Faster horses
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I'm not sure this is the place for this, if not, feel free to move it to
where ever. I didn't realize it when I copied and pasted it here,
but comments follow. Read at your own risk. :wink:
In a news release this week, R-CALF USA says the Environmental Protection Agency has, in effect, declared hay a pollutant, potentially requiring farmers and ranchers to store it in pollution containment zones.
The issue stems from a compliance order from EPA's Region 7 charging Callicrate Feeding Company with environmental violations. The Region 7 office outlined the alleged violations in an August 22 news release. Following is the information provided regarding the Callicrate operation in the release.
In a news release this week, R-CALF USA says the Environmental Protection Agency has, in effect, declared hay a pollutant, potentially requiring farmers and ranchers to store it in pollution containment zones.
The issue stems from a compliance order from EPA's Region 7 charging Callicrate Feeding Company with environmental violations. The Region 7 office outlined the alleged violations in an August 22 news release. Following is the information provided regarding the Callicrate operation in the release:
"A.J. Jones, d/b/a Callicrate Feeding Company, St. Francis, Kan. - An inspection in February 2011 identified significant NPDES permit violations, including failure to maintain adequate wastewater storage capacity, failure to meet Nutrient Management Plan requirements, failure to conduct operations within areas that are controlled in a manner capable of preventing pollution, and failure to maintain adequate records. The order requires the operation to comply with all terms of the Clean Water Act and its NPDES permit, and to coordinate with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment on its compliance. The order requires the operation to comply with the terms of its Nutrient Management Plan, including sampling and recordkeeping requirements. The feedlot has a permitted capacity of 12,000 cattle and was confining approximately 3,219 cattle at the time of the inspection."
According to the R-CALF release, Mike Callicrate, after presenting information on country of origin labeling at R-CALF's annual convention last week, was asked whether the EPA has declared hay a pollutant. He indicated that in his case at least, they have. "Now that EPA has declared hay a pollutant, every farmer and rancher that stores hay, or that leaves a broken hay bale in the field is potentially violating EPA rules and subject to an EPA enforcement action," Callicrate said. "How far are we going to let this agency go before we stand up and do something about it?"
Much of release moves from the hay issue to broader complaints against concentration in the packing and feeding sectors, including implications that packers are conspiring to drive small feeders out of business. The title of the release, "EPA declares hay a pollutant in effort to antagonize small and mid-sized U.S. cattle feeders," and additional statements in the release, suggest EPA is singling out certain feeding operations for enforcement actions. "I believe the EPA's enforcement action is a premeditated effort by EPA to partner with the beef packers to finish the job the beef packer's couldn't do alone," says Callicrate. "Along with my feedlot, the EPA has filed enforcement actions against five other smaller feedlots, including one with only 400 cattle."
The idea that the EPA has joined a conspiracy with packers against small cattle feeders seems a bit of a stretch, but the hay-storage issue certainly raises concerns. The information provided in the EPA news release uses a fairly broad accusation of "significant NPDES permit violations," but does not mention anything about hay storage. Drovers/CattleNetwork has contacted EPA's Region 7 for more information on specific charges in the case. We'll let you know what we find out.
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This is just ridiculous! Colorado has people (Senators/Congressmen) in Washington that are farmers & ranchers & know the truth. Goverment is getting into our business far to much. Grass/hay is about as natural + organic as you can get w/out selling it @ Whole Foods!!! What do they want? We need to get behind & stop this type of thing from continuing before they put us all out of business. We need to start our own orginazation of ranchers & farmers to stand up to this, lobby in Washington & fight for our rights to farm & ranch in America before it's taken away & house's built on your property. If they want it, they just take it. Ask me about drilling for oil! They just walk right in & tell you they're going to do it & if you don't comply, they bring the Sherriff out to see that you do. If they own the mineral rights, they own you. BUT remember, you're making the payments on that property, NOT them! Sorry, this was the "last Straw", no pun intended, on regulations & I'm sick of it.
SHD
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Virginia | September, 05, 2011 at 09:32 AM
If the Senators/Congressmen in Washington are actually allowing for the EPA and other organizations to do this to farmers, then maybe we should start following the money. What other reason could they possibly have for not hosting a public outcry for such tactis by the EPA.
