns about the pitch by saying,
“I am rather sad that HSUS has chosen to use Fay in their fund drive. Fay has never received a dime from HSUS. How do I know? Because I am the one that is fostering Fay. Fay is currently going through expensive surgeries to recreate medically needed lips so her teeth do not fall out, her jaw bone stops deteriorating, and she can live a normal life. HSUS never contacted us regarding Fay. In the video John states she is in a loving home…really…thanks for the compliment but Fay is LOOKING for her forever home.”
In another example, the KC Dog Blog, a blog that focuses on animal welfare issues, had this to say,
“Meanwhile, there's HSUS. While it is nice of them to give $5,000 to help Fay, that is just a drop in the bucket to the money needed to help these dogs. As the world's largest and wealthiest "humane" organization, they have a responsibility to help ALL of the dogs from this bust. There are 499 more dogs (at least 250 of which are going to be re-homed) that also need help. The $5,000 will just skim the surface on the overall need for help for these animals - and would be a drop in the bucket for an organization that brought in over $82 million in donations last year and over $150 million in cash and investment assets. Meanwhile, HSUS continues to raise money on the backs of the smaller local rescues and yet is not helping the dogs that are coming from these fighting operations.”
We at the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, see very clearly through HSUS’ mask. It appears that others are beginning to do the same.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Lugar Essay Contest winners
Putnam County Joe Littiken, and Deena Hasselgrave of Cloverdale Middle School were named winners in the Lugar essay contest
County winners of the 2009-2010 Dick Lugar/Indiana Farm Bureau/Farm Bureau Insurance Companies Agricultural Essay Contest have been named.
Eighth grade students throughout Indiana wrote essays focusing on this year’s theme, “Farmers Looking at a Bright Future.” Students considered the growing global demand for food and energy resources and then creatively described what farm life may look like for future generations. They also described how Hoosier farmers can lead the industry in satisfying the growing demands and adapting to the changing landscape.
A farmer and former small businessman, Lugar created the essay contest as a way to teach Hoosier youth about the state’s agricultural heritage.
County winners will now compete at the district level. Ten district winners will be invited to attend the Indiana Farm Bureau Spring Conference, March 12-13 in Indianapolis, where they will be recognized for their achievements. State winners will be named at the spring conference.
County winners of the 2009-2010 Dick Lugar/Indiana Farm Bureau/Farm Bureau Insurance Companies Agricultural Essay Contest have been named.
Eighth grade students throughout Indiana wrote essays focusing on this year’s theme, “Farmers Looking at a Bright Future.” Students considered the growing global demand for food and energy resources and then creatively described what farm life may look like for future generations. They also described how Hoosier farmers can lead the industry in satisfying the growing demands and adapting to the changing landscape.
A farmer and former small businessman, Lugar created the essay contest as a way to teach Hoosier youth about the state’s agricultural heritage.
County winners will now compete at the district level. Ten district winners will be invited to attend the Indiana Farm Bureau Spring Conference, March 12-13 in Indianapolis, where they will be recognized for their achievements. State winners will be named at the spring conference.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Crop News update
Corn Update
WASDE Update
There weren’t many changes in the U.S.
Department of Agriculture’s December
estimates for corn. Ending stocks were
raised by 50 million bushels, as exports
were lowered by the same. This puts
corn ending stocks at nearly the same
level they were in 2008/2009. All other
estimates (production, yield, use, and
price) remained unchanged from
USDA’s November estimates.
Issue Update
EPA Delays Ethanol Blend Assessment –
EPA announced this week that it is
delaying a decision on whether to allow
higher blends of ethanol in gasoline until
mid-2010. EPA did suggest, however, that preliminary testing indicates that newer engines can
handle more of the additive. A final decision will not come until next summer when the Energy
Department is expected to finish testing the long-term environmental impact of higher ethanol
blends. But, tests so far show that model year 2001 and newer vehicles will "likely be able to
accommodate higher ethanol blends," such as a 15 percent limit requested by Growth Energy and
ethanol manufacturers.
