Scythe & Spade Blog

E. Coli & Agriculture

by Chas Bonner

There is probably not a person alive who has not heard of the deadly outbreak of E. coli 0104 in Germany. Although there are many strains of E. coli, most are harmless, some a minor problem, and some like 0104 that are deadly. In the United States, regulators normally have their eye on E. coli 0157 which is also considered deadly and more of a recurring issue in this country. E. coli can spread from person to person, but is usually caused by contaminated food.

There are several ways in which food can be contaminated, but the initial source is animal. The bacteria live in the gastro-intestinal tracts of cattle, pigs, sheep and other ruminant animals. From there it spreads through use of manure or through tainted water.

Like most bacteria and viruses, there are continual mutations, many far more serious, and normally more difficult to cure or mitigate.

In Europe today, many companies and even countries are making monetary claims to the E.U. for losses to agricultural producers because of incorrect blame assessments. E. coli and salmonella have also bankrupted several companies over the years, some very large, so it is not a subject to be taken lightly. Furthermore, there are increasing methods of tracking to source, not only to individual farms or ranches, but even down to precise areas. When problems like this develop, plaintiff lawyers follow, so we cannot overstate the importance of diligence, tracking and documenting.

Due Diligence is one of the core competencies of Scythe & Spade, and not only do we track water rights, but also water quality, quantity and delivery systems. Water is fast becoming the most important aspect of farming on irrigated lands.

My Plate is Overflowing

by Chas Bonner

By now, most agriculture related people have seen the replacement for the Food Pyramid---the PLATE. In our opinion, this will turn out to be a tremendous boon for agriculture. The new focus is on healthy eating, with more raw foods, fruits, vegetables and grains, as well as meats and dairy products.

The Food Pyramid never gained much traction despite being introduced in 1992 and revised in 2005. The Pyramid was a product of much lobbying and legislative involvement, all of which added confusion and reduced effectiveness. By contrast, today’s PLATE represents a consensus that America must get healthy, and as a result, all interested parties came to the table. The USDA estimates that 2/3 of Americans are overweight, many obese, and obesity will become the next major medical expense for America. Most research indicates that virtually any diseases, including mental, are exacerbated by excess weight.

The new PLATE also happens to be in line with existing food trends, where more and more consumers are looking for locally grown, organic, sustainable, raw, and whatever other moniker might be applied to clean, simple food.

Virtually all organizations associated with agriculture are welcoming the new PLATE, and it is being introduced with great fanfare. Even First Lady Michelle Obama has made healthy food one of her mantras.

We expect the McDonald’s and Burger Kings of the world may be somewhat concerned, but this should increase the demand for sound food choices, without all the additives. Farmers and ranchers will benefit.