SJ
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Colorado | September, 02, 2011 at 09:24 AM
This is just ridiculous! Colorado has people (Senators/Congressmen) in Washington that are farmers & ranchers & know the truth. Goverment is getting into our business far to much. Grass/hay is about as natural + organic as you can get w/out selling it @ Whole Foods!!! What do they want? We need to get behind & stop this type of thing from continuing before they put us all out of business. We need to start our own orginazation of ranchers & farmers to stand up to this, lobby in Washington & fight for our rights to farm & ranch in America before it's taken away & house's built on your property. If they want it, they just take it. Ask me about drilling for oil! They just walk right in & tell you they're going to do it & if you don't comply, they bring the Sherriff out to see that you do. If they own the mineral rights, they own you. BUT remember, you're making the payments on that property, NOT them! Sorry, this was the "last Straw", no pun intended, on regulations & I'm sick of it.
Carter Thomson
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Grinnell, Iowa | September, 02, 2011 at 09:34 AM
Crap like this makes it impossible to do business in the USA. Want jobs? Put a muzzle on the EPA and several other government agencies that kill business. Other wise, even more jobs are going overseas.
Benny D
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Dayton, OH | September, 05, 2011 at 06:49 AM
When writing about jobs that are lost because of government rules, don't forget all the oil industry jobs that have been lost because of the policies of our current administration.
Robert Inks
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@sea South of Japan | September, 05, 2011 at 09:06 AM
Sending US jobs overseas even if he has to ignore a few laws: Maritime Trades Department outraged about deluge of Jones Act waivers, shifting American jobs to foreign crews The Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO, in a statement published Aug. 30 expressed shock, disappointment and outrage regarding "recent waivers of the Jones Act that have allowed foreign-flag, foreign-crewed vessels to transport oil from the U.S. Strategic Petroleum reserve. These waivers - nearly 50 in all - have been issued despite the ample availability of American-flag tankers and barges with well-trained, highly qualified American citizen crews." The MTD pointed out: the "administration is giving away American jobs to foreigners. When it comes to transporting the reserve oil, U.S. mariners and U.S. ships are ready and able - yet they've been left tied at the docks." The MTD added: "the U.S. Maritime Administration has issued more Jones Act waivers than have been issued by all past Maritime Administrations combined." MTD President Michael Sacco noted: "At this time of high unemployment, we are appalled that the government would take such actions. This is completely contrary to the stand then-Senator Obama expressed in August 2008 to America's maritime unions."
MA
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GA | September, 02, 2011 at 09:45 AM
The irony here is just too rich! Mike Callicrate laid down with the liberal dogs and now their fleas are biting him! Maybe the reason our industry is concentrating in every segment is because the cost of regulatory compliance for a multitude of issues--environmental compliance, labor, insurance, health care costs--continues to increase. R-CALF chased the wrong boogie man for far too long.
Bill
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Nebraska | September, 02, 2011 at 09:52 AM
OK, It is ridiculous as mentioned by SJ. But, the use of this little foray into ridiculous by the ever overstepping EPA in this release minimizes attempts to hold the line on our rights and freedoms by looking paranoid. That does nothing for legitimate concern but push it back into a corner. These regulations are permitted to exist due to congressional action or inaction. EPA does nothing without that happening.
Jimmie
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Texas | September, 02, 2011 at 10:36 AM
Trying to shut down small packers and/or feeders fits with the goals stated in the United Nations' "Livestock's Long Shadow" of a couple years back that falsely claimed livestock to be the greatest contributor to global warming. That report has clear goals of shutting down the small cattle farmer (says we will not be able to afford to raise cattle once we are assessed the true cost of raising them), and clear goals of concentrating the feedlots in as few geographical areas as possible, further industrialization of the process, etc.......... Every one concerned about the motives of the EPA should find a copy of Livestock's Long Shadow and force themselves to plow through every single page.
armyvet
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Illinois | September, 05, 2011 at 08:11 AM
It falls exactly where Al Gore wants it. His remark about eating less meat and more vegetables to eliminate Global Warming. He says raising cattle for feed means clearing more forest and trees for grazing, thereby causing Global Warming. And of course, the rediculous idea that the gas immissions from livestock also is dangerous to the enviornment.
armyvet
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Illinois | September, 05, 2011 at 08:11 AM
It falls exactly where Al Gore wants it. His remark about eating less meat and more vegetables to eliminate Global Warming. He says raising cattle for feed means clearing more forest and trees for grazing, thereby causing Global Warming. And of course, the rediculous idea that the gas immissions from livestock also is dangerous to the enviornment.
JP
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Iowa | September, 02, 2011 at 10:53 AM
The news release says nothing about hay. How are we supposed to connect the FDA with labeling hay as a pollutant from this information? I'm no fan of the EPA, but this poorly reported article should have never seen the light of day. If we are going to fight for our rights as cattleman, we need to know and address the facts of the matter.
