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Livestock producers urged to prepare for extreme activists

Livestock producers are being encouraged to anticipate being targeted by extreme activist groups.

Animal Agriculture Alliance communications director Hannah Thompson-Weeman says it’s an unfortunate reality of modern production.

“That’s what we’re seeing happening is activist groups increasingly trespassing on farms (and) stealing animals.  At the end of May there was a very alarming incident where hundreds of activists showed up on a California farm, and that farmer had to deal with a very stressful situation.”

She’s referring to a demonstration at a Sonoma County egg farm held by a group known as DXE.  Dozens of activists were arrested on suspicion of trespassing.

Thompson-Weeman tells Brownfield farms and processing facilities need to prepare to face similar incidents.

“Things like gates, locks on doors, motion-sensor lighting, fences if possible.  And just trying to make your farm a little bit less accessible, and try to not to be an easy target.”

She also recommends developing a crisis plan.

“A few essential components of that plan are figuring out who your key players are on the crisis team.  Your leadership, communications people, people external to your company, anyone you would need to reach out to in case of a crisis.”

Thompson-Weeman says that plan should also involve thinking through potential media statements and draft social media content.  In the event of a crisis, she says reacting appropriately and quickly is the name of the game.