What do you think of USDA using 4H and FFA kids to push NAIS on farmers opposed to the plan?

Question

What do you think of USDA using 4H and FFA kids to push NAIS on farmers opposed to the plan?

Answer 1

I think it stinks. Growing up on a dairy farm in upstate n.y. I saw changes affecting farms that finally obliverated 90% of farms in n.y. I was in 4h and f.f.a. and it was neat being familiar with the protocal of farming. Then the u.s.d.a. stepped in and told us that we had to have 60 watt light bulbs every 12 feet or so and eventually even told us to pave the space outside the barn doors. The cows didn,t care so who came up with this stupidity? I,ll tell you. Some book smart college grad with a degree in agriculture who never shoveled p**p or milked a cow or never sweated his rearend off in a haymow stacking bales thats who. The govern,ment should stick to their political c**p and leave the true Americans who work and live off the land for minimum wage alone.

Answer 2

My first thoughts on this were mixed.  Farmers as a whole are a very tough minded people and it would be hard to push something on them that they were opposed to.  When I learned that in some states it is required for 4 H and FFA kids to be registered with NAIS in order for them to be allowed to show their livestock, that is another matter.  That is hitting below the belt.  These young  people work very hard on their livestock projects.  Now their parents have to say "You can't show your livestock." or join NAIS.  That's about as voluntary as paying protection money to the mafia for insurance. Also I understand that they are using a couple of cartoon characters to promote NAIS.  About as fair as using Joe Camel to promote smoking among youngsters.  NAIS is not an all bad concept, but using these methods to promote it needs to change.

Answer 3

It was found a long time ago that the children of a family can easily get the "foot in the door" that a representative from any organization could not, and do it in a quieter and larger way. For kids, it is a great thing to be involved in the front lines of anything, our youth regardless of culture have always been hot activists of timely issues. Guns, drugs, s*x, violence, from the NRA to NAIS. There are good points and bad points about anything, and NAIS is not immune, if for no other reason than increasing Government in the day to day affairs of life is generally to be frowned upon. Both from a standpoint of cost to people, and the "Big Brother is watching you" effect it needs to be looked at.

The question is the use of our impressionable youth to spread the message. In general it is disturbing as we all rail against the early growth of kids, the pushing them into roles and places in society when they really should be concerned with being a kid; they are not little adults and it seems like every generation is younger and younger as they fill the shoes of those who step out. Kids need to be involved, and have a place in society, have a purpose and feel needed and a part. We had that for so long but it kind of slipped away, but came back with a vengeance. It isn't such a bad thing. But as this question addresses their being used as puppets by the bureaucracy, that is a good thing, as it shows that it is seen for what it is and that "front" in the information war is covered. If misdeeds are suspected, we must and we do in general, hold our teachers and guardians and public figures responsible. It is one thing to get our children involved in their world in a positive way (oh, just look at gangs, drugs...) but it is another to use them as human shields in the political arena. When my boys come home with the "light" in their eyes, I can sit with them and tell them it is good or not but I let them make their decisions, I give them everything they need beyond the frequently one sided views they might get, just as you all do.

As for NAIS, it will only work if it is right and has the support of the people, but it can't be forced on anyone, and it can't be used as bargaining chips in passing laws (you vote on this and this for me and we can stick this law on the packet for me to get what I want).

Answer 4

I beleive it is unethical and typical of the expansion of government.  Many 4-H members are involved with animal projects where they do not even have a premisis to be identified.  We have active promoters of 4-H members who will house animals for the 4-H kids, but the kids have to go to the place to care for their animals.  What is the gain by forcing an individual with one or two animals to register, and then some large operation with thousands does not.  Another case of misguided government, and a waste of tax dollars.