European Commission Backs Food Imports with GMO Corn – The European Commission
approved food imports containing the genetically modified corn MIR604. It is expected that this
move will eventually allow the resumption of soybean imports from the United States, which have
2007/08 2008/ 09
Actual Estimate November December
Planted Area 93.5 86.0 86.4 86.4
Harvested Area 86.5 78.6 79.3 79.3
Bushels 150.7 153.9 162.9 162.9
Production 13,038 12,101 12,921 12,921
Total Supply 14,362 13,739 14,605 14,605
Feed & Residual 5,913 5,254 5,400 5,400
Ethanol for Fuel 3,049 3,677 4,200 4,200
Exports 2,437 1,858 2,100 2,050
Total Use 12,737 12,065 12,980 12,930
Ending Stocks 1,624 1,674 1,625 1,675
U.S. Corn Supply and Use
2009/10 Projection
Million Acres
Yield per Acre
Million Bushels
been on hold since June because of the EU’s zero tolerance policy on the presence of unapproved
GMO varieties. Earlier in November, EU member states failed to give a majority in favor or against
the GM corn MIR604, despite the urging of the Commission, amid concerns that beef and dairy
prices in the EU could spiral upward and shortages could occur because of the embargo on
soybeans from the United States. Because EU member states failed to reach a decision, the issue
reverted back to the Commission.
Soybean Update
WASDE Update
While production estimates remained
unchanged, U.S. soybean exports were
raised by 15 million bushels to 1.34
billion bushels. Most analysts, however,
were expecting a larger increase (along
the lines of 20 to 25 million bushels)
from USDA this month due to the record
export pace seen in recent weeks for
beans. The increased demand for beans
also raised USDA’s projections for
soybean prices to a range of $8.75 to
$10.25 per bushel.
Issue Update
House Approves A One-Year Extension of the Biodiesel Tax Incentive - The House approved the
Tax Extenders Act of 2009 (HR 4213) that includes a one-year extension (through December 31,
2010) of the biodiesel tax incentive. The bill faces an uncertain outlook in the Senate. The House
passed the extenders bill by a vote of 241-185, largely along party lines. The biodiesel tax incentive
is currently set to expire on December 31, 2009. Most proponents claim that production will cease
if the tax incentive is not extended.
Wheat Update
WASDE Update
U.S. wheat production estimates
remained unchanged from last month.
Wheat use, however, saw some
adjustments as food use was lowered to
15 million bushels. This raised ending
stocks to 900 million bushels.
Global wheat supplies were increased by
1 million tons as higher production in
both Canada and the European Union
more than offset the lower production
estimates for Australia. Production in
Canada was raised by 2.5 million tons
based on the latest estimates from the
Canadian government. Global wheat
trade estimates were lowered slightly this month, largely due to lower imports in Iran.
WASDE Update
There weren’t many changes in the U.S.
Department of Agriculture’s December
estimates for corn. Ending stocks were
raised by 50 million bushels, as exports
were lowered by the same. This puts
corn ending stocks at nearly the same
level they were in 2008/2009. All other
estimates (production, yield, use, and
price) remained unchanged from
USDA’s November estimates.
Issue Update
EPA Delays Ethanol Blend Assessment –
EPA announced this week that it is
delaying a decision on whether to allow
higher blends of ethanol in gasoline until
mid-2010. EPA did suggest, however, that preliminary testing indicates that newer engines can
handle more of the additive. A final decision will not come until next summer when the Energy
Department is expected to finish testing the long-term environmental impact of higher ethanol
blends. But, tests so far show that model year 2001 and newer vehicles will "likely be able to
accommodate higher ethanol blends," such as a 15 percent limit requested by Growth Energy and
ethanol manufacturers.
European Commission Backs Food Imports with GMO Corn – The European Commission
approved food imports containing the genetically modified corn MIR604. It is expected that this
move will eventually allow the resumption of soybean imports from the United States, which have
2007/08 2008/ 09
Actual Estimate November December
Planted Area 93.5 86.0 86.4 86.4
Harvested Area 86.5 78.6 79.3 79.3
Bushels 150.7 153.9 162.9 162.9
Production 13,038 12,101 12,921 12,921
Total Supply 14,362 13,739 14,605 14,605
Feed & Residual 5,913 5,254 5,400 5,400
Ethanol for Fuel 3,049 3,677 4,200 4,200
Exports 2,437 1,858 2,100 2,050
Total Use 12,737 12,065 12,980 12,930
Ending Stocks 1,624 1,674 1,625 1,675
U.S. Corn Supply and Use
2009/10 Projection
Million Acres
Yield per Acre
Million Bushels
been on hold since June because of the EU’s zero tolerance policy on the presence of unapproved
GMO varieties. Earlier in November, EU member states failed to give a majority in favor or against
the GM corn MIR604, despite the urging of the Commission, amid concerns that beef and dairy
prices in the EU could spiral upward and shortages could occur because of the embargo on
soybeans from the United States. Because EU member states failed to reach a decision, the issue
reverted back to the Commission.
