Monday, March 24, 2008

Panel presentations and other scintillating events....

Today we had our panel presentations on topics picked from Michael Pollan's 'The Omnivore's Dilemma'. You'll find this very interesting Susan Arthur. My topic was 'feeding animal protein to animals:safety and regulation'. In the U.S. farmers feed offal and bloody entrails to cattle (as well as other domestic herbivores)as protein to safeguard them against disease.

Farming here is highly industrialized with animals kept in confinement as opposed to being set to pasture. They operate what is known as Confined Animal Feed Operations (CAFOs) and Animal Feed Operations (AFOs). If you're interested in knowing the gory details, please read Pollan's book. It has become very controversial here in the States among agricultural circles as he exposes some practices that agri-industries would rather keep under wraps.

Spring is finally here. I actually sat out in the sun today. It's been very windy and chilly. It's wonderful to feel the warm sun on your face. I do hope everyone had a great easter. Well, back to the grindstone!!

2 comments:

Adam N. Mukendi said...

Hi Ije. Hey! lady, it has been a long time since we chat. I am so happy that you have accommodated yourself so well to USA's studies-tempo. Really, with God grace anything is possible. I often read your topic and I should confess that sometimes they are to complex- not as simplistic as present Mr AL GORE. I am still doing my internship and has been dealing with many subject related to Africa development and trade. I was discussing with my boss about the opportunity despite risks of the evolution in agro-industry (Genetically modified Organism)for Africa. I will need your expertise and some link on this vibrant subject. My point is that issues of GMO is alike that of Cellphones. We don't know yet consequences yet we cannot live with cellphones today. Humanitarian food sent to Africa is in majority GMOed and no one want to accept or say it. so why not just go open, have a try and see? ADAM

Ijeoma Uche-Okeke said...

Hi Adam!! You didn't tell me you had started your internship. Thank you so much for your post. I feel so guilty that I hardly have time to visit anyone's blog these days. But I will once I can stop for one second and breath!! GMO! Hmmm that's a whole other topic. I will be pleased to discuss it with you as well as send info your way. You keep well.