Shawn
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Iowa | September, 02, 2011 at 02:08 PM
I have not seen the EPA report, but I suspect the issue in question here is water running off from a hay storage area at the feedlot. Federal Clean Water Act rules for concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) include runoff water from feed storage areas as "process wastewater" and require that this runoff be collected and stored along with manure runoff from pens. Since this operation has an NPDES permit, collecting and storing the runoff from the hay storage area for land application would be one of their permit requirements. It is debatable whether runoff from hay storage poses a significant risk, but federal law requires it to be collected and handled the same as pen runoff for permitted CAFOs. Note that this would not apply to pasture systems or hay stored in the field - it applies only to feed storage at permitted concentrated animal feeding operations.
Wilson S.
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Missouri | September, 02, 2011 at 01:33 PM
Fair enough for R-CALF & urban friends. Lay down with anti-agriculture dogs and wake up wth EPA fleas. Ha Ha Ha Now go on outside to scratch 'em girls.
Shawn
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Iowa | September, 02, 2011 at 02:15 PM
I have not seen the details of the compliance order, but I suspect the issue here is runoff water from a hay storage area at the feedlot. Federal Clean Water Act rules for Concentrate Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) treat water runoff from feed storage areas as "process wastewater" and require that this runoff water be captured and land applied just like manure runoff from pens. Since this operation is a CAFO, collecting and storing the runoff from hay storage at the feedlot would be a requirement of their National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. It is debatable whether runoff from hay storage poses an environmental risk, but the Federal Clean Water act rules require it to be collected and treated like manure runoff. Note that this requirement applies only to feed storage areas at permitted CAFOs - it would not apply to pasture systems or hay stored in the field.
sarge
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USA | September, 02, 2011 at 04:29 PM
Mr. Callicrate is getting bit by the hand that he wants to be fed by.
rex
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nebraska | September, 02, 2011 at 06:14 PM
Mike has posted the EPA order on his website. It says absolutely nothing about hay. It says a lot about the CAFO that has been inspected several times and for several years has not maintained the required documents. I doubt he would have had any problems if he had simply started doing a responsible job after the September 2010 inspection, like the thousands of other CAFO's in Kansas that do comply with the regulations.
Brad
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Colorado | September, 02, 2011 at 07:49 PM
If you have the permit then it is your responsibilty to comply with the requirements! If you don't want to follow the rules then quit! All He has done is make the rest of look bad in the public's eye.
Walt
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Hermiston, OR | September, 02, 2011 at 08:59 PM
Sounds like an egregious violator who is grasping at a little detail in the complaint to make the EPA look bad and get people talking. All he had to do was follow the same rules as the rest of us and he would not have had any problems.
Sarah Ralston, VMD, PhD
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New Jersey | September, 02, 2011 at 09:16 PM
I may be off-base here but I think the title and first part of this is totally inappropriate and inflammatory. lokk at the "bottom line" last paragraph (that few people ever get to): The idea that the EPA has joined a conspiracy with packers against small cattle feeders seems a bit of a stretch, but the hay-storage issue certainly raises concerns. The information provided in the EPA news release uses a fairly broad accusation of "significant NPDES permit violations," but does not mention anything about hay storage. Drovers/CattleNetwork has contacted EPA's Region 7 for more information on specific charges in the case. We'll let you know what we find out.
Jayaref
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Vt. | September, 05, 2011 at 05:46 AM
The "Gubmint" is getting too far into our pants. Who cares about water runioff from feedlots? What about all the home lawnmowers spewing cut grass all over the place? There must be millions of them going on any given day - unfettered! What about all the birds and insects pooping all over - unrestrained? Is our "Gubmint" going to start having EPA approved birdie-Depends, and then create a whole bureaucracy to dispose of them in an environmental-friendly manner? Just another rediculous example of our tax dollars being squandered, and as if our farming community doesn't already have enough challenges to try to make an honest living!
E. Ingle
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WNC | September, 05, 2011 at 06:05 AM
NPDES regs for highway construction require, records of weekly inspections, and an inspection after each 1/2" of rain. Two Certified Inspectors, one from the contractor and one from the State have to sign each inspection. Regular inspections are made by Regulators to check the paper work and project. This would be extremely time consuming for a farm operation.
Benjamin
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South Plainfield, NJ | September, 05, 2011 at 06:28 AM
We as a nation need to declare EPA employees a pollutant, and to require them to be locked up in pollution containment zones.