Soybean Update
WASDE Update
While production estimates remained
unchanged, U.S. soybean exports were
raised by 15 million bushels to 1.34
billion bushels. Most analysts, however,
were expecting a larger increase (along
the lines of 20 to 25 million bushels)
from USDA this month due to the record
export pace seen in recent weeks for
beans. The increased demand for beans
also raised USDA’s projections for
soybean prices to a range of $8.75 to
$10.25 per bushel.
Issue Update
House Approves A One-Year Extension of the Biodiesel Tax Incentive - The House approved the
Tax Extenders Act of 2009 (HR 4213) that includes a one-year extension (through December 31,
2010) of the biodiesel tax incentive. The bill faces an uncertain outlook in the Senate. The House
passed the extenders bill by a vote of 241-185, largely along party lines. The biodiesel tax incentive
is currently set to expire on December 31, 2009. Most proponents claim that production will cease
if the tax incentive is not extended.
Wheat Update
WASDE Update
U.S. wheat production estimates
remained unchanged from last month.
Wheat use, however, saw some
adjustments as food use was lowered to
15 million bushels. This raised ending
stocks to 900 million bushels.
Global wheat supplies were increased by
1 million tons as higher production in
both Canada and the European Union
more than offset the lower production
estimates for Australia. Production in
Canada was raised by 2.5 million tons
based on the latest estimates from the
Canadian government. Global wheat
trade estimates were lowered slightly this month, largely due to lower imports in Iran.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Contact your crop insurance agent
Farmers need to contact crop insurance agent
by Dec. 10, Indiana Farm Bureau says
Harvest is nearing completion in most areas of Indiana, with only the wettest fields remaining. A few corn fields will not be harvested until the ground freezes hard enough to support equipment.
If their harvest has been delayed, farmers with federal crop insurance coverage should contact their crop insurance agents before December 10, the end of the policies’ insurance period, according to Indiana Farm Bureau.
In Indiana, the official “end of the federal crop insurance period” for corn and soybeans is Dec. 10.
“It is important that farmers submit their notice of loss to their crop agent before December 10, 2009,” said Jim Rink, director of farm/crop programs at Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance.
“The ability to manage risk through crop insurance is a valuable tool available to Indiana farmers,” said Indiana Farm Bureau President Don Villwock. “This harvest season has been especially difficult for many Hoosier farmers. Crop insurance is the key to financial stability for farmers, enabling farmers to supply food and fiber to Hoosiers despite severe weather and other uncertainties that impact our business.”
Although Hoosier farmers made progress completing the harvest in many parts of the state, there are pockets where the wet weather conditions are still delaying harvest.
Some important reminders for insured farmers who are facing a delayed harvest:
· Submit a notice of loss with your agent if you have not already done so and request additional time to harvest in order to protect your crop insurance coverage.
· Continue to carry out normal and customary harvesting practices, if possible, utilizing available windows of opportunity.
· Yield-based policies provide coverage for loss of quality (review crop provisions for specifics), reduced yields and revenue losses (if chosen).
· If, for example, you are unable to harvest by the end of the federal crop insurance period due to extreme wet or snowy conditions, your crop insurance company may allow additional time to harvest if:
o You give timely notice of loss to your agent; and,
o It is determined and documented by the insurance company that the delay was due to an insured cause of loss; and,
o You demonstrate that harvest was not possible due to an insured cause of loss; and,
o The delay was not due to an uninsured cause of loss or because you did not have sufficient equipment or manpower to harvest.
When your crop insurance company authorizes additional time to harvest, the end of the insurance period is NOT extended. Rather, you are granted additional time to attempt to harvest the crop in order to settle any loss based on harvested production. Any additional damage to your crop (by an insured cause of loss) during the extension period is covered. Any avoidable production loss will be charged as an appraisal against the guarantee in your policy. Please be aware that if there is significant snow cover, if the crop is under water, or if extreme wet conditions exist, the crop insurance company should not (and is not required to) perform final inspections when conditions make it impossible to obtain appraisals accurately.
Ninety-one percent of the corn crop has been harvested compared to 99 percent last year and 98 percent for the 5-year average. Virtually all of the soybean acreage has been harvested compared with 100 percent this time last year and 99 percent for the 5-year average.
-30-
Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance has served Hoosiers for 75 years. Organized in 1934 by Indiana Farm Bureau Inc., the company has grown to include insurance products for auto, life, home, business and farm. Banking and other financial services and products are also available through its local offices. With a home office in downtown Indianapolis and local offices in all 92 counties, Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance serves Hoosiers with more than 480 agents and 1,200 employees living and working throughout the state. The company is the largest writer of farm insurance and the second largest writer of auto and homeowners insurance in the state.
by Dec. 10, Indiana Farm Bureau says
Harvest is nearing completion in most areas of Indiana, with only the wettest fields remaining. A few corn fields will not be harvested until the ground freezes hard enough to support equipment.
