Come Strut Your Mutt with Us

By Sarah Mahan of This Farm Family's Life

In addition to Earth Day, Indiana's Family of Farmers will join dogs and their owners as they hit the pavement and take part in the annual Mutt Strut to benefit the Humane Society of Indianapolis on April 28th. They will walk the historic oval at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.  Indiana's Family of Farmers is taking part in Mutt Strut to show their support and start a dialogue between pet owners and farmers about how animals are raised on farms to ensure they are given the best care possible.

Sarah Ford, IFOF's chairperson for the event, said that Indy Humane is the first choice in providing services for shelter cats and dogs.  These services include adoption, foster home placement, behavior training, medical care, and affordable spay/neuter services.  In 2011, Indy Humane helped over 2,300 cats and dogs find homes.

Dr. Sandi Norman, a veterinarian and Director of Companion Animal/Equine at the Indiana State Board of Health, is a huge supporter of Mutt Strut.  "Humane Society of Indy is the largest private animal shelter in the state and works with all the rescues to benefit animals.  Money raised during Mutt Strut helps benefit animals all over the state by helping Indy Humane work with all the various rescue groups to impact Indiana animals."

You can see Dr. Norman most Mondays at noon on Channel 13 WTHR news where she shares tips for pet owners. Dr. Norman would like to personally invite all of you to the event. "Come on down and bring your dog, big or small.  There is a short course and a long course and all the dogs seem to get along.  There are a number of vendors who provide unique services for the pet owner.  Everybody has a great time!" 

For more information, or if you would like to donate, go to  http://indymuttstrut.org/ . 

Family Literacy Month: Barnyard Chronicles Blog Feature

Hello Farming Fans,
It’s me, Albert, reporting from inside the barn.  If you haven’t had a chance to meet me already, well then let me explain. I am a pig and I am part of the Barnyard Chronicles crew.

Check out www.barnyardchronicles.com to see me in action. My other pals, Lucy and Clarabelle will echo me in saying we love life inside the barn, so that our farmers can take care of us. 

This is to make sure we don’t get caught by predators and to ensure we are fed properly and have the ability grow safely in our comfortable, temperate buildings.  All of us love playing games inside the barn, and we actually want to share them with you.  You can find interactive online games under the “For Kids” section of www.barnyardchronicles.com .  Help Lucy catch the eggs, or help match us up. I’m telling you – these games are PORKTASTIC!

Don’t worry teachers or moms. We didn’t forget about you.  On the www.barnyardchronicles.com “For Teachers” and “For Grownups” sections, you can find ag facts, recipes, and curriculum for your kids.  All of the lesson plans meet education standards and are very interactive. 

Did you know:

·         98% of farms in Indiana are family owned?

·         All milk – both regular and organic – is tested for antibiotics. Any tanker that tests positive is disposed of immediately.

Find out more facts on www.barnyardchonicles.com 

There are also books geared for 4^th graders available for your students. Email Hannah at hbrescher@indianasoybean.com to order these interactive books. You can view them online at www.barnyardchonicles.com.

Wordless Wednesday: Milky Way

By Michelle Plummer of Winners Drink Milk