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Jason Detzel

  • Farmer Wedding Celebrates with Farm-Raised Cow for Dinner

    For his wedding, this CCE livestock educator served a cow that was born, raised and slaughtered on their farm.       I recently got married on my farm, in front of my family and friends. To augment that event, we decided to showcase our animal husbandry and respect for our guests by slaughtering a cow onsite and serving it as part of our wedding dinner — this…

  • A Brief History of the Pig in the United States

    From a few pigs brought over on a ship to the estimated 5 million pigs currently residing in the U.S., we explore the brief and fascinating history of how and why the hog has become an integral part of our agricultural landscape and why there has been a resurgence in demand for pasture raised pork.…

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  • The Power of Quitting

    Farming is family.  Rarely have I encountered a group of people who are more motivated, dedicated, innovative and tenacious as farmers.   Whether you are tending apples in Orange County or herding sheep in Oregon, we as farmers hold these truths to be self-evident that all farmers will work hard, be good stewards to the…

  • Concerned Citizens and Vilified Farmers: Thoughts on Animal Welfare Complaints

    The growing divide between farmer and citizen intersects at the topic of animal welfare.  I received a call today from a concerned citizen who was worried about some cattle that had been left out for the winter.  I was happy that they called me first instead of the authorities, and we had a calm and intelligent…

  • Gimme Free Ice Cream!

    One educator’s quest to address a pressing issue.   I am a regular visitor to the Stewart’s Shops in my neck of the woods, and I’m not ashamed to admit that their ice cream and ready-to-eat pizza constitute a significant portion of my diet when I am on the road. This morning I was in…

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