I attended the hearings at the Kansas State capital yesterday (12th) and today (13th of February). The hearing yesterday was quite surprising as the proponents of the sale of raw milk on the farm ban, had little data and that data was 2007 and older. Most of what we heard from that side was rhetoric that attempted to make raw milk look like it was more dangerous than smoking cigarettes. Even the Kansas Department of AG employee that was there to give expert testimony could not come up with up-to-date data. The opponents however, were loaded to the gills with data. I also believe we gave strong and compelling testimony and after speaking with the Chairman, he is of the opinion, I believe that the ban proposal will die in committee. The labeling of raw milk is where we have to get serious.
I returned to today’s hearing with data on illnesses, hospitalizations and deaths due to consumption of milk (both pasteurized and raw). Data in the report from the CDC shows that while Raw milk consumption had higher hospitalizations, it was Processed milk that had more deaths. This blows the argument that raw milk is more dangerous to consume. But the SB 308 isn’t about the data, it is about labeling of raw milk. The statement that has been proposed to put on labels is as follows: THIS PRODUCT CONTAINS UNGRADED RAW MILK THAT IS NOT PASTEURIZED AND, AS A RESULT, MAY CONTAIN ORGANISMS THAT CAUSE FOOD-BORNE ILLNESS, ESPECIALLY IN INFANTS, YOUNG CHILDREN, OLDER ADULTS, PREGNANT WOMEN AND PEOPLE WITH WEAK IMMUNE SYSTEMS.
As you can see that is a much longer warning for raw milk than what you would find on a package of cigarettes which are a KNOWN illness causing product. I argued that the wording of this label has some issues; “UNGRADED” is the first issue. If a dairy is in compliance with the Grade “A” Pasteurized Milk Ordinance, then it qualifies as grade “A” milk as milk is not graded at the processing plant. I also argued that the requirements for the label be of the same sized font as the LARGEST font on the container. Being the smart arse that I am, I printed off the warning the same size as a large Highland dairy cottage cheese container and taped it to the container(Photo at the top of this blog). There was no room for nutritional information, serving size and name of farm. I also argued that the label was too wordy.
I spoke with several Senators after the hearing and got very positive responses and was thanked for going the extra mile with the data and research I provided. So, this ain’t over yet but we may be able to help re-write the label and help with setting up an inspection process as well.
Lessons learned in this whole process: 1.Our Kansas Senators and Representatives WANT our input. We need to call and if possible, visit with them face-to face. They are very approachable and eager to listen (the ones I spoke with). 2. We all need to be involved in what concerns us. 3. Use your passion to put your point across and use humor and visual aids (I used Moo-Moo and Gabby stuffed animals of a cow and goat that I set on the podium while I spoke. That brought giggles and smiles.). 4. Have data to back up your argument. 5. When in hearings, first thank the Chairman and those on the committee before you give your statement. 6. Speak up and into microphone and don’t be nervous. 7. Keep your statement short and your written testimony can be much longer. 8. Be open minded and keep your manners.
I had a great time doing this and am eager to help the Ag & Natural Resources committee find a good solution that is agreeable to all involved. Government does work but WE the PEOPLE MUST be involved in the process.
Educated Cowpuncher 