Many in food production take the hard knocks for becoming family corporations with million dollar assets. Some activists, such as the Environmental Working Group, have even gone so far to list farm subsidies so everyone can see the millions brought in by today’s “rich farmers.” There’s no list of input costs, equipment prices, explanation of how those assets aren’t liquid, or the distribution of dollars between the farm gate and food plate. Yet, we frequently read “the greedy corporate farmers making millions.” Read More »
Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category
A Multi-Million Dollar Industry: Activism
Thursday, January 15th, 2009What About People?
Wednesday, November 5th, 2008Last night brought the unfortunate news about the passing of Proposition 2 in California. Unfortunate because of how short-sighted the ballot initiative is. Unfortunate because it was driven by the million dollar budget of industry activists (e.g. HSUS and Farm Sanctuary ) – rather than truly being a grassroots effort. Unfortunate because it places animals over humans. Unfortunate because it further sets the stage for a rhetoric driven society with little value for science. Read More »
Trick or Treat? Ballot Initiatives
Friday, October 31st, 2008Florida was first on the radar screen for ballot initiatives. HSUS, Farm Sanctuary and friends likely thought it wouldn’t really draw a lot of attention in a state without a major swine presence. That alone tells you that these “animal protectionists” are not looking to “save” as many animals as possible. However, they were right – the “pregnant pig” initiative flew under the radar screen of many ag groups. When it subsequently passed, it set the stage for Arizona, Colorado and California. Read More »
Voice Your Opinion to USDA
Wednesday, September 3rd, 2008Do you ever feel like decisions are based on over-sensationalized hysteria instead of science? Many friends in agriculture have echoed that concern in our instant information culture. Here’s your chance to encourage USDA to make science-based decisions; they have announced proposed rule for downer cow and are seeking feedback before September 29th. See http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/!ut/p/_s.7_0_A/7_0_1OB?contentidonly=true&contentid=2008/08/0218.xml for the details, including e-mail and snail mail addresses. Read More »