Alfred Fife
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chicago | September, 05, 2011 at 07:13 AM
So very sad that not one person in Congress will stand and say the truth that Obama is insane and must be impeached. Getting rid of this Marxist radical lunatic and the czars and terrorists in his regime would go a long way to putting the country on the right track. We the people elected these communist to the WH and Congress, so our downfall is ultimately our own fault.
Donald Miner
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North Carolina | September, 05, 2011 at 07:37 AM
Kind of makes me wonder just how stupid some of these so-called government agents really are. How are cattle supposed to eat, if they can't get at the hay? Let's put these same jerks in a dining hall and lock up all the food, tell them to eat hearty, and leave them to fend for themselves. These jerks, are noted for having their mouths in high gear, full speed ahead, before their brain is awake. What we need is more common sense and fewer politicians in charge. It will take a full blown revolution to bring this country back where it needs to be.
Donald Miner
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North Carolina | September, 05, 2011 at 07:44 AM
Kind of makes me wonder just how stupid some of these so-called government agents really are. How are cattle supposed to eat, if they can't get at the hay? Let's put these same jerks in a dining hall and lock up all the food, tell them to eat hearty, and leave them to fend for themselves. These jerks, are noted for having their mouths in high gear, full speed ahead, before their brain is awake. What we need is more common sense and fewer politicians in charge. It will take a full blown revolution to bring this country back where it needs to be.
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| September, 05, 2011 at 07:50 AM
We could end all the problems if we just send all our cattle to mexico
teadog
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ohio | September, 05, 2011 at 08:01 AM
I am so sick of this govt./administration declaring war on the small businesses and people of the U.S. It's time we march on washington and take back this country. Enough of this tyranny.
Roger G
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Georgia | September, 05, 2011 at 08:08 AM
I'm tellin' ya ... if the government agencies continue on the path they're on ... we'll all start looking to move to China ... I mean, how could it be any worse??? ... Heck, they already own the USA anyway!!!
Louis
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14067 | September, 05, 2011 at 08:09 AM
More of the same toward our fundamental change by obama and comrades. When will it end? As soon as usa is no more. Got it comrade?
Louis
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14067 | September, 05, 2011 at 08:09 AM
More of the same toward our fundamental change by obama and comrades. When will it end? As soon as usa is no more. Got it comrade?
Joe
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34683 | September, 05, 2011 at 08:13 AM
I think a better case can be made for the EPA being a pollutant! When will the real conservatives in Congress start dealing with this EPA. Cut their funding by 50%. That ought to slow them down until we can get an American in the White House.
Sunny
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Mo. | September, 05, 2011 at 08:29 AM
People, we need to go to Washington with guns loaded, and before that a few days boycott the meat packers, then run some idiots got of OUR COUNTRY Starting in Washington an take AMERICA back
Andrew
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New York | September, 05, 2011 at 08:32 AM
I declare the epa a major polutant, it needs to be abolished. the epa continues to make rules that are strangling our countries busissness'. our country does not need the epa, a bogus administration. the epa rules do not have to be voted on by congress. the epa makes a rule, thats final, it becomes a law.
Tmbryant
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Texas Panhandle | September, 05, 2011 at 08:43 AM
I'd like to see some run off. We haven't had a decent rain in over a year. The EPA needs to be reined in. Too much power with no oversight.
Adolf
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here | September, 05, 2011 at 08:45 AM
The idea that the EPA is colluding with big business to finish off small competition makes sense. It fits perfectly the pattern of our criminal government.
Art Chandler
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Lyons, Kansas | September, 05, 2011 at 08:46 AM
The EPA should put it where the son don't shine. It's about time congress shut down the EPA. It's a burdensome, expensive and heavy handed ageny that cases more far more trouble than it's worth. The government needs to cut its expenses and would do well kicking out the EPA first.
Frank
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Iowa | September, 05, 2011 at 08:49 AM
Agreed. I'm no fan of the EPA, or needless government regulations in general, but this article failed to make a case. There are enough legitimate reasons to prevent the EPA from abusing its power. We don't need to build straw men.
Darrell Russell
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La Luz, New Mexico | September, 05, 2011 at 09:28 AM
We are going to have to get people into political office that are willing to see this type of hypocrisy for just what it is . Since the inspection of the EPA their has no fewer than 11, 000 rulings that directly effect the agricultural industry and try to cripple it into submission of the government. They have gotten to the dairy farmers through surplus buy out of milk and the farmers in crop subsides and crop failures, but they have not gotten a handle on the racing industry , not that they have not been trying. The editorial exposes that. We are going to have to either abolish this agency or it will abolish our way of life.