If their harvest has been delayed, farmers with federal crop insurance coverage should contact their crop insurance agents before December 10, the end of the policies’ insurance period, according to Indiana Farm Bureau.
In Indiana, the official “end of the federal crop insurance period” for corn and soybeans is Dec. 10.
“It is important that farmers submit their notice of loss to their crop agent before December 10, 2009,” said Jim Rink, director of farm/crop programs at Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance.
“The ability to manage risk through crop insurance is a valuable tool available to Indiana farmers,” said Indiana Farm Bureau President Don Villwock. “This harvest season has been especially difficult for many Hoosier farmers. Crop insurance is the key to financial stability for farmers, enabling farmers to supply food and fiber to Hoosiers despite severe weather and other uncertainties that impact our business.”
Although Hoosier farmers made progress completing the harvest in many parts of the state, there are pockets where the wet weather conditions are still delaying harvest.
Some important reminders for insured farmers who are facing a delayed harvest:
· Submit a notice of loss with your agent if you have not already done so and request additional time to harvest in order to protect your crop insurance coverage.
· Continue to carry out normal and customary harvesting practices, if possible, utilizing available windows of opportunity.
· Yield-based policies provide coverage for loss of quality (review crop provisions for specifics), reduced yields and revenue losses (if chosen).
· If, for example, you are unable to harvest by the end of the federal crop insurance period due to extreme wet or snowy conditions, your crop insurance company may allow additional time to harvest if:
o You give timely notice of loss to your agent; and,
o It is determined and documented by the insurance company that the delay was due to an insured cause of loss; and,
o You demonstrate that harvest was not possible due to an insured cause of loss; and,
o The delay was not due to an uninsured cause of loss or because you did not have sufficient equipment or manpower to harvest.
When your crop insurance company authorizes additional time to harvest, the end of the insurance period is NOT extended. Rather, you are granted additional time to attempt to harvest the crop in order to settle any loss based on harvested production. Any additional damage to your crop (by an insured cause of loss) during the extension period is covered. Any avoidable production loss will be charged as an appraisal against the guarantee in your policy. Please be aware that if there is significant snow cover, if the crop is under water, or if extreme wet conditions exist, the crop insurance company should not (and is not required to) perform final inspections when conditions make it impossible to obtain appraisals accurately.
Ninety-one percent of the corn crop has been harvested compared to 99 percent last year and 98 percent for the 5-year average. Virtually all of the soybean acreage has been harvested compared with 100 percent this time last year and 99 percent for the 5-year average.
-30-
Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance has served Hoosiers for 75 years. Organized in 1934 by Indiana Farm Bureau Inc., the company has grown to include insurance products for auto, life, home, business and farm. Banking and other financial services and products are also available through its local offices. With a home office in downtown Indianapolis and local offices in all 92 counties, Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance serves Hoosiers with more than 480 agents and 1,200 employees living and working throughout the state. The company is the largest writer of farm insurance and the second largest writer of auto and homeowners insurance in the state.
Friday, December 4, 2009
FB news
I attended an Indiana Farm Bureau Public Relations workshop in Indy today to get any new information. The State FB is planning a big Legislative kickoff on January 6th. We will be planning a Statehouse visit sometime in January along with having our Legislative Update sessions here in our Greencastle FB Boardroom on the 3rd Saturdays of Jan-March at 8am.
We will be having an Education Roundtable allowing the County Superintendents and school board members to meet with the legislators on Dec. 14th. We are also on US Representative Ellsworth's agenda for an Ag Roundtable on January 23rd.
I was asked recently what FB has been doing for Ag? Well the above list is just a start. We are also continuing our efforts to protect Animal Agriculture, the Indiana FB members were successful in getting the Estate Tax exemption passed in the US House, and we will continue to push for equal caps on property tax along with slowing down the increases in assessed value of farmland. For questions or if you are not a Farm Bureau member and would like to be contact Steve Cash at spcash@tds.net.
We will be having an Education Roundtable allowing the County Superintendents and school board members to meet with the legislators on Dec. 14th. We are also on US Representative Ellsworth's agenda for an Ag Roundtable on January 23rd.
I was asked recently what FB has been doing for Ag? Well the above list is just a start. We are also continuing our efforts to protect Animal Agriculture, the Indiana FB members were successful in getting the Estate Tax exemption passed in the US House, and we will continue to push for equal caps on property tax along with slowing down the increases in assessed value of farmland. For questions or if you are not a Farm Bureau member and would like to be contact Steve Cash at spcash@tds.net.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)