What Do Local Shelters Think Of Good, Old HSUS?
Amanda Nolz September 28th, 2010
What do local shelters think of the good, old Humane Society of the U.S. (HSUS)? That was the question posed to me when I spoke at the American Farm Bureau’s Promotion and Education Conference in Bloomington, MN last Friday. After discussing some of the recent happenings and run-ins occurring in my home state of South Dakota with the national organization, I reminded the group of some key statistics that we need to be sharing with our friends, neighbors and colleagues.For example, did you know?
-83% of Americans have a favorable view of HSUS.
-71% of Americans believe HSUS is an umbrella group for local pet shelters.
-63% believe their local shelter is associated with HSUS.
-59% believe HSUS shares most of its money with local pet shelters.
-Yet, less than 1/2 of 1% actually goes to local shelters.
*Statistics courtesy of HumaneWatch.org.
During my speech, one attendee raised her hand and shared with the group that she had worked with their local shelter before, and they felt HSUS actually took away money that might otherwise be given to them directly. They were actually considering changing their name in order to differentiate themselves from the group and raise money for the work they do to help animals.
Today’s homework is this: Initiate a conversation with your local animal shelter. Find out what they think about the national organization. Share with them the statistics of HSUS and how very few dollars actually trickle down to local shelters. Do they realize these things? Have they been impacted by the cute kitty and puppy commercials asking viewers for $19.99 each month for HSUS? Ask the managers how communities can assist and keep these doors open to continue to help animals.
As farmers and ranchers, we practice animal care each and every day. These local shelters have the same goals in mind. Certainly, we can work together to educate consumers how their hard-earned dollars can be better spent than sending it to our pals at the HSUS lobbying office. What are your thoughts?
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Fairboard Annual meeting
The Putnam County Fair and 4-H Club Association will hold it's Annual meeting Monday, September 27th at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Building on the Fairgrounds. There will be a pitch-in dinner with meat, rolls, drink and table service provided. You are asked to provide a well filled basket for all to enjoy. According to the bylaws it appears that these townships will be voted upon this (even) year. Listed are the townships and those currently seated on the board.
Jackson - Jeff Coffman
Madison - Ken Heeke
Warren - Rick Sutherland
Cloverdale - Kevin Oxford
Monroe - Jim Hilburn
Marion - My Gilley
Franklin - Raymond McCloud
At - Large positions
Steve Cash
Gerald Edwards
Gerrit Thompson
Terry Clifford
LT Taylor
Rick Judy
Al Harwood
Gene Grable
Officers to be elected at the October meeting will be President, Vice President, and Treasurer.
Livestock Auction Buyers are invited to be our guests at the meeting and are not required to bring any food.
Jackson - Jeff Coffman
Madison - Ken Heeke
Warren - Rick Sutherland
Cloverdale - Kevin Oxford
Monroe - Jim Hilburn
Marion - My Gilley
Franklin - Raymond McCloud
At - Large positions
Steve Cash
Gerald Edwards
Gerrit Thompson
Terry Clifford
LT Taylor
Rick Judy
Al Harwood
Gene Grable
Officers to be elected at the October meeting will be President, Vice President, and Treasurer.
Livestock Auction Buyers are invited to be our guests at the meeting and are not required to bring any food.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
2010 Master Farmer - Keith Berry
Local grower gives back
Greencastle farmer Keith Berry was recently honored by Indiana Prairie Farmer Magazine as a Master Farmer for 2010.
While the award recognizes Keith's commitment and contributions to agriculture, it is also a recognition of the many ways this local man gives back in Putnam County.
Keith raises corn and soybeans near Greencastle, and also operates a 135-sow farrow to finish operation with his son, Brian. Keith has served in leadership in several capacities: As president of Indiana Pork Producers, president of National Pork Producers Council, and within Putnam County SWCD, where he has also achieved awards.
He is also a dedicated volunteer: earning the Blue and Gold Award from South Putnam FFA, and serving as trustee of Putnamville Baptist Church, and as vice president of Putnam County Council.
Keith also provides valuable insights and leadership on the Co-Alliance Board of Directors.
He has served for many years in this capacity, and was nominated for the Master Farmer award by fellow director Jim Lankford.
Kevin A. Still, CEO of Co-Alliance, said, "I truly can't imagine navigating all the experiences we have (at Co-Alliance) without the influence of Keith Berry."
Greencastle farmer Keith Berry was recently honored by Indiana Prairie Farmer Magazine as a Master Farmer for 2010.
While the award recognizes Keith's commitment and contributions to agriculture, it is also a recognition of the many ways this local man gives back in Putnam County.
Keith raises corn and soybeans near Greencastle, and also operates a 135-sow farrow to finish operation with his son, Brian. Keith has served in leadership in several capacities: As president of Indiana Pork Producers, president of National Pork Producers Council, and within Putnam County SWCD, where he has also achieved awards.