---from Drover's Magazine
where ever. I didn't realize it when I copied and pasted it here,
but comments follow. Read at your own risk. :wink:
In a news release this week, R-CALF USA says the Environmental Protection Agency has, in effect, declared hay a pollutant, potentially requiring farmers and ranchers to store it in pollution containment zones.
The issue stems from a compliance order from EPA's Region 7 charging Callicrate Feeding Company with environmental violations. The Region 7 office outlined the alleged violations in an August 22 news release. Following is the information provided regarding the Callicrate operation in the release.
In a news release this week, R-CALF USA says the Environmental Protection Agency has, in effect, declared hay a pollutant, potentially requiring farmers and ranchers to store it in pollution containment zones.
The issue stems from a compliance order from EPA's Region 7 charging Callicrate Feeding Company with environmental violations. The Region 7 office outlined the alleged violations in an August 22 news release. Following is the information provided regarding the Callicrate operation in the release:
"A.J. Jones, d/b/a Callicrate Feeding Company, St. Francis, Kan. - An inspection in February 2011 identified significant NPDES permit violations, including failure to maintain adequate wastewater storage capacity, failure to meet Nutrient Management Plan requirements, failure to conduct operations within areas that are controlled in a manner capable of preventing pollution, and failure to maintain adequate records. The order requires the operation to comply with all terms of the Clean Water Act and its NPDES permit, and to coordinate with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment on its compliance. The order requires the operation to comply with the terms of its Nutrient Management Plan, including sampling and recordkeeping requirements. The feedlot has a permitted capacity of 12,000 cattle and was confining approximately 3,219 cattle at the time of the inspection."
According to the R-CALF release, Mike Callicrate, after presenting information on country of origin labeling at R-CALF's annual convention last week, was asked whether the EPA has declared hay a pollutant. He indicated that in his case at least, they have. "Now that EPA has declared hay a pollutant, every farmer and rancher that stores hay, or that leaves a broken hay bale in the field is potentially violating EPA rules and subject to an EPA enforcement action," Callicrate said. "How far are we going to let this agency go before we stand up and do something about it?"
Much of release moves from the hay issue to broader complaints against concentration in the packing and feeding sectors, including implications that packers are conspiring to drive small feeders out of business. The title of the release, "EPA declares hay a pollutant in effort to antagonize small and mid-sized U.S. cattle feeders," and additional statements in the release, suggest EPA is singling out certain feeding operations for enforcement actions. "I believe the EPA's enforcement action is a premeditated effort by EPA to partner with the beef packers to finish the job the beef packer's couldn't do alone," says Callicrate. "Along with my feedlot, the EPA has filed enforcement actions against five other smaller feedlots, including one with only 400 cattle."
The idea that the EPA has joined a conspiracy with packers against small cattle feeders seems a bit of a stretch, but the hay-storage issue certainly raises concerns. The information provided in the EPA news release uses a fairly broad accusation of "significant NPDES permit violations," but does not mention anything about hay storage. Drovers/CattleNetwork has contacted EPA's Region 7 for more information on specific charges in the case. We'll let you know what we find out.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This is just ridiculous! Colorado has people (Senators/Congressmen) in Washington that are farmers & ranchers & know the truth. Goverment is getting into our business far to much. Grass/hay is about as natural + organic as you can get w/out selling it @ Whole Foods!!! What do they want? We need to get behind & stop this type of thing from continuing before they put us all out of business. We need to start our own orginazation of ranchers & farmers to stand up to this, lobby in Washington & fight for our rights to farm & ranch in America before it's taken away & house's built on your property. If they want it, they just take it. Ask me about drilling for oil! They just walk right in & tell you they're going to do it & if you don't comply, they bring the Sherriff out to see that you do. If they own the mineral rights, they own you. BUT remember, you're making the payments on that property, NOT them! Sorry, this was the "last Straw", no pun intended, on regulations & I'm sick of it.
SHD
Report Abuse
Virginia | September, 05, 2011 at 09:32 AM
If the Senators/Congressmen in Washington are actually allowing for the EPA and other organizations to do this to farmers, then maybe we should start following the money. What other reason could they possibly have for not hosting a public outcry for such tactis by the EPA.
