Farmers must act to preserve animal agriculture

Activists pushing for changes in animal agriculture actually want to end the practice of raising animals for food. That’s the message from Missouri Farm Bureau President Charlie Kruse, and others at the group’s annual convention in Osage Beach, Missouri.

In his address to Farm Bureau members in Missouri Monday, Kruse talked about actions begun in Missouri by the Humane Society of the United States.

“We’ve already seen what they’ve done in states like Florida, Arizona, California and Colorado. They dramatically changed the way [producers in those states] are able to raise livestock and poultry,” said Kruse during his address. “Right now they’re saying their goal is just simply to protect animals, but I know we all know there can be a strong argument made that they’re real goal is to eliminate animal agriculture,” he said.

Betty Wolanyk with Ag Literacy Works says animal rights activists are reaching and influencing people from the time they’re youngsters.

“The fact that so many college students claim to be vegan tells you something’s happening here,” Wolynak told Brownfield prior to speaking to Missouri Farm Bureau members, “and that’s the best way I can tell that [activists] are really being effective.”

Washington, D.C. analyst Steve Kopperud says agriculture interests have to fight even harder against activist-coined terms such as “factory farm” and “puppy mill”.

“The problem we have has almost doubled because we have allowed the activists to define us, we have allowed the activists to tell the public what we do and how we do it and frankly, we’re sitting back and continuing to allow that to happen,” said Kopperud. “Now, Ohio, Michigan, places like that; we’re starting to see farmers and ranchers stand up and say, ‘we’re not going to take this anymore.’” Kopperud refers to laws passed in those states designed to thwart activists’ efforts.

On the other hand, the Humane Society of the United States has filed two initiative petitions with the Missouri Secretary of State’s Office seeking to crack down on dog breeders that they refer to as “puppy mills”. Livestock agriculture interests say it’s the opening volley of the HSUS effort to restrict animal agriculture practices in the state.

Kopperud says farmers have to bring their story to major consumer markets. “Your products are bought in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Dallas and Miami. Those are the people who must hear from you,” said Kopperud. “If they don’t, I can guarantee you they will hear from [HSUS President] Wayne Pacelle, and he will portray you as the worst of the worst.”

Brownfield’s Julie Harker contributed to this article.