He is also a dedicated volunteer: earning the Blue and Gold Award from South Putnam FFA, and serving as trustee of Putnamville Baptist Church, and as vice president of Putnam County Council.
Keith also provides valuable insights and leadership on the Co-Alliance Board of Directors.
He has served for many years in this capacity, and was nominated for the Master Farmer award by fellow director Jim Lankford.
Kevin A. Still, CEO of Co-Alliance, said, "I truly can't imagine navigating all the experiences we have (at Co-Alliance) without the influence of Keith Berry."
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Rural Youth / Young Adult Reunion
Rural Youth/Young Adults alumni reunion planned for Sept. 25
The biennial statewide reunion for all former members of Rural Youth/Young Adults will be on Saturday, Sept. 25, in Scott Hall at the Johnson County Fairgrounds in Franklin, Ind.
Registration is at 1 p.m. EDT, and the program begins at 2 p.m. EDT. Supper will be available for purchase.
This is a new site for the reunion, which is held every two years. This year’s reunion will include special recognition of members who participated in the Alpine ski trip to Innsbruck, Austria, December 1969-January 1970. Keynote speaker will be Isabella Chism, second vice president of Indiana Farm Bureau Inc. and a naturalized citizen of the U.S. who was born in Austria.
Sponsored by Indiana Farm Bureau Inc. and Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service, Rural Youth/Young Adults was active from 1939-1989. It was made up of single adults between the ages of 18-28. The three broad aims of the organization were education, recreation and community service.
Its peak membership occurred in the 1950s and ’60s when it boasted 6,000 members statewide.
At one time or another there was a Rural Youth/Young Adult club in each county in Indiana. Some clubs functioned continuously from the beginning; others were disbanded and reorganized at later dates. Still in existence is the RY/YA club in Bartholomew County, which has for many years sold homemade ice cream at the Bartholomew County Fair.
The ski trip to Austria wasn’t the only trip sponsored by RY/YA. Among the others were trips to Spain, Hawaii and Las Vegas as well as to dude ranches in Texas and Colorado and the World’s Fair in Toronto, Canada.
One of the group’s major statewide community service projects was installing seat belts in automobiles before they were required by the federal government.
Dennis Noel of Seymour, Ind. (bjnoel13@juno.com ), and Richard Nigh of Shelbyville (rlnigh@yahoo.com ) are co-chairmen for this year’s reunion. They lead a planning committee of seven people from across the state. Mike Jones, Anderson, Ind. (miketiltent@comcast.net ), retiree from Indiana Farm Bureau Inc., and Howard Crussel, Lafayette (765-447-4239), retiree from Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service, both former state RY/YA consultants, are now advisors to the committee.
The biennial statewide reunion for all former members of Rural Youth/Young Adults will be on Saturday, Sept. 25, in Scott Hall at the Johnson County Fairgrounds in Franklin, Ind.
Registration is at 1 p.m. EDT, and the program begins at 2 p.m. EDT. Supper will be available for purchase.
This is a new site for the reunion, which is held every two years. This year’s reunion will include special recognition of members who participated in the Alpine ski trip to Innsbruck, Austria, December 1969-January 1970. Keynote speaker will be Isabella Chism, second vice president of Indiana Farm Bureau Inc. and a naturalized citizen of the U.S. who was born in Austria.
Sponsored by Indiana Farm Bureau Inc. and Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service, Rural Youth/Young Adults was active from 1939-1989. It was made up of single adults between the ages of 18-28. The three broad aims of the organization were education, recreation and community service.
Its peak membership occurred in the 1950s and ’60s when it boasted 6,000 members statewide.
At one time or another there was a Rural Youth/Young Adult club in each county in Indiana. Some clubs functioned continuously from the beginning; others were disbanded and reorganized at later dates. Still in existence is the RY/YA club in Bartholomew County, which has for many years sold homemade ice cream at the Bartholomew County Fair.
The ski trip to Austria wasn’t the only trip sponsored by RY/YA. Among the others were trips to Spain, Hawaii and Las Vegas as well as to dude ranches in Texas and Colorado and the World’s Fair in Toronto, Canada.
One of the group’s major statewide community service projects was installing seat belts in automobiles before they were required by the federal government.
Dennis Noel of Seymour, Ind. (bjnoel13@juno.com ), and Richard Nigh of Shelbyville (rlnigh@yahoo.com ) are co-chairmen for this year’s reunion. They lead a planning committee of seven people from across the state. Mike Jones, Anderson, Ind. (miketiltent@comcast.net ), retiree from Indiana Farm Bureau Inc., and Howard Crussel, Lafayette (765-447-4239), retiree from Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service, both former state RY/YA consultants, are now advisors to the committee.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
More on HSUS
HSUS Closes Doors to Agriculture, Store Owner Cancels Meeting
Amanda Nolz September 1st, 2010
“Want to find out how you can help animals? The Humane Society of the U.S. (HSUS) invites our members, supporters and other animal advocates to a grassroots meeting to discuss current issues affecting animals. If you are concerned about local animal issues or just interested in creating a more compassionate South Dakota, you should attend this informative meeting to learn how you can take action for animals. Remember to bring your ideas, concerns and questions, and don’t forget to invite your friends. RSVP today to lend your hand and make a difference for the animals in South Dakota! Please tell all your friends. Hope to see you there!”