SJ
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Colorado | September, 02, 2011 at 09:24 AM
This is just ridiculous! Colorado has people (Senators/Congressmen) in Washington that are farmers & ranchers & know the truth. Goverment is getting into our business far to much. Grass/hay is about as natural + organic as you can get w/out selling it @ Whole Foods!!! What do they want? We need to get behind & stop this type of thing from continuing before they put us all out of business. We need to start our own orginazation of ranchers & farmers to stand up to this, lobby in Washington & fight for our rights to farm & ranch in America before it's taken away & house's built on your property. If they want it, they just take it. Ask me about drilling for oil! They just walk right in & tell you they're going to do it & if you don't comply, they bring the Sherriff out to see that you do. If they own the mineral rights, they own you. BUT remember, you're making the payments on that property, NOT them! Sorry, this was the "last Straw", no pun intended, on regulations & I'm sick of it.
Carter Thomson
Report Abuse
Grinnell, Iowa | September, 02, 2011 at 09:34 AM
Crap like this makes it impossible to do business in the USA. Want jobs? Put a muzzle on the EPA and several other government agencies that kill business. Other wise, even more jobs are going overseas.
Benny D
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Dayton, OH | September, 05, 2011 at 06:49 AM
When writing about jobs that are lost because of government rules, don't forget all the oil industry jobs that have been lost because of the policies of our current administration.
Robert Inks
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@sea South of Japan | September, 05, 2011 at 09:06 AM
Sending US jobs overseas even if he has to ignore a few laws: Maritime Trades Department outraged about deluge of Jones Act waivers, shifting American jobs to foreign crews The Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO, in a statement published Aug. 30 expressed shock, disappointment and outrage regarding "recent waivers of the Jones Act that have allowed foreign-flag, foreign-crewed vessels to transport oil from the U.S. Strategic Petroleum reserve. These waivers - nearly 50 in all - have been issued despite the ample availability of American-flag tankers and barges with well-trained, highly qualified American citizen crews." The MTD pointed out: the "administration is giving away American jobs to foreigners. When it comes to transporting the reserve oil, U.S. mariners and U.S. ships are ready and able - yet they've been left tied at the docks." The MTD added: "the U.S. Maritime Administration has issued more Jones Act waivers than have been issued by all past Maritime Administrations combined." MTD President Michael Sacco noted: "At this time of high unemployment, we are appalled that the government would take such actions. This is completely contrary to the stand then-Senator Obama expressed in August 2008 to America's maritime unions."
MA
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GA | September, 02, 2011 at 09:45 AM
The irony here is just too rich! Mike Callicrate laid down with the liberal dogs and now their fleas are biting him! Maybe the reason our industry is concentrating in every segment is because the cost of regulatory compliance for a multitude of issues--environmental compliance, labor, insurance, health care costs--continues to increase. R-CALF chased the wrong boogie man for far too long.
Bill
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Nebraska | September, 02, 2011 at 09:52 AM
OK, It is ridiculous as mentioned by SJ. But, the use of this little foray into ridiculous by the ever overstepping EPA in this release minimizes attempts to hold the line on our rights and freedoms by looking paranoid. That does nothing for legitimate concern but push it back into a corner. These regulations are permitted to exist due to congressional action or inaction. EPA does nothing without that happening.
Jimmie
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Texas | September, 02, 2011 at 10:36 AM
Trying to shut down small packers and/or feeders fits with the goals stated in the United Nations' "Livestock's Long Shadow" of a couple years back that falsely claimed livestock to be the greatest contributor to global warming. That report has clear goals of shutting down the small cattle farmer (says we will not be able to afford to raise cattle once we are assessed the true cost of raising them), and clear goals of concentrating the feedlots in as few geographical areas as possible, further industrialization of the process, etc.......... Every one concerned about the motives of the EPA should find a copy of Livestock's Long Shadow and force themselves to plow through every single page.
armyvet
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Illinois | September, 05, 2011 at 08:11 AM
It falls exactly where Al Gore wants it. His remark about eating less meat and more vegetables to eliminate Global Warming. He says raising cattle for feed means clearing more forest and trees for grazing, thereby causing Global Warming. And of course, the rediculous idea that the gas immissions from livestock also is dangerous to the enviornment.
armyvet
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Illinois | September, 05, 2011 at 08:11 AM
It falls exactly where Al Gore wants it. His remark about eating less meat and more vegetables to eliminate Global Warming. He says raising cattle for feed means clearing more forest and trees for grazing, thereby causing Global Warming. And of course, the rediculous idea that the gas immissions from livestock also is dangerous to the enviornment.
JP
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Iowa | September, 02, 2011 at 10:53 AM
The news release says nothing about hay. How are we supposed to connect the FDA with labeling hay as a pollutant from this information? I'm no fan of the EPA, but this poorly reported article should have never seen the light of day. If we are going to fight for our rights as cattleman, we need to know and address the facts of the matter.
Shawn
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Iowa | September, 02, 2011 at 02:08 PM
I have not seen the EPA report, but I suspect the issue in question here is water running off from a hay storage area at the feedlot. Federal Clean Water Act rules for concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) include runoff water from feed storage areas as "process wastewater" and require that this runoff be collected and stored along with manure runoff from pens. Since this operation has an NPDES permit, collecting and storing the runoff from the hay storage area for land application would be one of their permit requirements. It is debatable whether runoff from hay storage poses a significant risk, but federal law requires it to be collected and handled the same as pen runoff for permitted CAFOs. Note that this would not apply to pasture systems or hay stored in the field - it applies only to feed storage at permitted concentrated animal feeding operations.
Wilson S.
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Missouri | September, 02, 2011 at 01:33 PM
Fair enough for R-CALF & urban friends. Lay down with anti-agriculture dogs and wake up wth EPA fleas. Ha Ha Ha Now go on outside to scratch 'em girls.
Shawn
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Iowa | September, 02, 2011 at 02:15 PM
I have not seen the details of the compliance order, but I suspect the issue here is runoff water from a hay storage area at the feedlot. Federal Clean Water Act rules for Concentrate Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) treat water runoff from feed storage areas as "process wastewater" and require that this runoff water be captured and land applied just like manure runoff from pens. Since this operation is a CAFO, collecting and storing the runoff from hay storage at the feedlot would be a requirement of their National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. It is debatable whether runoff from hay storage poses an environmental risk, but the Federal Clean Water act rules require it to be collected and treated like manure runoff. Note that this requirement applies only to feed storage areas at permitted CAFOs - it would not apply to pasture systems or hay stored in the field.
sarge
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USA | September, 02, 2011 at 04:29 PM
Mr. Callicrate is getting bit by the hand that he wants to be fed by.
rex
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nebraska | September, 02, 2011 at 06:14 PM
Mike has posted the EPA order on his website. It says absolutely nothing about hay. It says a lot about the CAFO that has been inspected several times and for several years has not maintained the required documents. I doubt he would have had any problems if he had simply started doing a responsible job after the September 2010 inspection, like the thousands of other CAFO's in Kansas that do comply with the regulations.
Brad
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Colorado | September, 02, 2011 at 07:49 PM
If you have the permit then it is your responsibilty to comply with the requirements! If you don't want to follow the rules then quit! All He has done is make the rest of look bad in the public's eye.
Walt
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Hermiston, OR | September, 02, 2011 at 08:59 PM
Sounds like an egregious violator who is grasping at a little detail in the complaint to make the EPA look bad and get people talking. All he had to do was follow the same rules as the rest of us and he would not have had any problems.
Sarah Ralston, VMD, PhD
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New Jersey | September, 02, 2011 at 09:16 PM
I may be off-base here but I think the title and first part of this is totally inappropriate and inflammatory. lokk at the "bottom line" last paragraph (that few people ever get to): The idea that the EPA has joined a conspiracy with packers against small cattle feeders seems a bit of a stretch, but the hay-storage issue certainly raises concerns. The information provided in the EPA news release uses a fairly broad accusation of "significant NPDES permit violations," but does not mention anything about hay storage. Drovers/CattleNetwork has contacted EPA's Region 7 for more information on specific charges in the case. We'll let you know what we find out.
Jayaref
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Vt. | September, 05, 2011 at 05:46 AM
The "Gubmint" is getting too far into our pants. Who cares about water runioff from feedlots? What about all the home lawnmowers spewing cut grass all over the place? There must be millions of them going on any given day - unfettered! What about all the birds and insects pooping all over - unrestrained? Is our "Gubmint" going to start having EPA approved birdie-Depends, and then create a whole bureaucracy to dispose of them in an environmental-friendly manner? Just another rediculous example of our tax dollars being squandered, and as if our farming community doesn't already have enough challenges to try to make an honest living!
E. Ingle
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WNC | September, 05, 2011 at 06:05 AM
NPDES regs for highway construction require, records of weekly inspections, and an inspection after each 1/2" of rain. Two Certified Inspectors, one from the contractor and one from the State have to sign each inspection. Regular inspections are made by Regulators to check the paper work and project. This would be extremely time consuming for a farm operation.
Benjamin
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South Plainfield, NJ | September, 05, 2011 at 06:28 AM
We as a nation need to declare EPA employees a pollutant, and to require them to be locked up in pollution containment zones.