The above invitation was sent out by HSUS, which currently has a full-time staff member located in South Dakota. The proposed meeting was to be held on Aug. 25 at Oh My Cupcakes, a locally owned shop in downtown Sioux Falls. Interestingly enough, when several agriculture groups and producers responded to the invite and sent in their RSVPs, they were surprised to learn that they were quickly uninvited to the event.
Darci Adams, the HSUS state director for South Dakota, sent out an email to anyone with ties to the agriculture industry that read, “Perhaps you’ve been misinformed, but this is not a public event. This is a private gathering for members of HSUS and supporters who want to get involved in our work to alleviate animal cruelty.”
Adams offered to meet with the farmers and ranchers at a “separate, more appropriate setting.” Unlike my counterparts, I was just planning on showing up to the meeting, leaving my boots at home and carrying a checkbook in hand. (I figured that would give me an all-access pass to the meeting!) However, the meeting was canceled after the owner of the shop that was to host the event received a few phone calls from producers sharing their disappointment with her affiliation with HSUS. She felt hoodwinked by HSUS, she said, especially because she is a strong supporter of local farmers and ranchers, purchasing her eggs and milk from area farmers to make her delicious cupcakes.
What are you afraid of, HSUS? Why couldn’t farmers and ranchers attend your meeting? How does it feel to know a local business didn’t want to be connected to you? What’s your next plan to deceive consumers once they know that you aren’t connected to local animal shelters?
I thought all of you might like to know what’s going on in my neck of the woods. Remember to keep it positive and continue working to educate others about the true mission of HSUS, which is to abolish animal agriculture and eliminate meat, dairy and eggs from the American diet. For more information on this subject, check out www.humanewatch.org.
Oh, and by the way, the next time you swing through Sioux Falls, be sure to stop at Oh My Cupcakes and enjoy one of their sweet treats. I look forward to trying fun flavors like “The Marilyn” and “Party Animal.”
Amanda Nolz September 1st, 2010
“Want to find out how you can help animals? The Humane Society of the U.S. (HSUS) invites our members, supporters and other animal advocates to a grassroots meeting to discuss current issues affecting animals. If you are concerned about local animal issues or just interested in creating a more compassionate South Dakota, you should attend this informative meeting to learn how you can take action for animals. Remember to bring your ideas, concerns and questions, and don’t forget to invite your friends. RSVP today to lend your hand and make a difference for the animals in South Dakota! Please tell all your friends. Hope to see you there!”
The above invitation was sent out by HSUS, which currently has a full-time staff member located in South Dakota. The proposed meeting was to be held on Aug. 25 at Oh My Cupcakes, a locally owned shop in downtown Sioux Falls. Interestingly enough, when several agriculture groups and producers responded to the invite and sent in their RSVPs, they were surprised to learn that they were quickly uninvited to the event.
Darci Adams, the HSUS state director for South Dakota, sent out an email to anyone with ties to the agriculture industry that read, “Perhaps you’ve been misinformed, but this is not a public event. This is a private gathering for members of HSUS and supporters who want to get involved in our work to alleviate animal cruelty.”
Adams offered to meet with the farmers and ranchers at a “separate, more appropriate setting.” Unlike my counterparts, I was just planning on showing up to the meeting, leaving my boots at home and carrying a checkbook in hand. (I figured that would give me an all-access pass to the meeting!) However, the meeting was canceled after the owner of the shop that was to host the event received a few phone calls from producers sharing their disappointment with her affiliation with HSUS. She felt hoodwinked by HSUS, she said, especially because she is a strong supporter of local farmers and ranchers, purchasing her eggs and milk from area farmers to make her delicious cupcakes.
What are you afraid of, HSUS? Why couldn’t farmers and ranchers attend your meeting? How does it feel to know a local business didn’t want to be connected to you? What’s your next plan to deceive consumers once they know that you aren’t connected to local animal shelters?
I thought all of you might like to know what’s going on in my neck of the woods. Remember to keep it positive and continue working to educate others about the true mission of HSUS, which is to abolish animal agriculture and eliminate meat, dairy and eggs from the American diet. For more information on this subject, check out www.humanewatch.org.
Oh, and by the way, the next time you swing through Sioux Falls, be sure to stop at Oh My Cupcakes and enjoy one of their sweet treats. I look forward to trying fun flavors like “The Marilyn” and “Party Animal.”
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