Alfred Fife
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chicago | September, 05, 2011 at 07:13 AM
So very sad that not one person in Congress will stand and say the truth that Obama is insane and must be impeached. Getting rid of this Marxist radical lunatic and the czars and terrorists in his regime would go a long way to putting the country on the right track. We the people elected these communist to the WH and Congress, so our downfall is ultimately our own fault.
Donald Miner
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North Carolina | September, 05, 2011 at 07:37 AM
Kind of makes me wonder just how stupid some of these so-called government agents really are. How are cattle supposed to eat, if they can't get at the hay? Let's put these same jerks in a dining hall and lock up all the food, tell them to eat hearty, and leave them to fend for themselves. These jerks, are noted for having their mouths in high gear, full speed ahead, before their brain is awake. What we need is more common sense and fewer politicians in charge. It will take a full blown revolution to bring this country back where it needs to be.
Donald Miner
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North Carolina | September, 05, 2011 at 07:44 AM
Kind of makes me wonder just how stupid some of these so-called government agents really are. How are cattle supposed to eat, if they can't get at the hay? Let's put these same jerks in a dining hall and lock up all the food, tell them to eat hearty, and leave them to fend for themselves. These jerks, are noted for having their mouths in high gear, full speed ahead, before their brain is awake. What we need is more common sense and fewer politicians in charge. It will take a full blown revolution to bring this country back where it needs to be.
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| September, 05, 2011 at 07:50 AM
We could end all the problems if we just send all our cattle to mexico
teadog
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ohio | September, 05, 2011 at 08:01 AM
I am so sick of this govt./administration declaring war on the small businesses and people of the U.S. It's time we march on washington and take back this country. Enough of this tyranny.
Roger G
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Georgia | September, 05, 2011 at 08:08 AM
I'm tellin' ya ... if the government agencies continue on the path they're on ... we'll all start looking to move to China ... I mean, how could it be any worse??? ... Heck, they already own the USA anyway!!!
Louis
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14067 | September, 05, 2011 at 08:09 AM
More of the same toward our fundamental change by obama and comrades. When will it end? As soon as usa is no more. Got it comrade?
Louis
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14067 | September, 05, 2011 at 08:09 AM
More of the same toward our fundamental change by obama and comrades. When will it end? As soon as usa is no more. Got it comrade?
Joe
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34683 | September, 05, 2011 at 08:13 AM
I think a better case can be made for the EPA being a pollutant! When will the real conservatives in Congress start dealing with this EPA. Cut their funding by 50%. That ought to slow them down until we can get an American in the White House.
Sunny
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Mo. | September, 05, 2011 at 08:29 AM
People, we need to go to Washington with guns loaded, and before that a few days boycott the meat packers, then run some idiots got of OUR COUNTRY Starting in Washington an take AMERICA back
Andrew
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New York | September, 05, 2011 at 08:32 AM
I declare the epa a major polutant, it needs to be abolished. the epa continues to make rules that are strangling our countries busissness'. our country does not need the epa, a bogus administration. the epa rules do not have to be voted on by congress. the epa makes a rule, thats final, it becomes a law.
Tmbryant
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Texas Panhandle | September, 05, 2011 at 08:43 AM
I'd like to see some run off. We haven't had a decent rain in over a year. The EPA needs to be reined in. Too much power with no oversight.
Adolf
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here | September, 05, 2011 at 08:45 AM
The idea that the EPA is colluding with big business to finish off small competition makes sense. It fits perfectly the pattern of our criminal government.
Art Chandler
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Lyons, Kansas | September, 05, 2011 at 08:46 AM
The EPA should put it where the son don't shine. It's about time congress shut down the EPA. It's a burdensome, expensive and heavy handed ageny that cases more far more trouble than it's worth. The government needs to cut its expenses and would do well kicking out the EPA first.
Frank
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Iowa | September, 05, 2011 at 08:49 AM
Agreed. I'm no fan of the EPA, or needless government regulations in general, but this article failed to make a case. There are enough legitimate reasons to prevent the EPA from abusing its power. We don't need to build straw men.
Darrell Russell
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La Luz, New Mexico | September, 05, 2011 at 09:28 AM
We are going to have to get people into political office that are willing to see this type of hypocrisy for just what it is . Since the inspection of the EPA their has no fewer than 11, 000 rulings that directly effect the agricultural industry and try to cripple it into submission of the government. They have gotten to the dairy farmers through surplus buy out of milk and the farmers in crop subsides and crop failures, but they have not gotten a handle on the racing industry , not that they have not been trying. The editorial exposes that. We are going to have to either abolish this agency or it will abolish our way of life.
---from Drover's Magazine
