Extreme Animal Rights Groups: Do They Really Help Animals?
Posted on May 28th, 2008
Editorial By Zuzana Kukol
More than half of US households own a pet. Most are too busy to research the current politics behind the animal rights versus animal welfare movement.
Animal welfare, AW, movement wants to improve the conditions of animals, animal rights, AR, movement, in the long run, is against any and all animal use, even as pets.
The problem is, many animal rights groups are wolf in sheep clothing, pretending to be animal welfare. But upon close inspection it is clear they don’t do anything for the animals, most money is spent in high salaries, fancy offices and lobbying. Read More
The agenda of groups like the Humane Society of the United States are funded by people that have no idea how the money is being used. Our best weapon against this is to educate people about what these groups really spend their money on and how this adversely affects food production in the United States.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Research Budget's Cut
Research budgets cut amid food crisis, wheat worry
By JIM DRINKARD
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Dr. Yue Jin, a kind-faced man in a blue lab coat, is the nation's bulwark against a devastating new plant disease. He's the only federal scientist whose main mission is protecting the $17 billion U.S. wheat crop from annihilation.
His budget's being cut — in part because money has been drained off by Congress' pet projects.
Jin and other plant scientists have watched in alarm as mutant spores carried by the wind have spread a new strain of fungus from Africa across the Red Sea to infect wheat fields in Yemen and Iran, following a path predicted to lead to the rich wheat-growing areas of South Asia. Read More
It is critical that this country continues to fund research in food production. Being able to feed ourselves is vital to our national security. Technology continues to allow us to produce more with less and we must continue down that path.
By JIM DRINKARD
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Dr. Yue Jin, a kind-faced man in a blue lab coat, is the nation's bulwark against a devastating new plant disease. He's the only federal scientist whose main mission is protecting the $17 billion U.S. wheat crop from annihilation.
His budget's being cut — in part because money has been drained off by Congress' pet projects.
Jin and other plant scientists have watched in alarm as mutant spores carried by the wind have spread a new strain of fungus from Africa across the Red Sea to infect wheat fields in Yemen and Iran, following a path predicted to lead to the rich wheat-growing areas of South Asia. Read More
It is critical that this country continues to fund research in food production. Being able to feed ourselves is vital to our national security. Technology continues to allow us to produce more with less and we must continue down that path.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
More Climate Change Studies
New US study says greenhouse gases will disrupt severely US water, agriculture, forestry
Posted by David Beard, Boston.com Staff May 27, 2008 08:57 PM
Climate change will cause much less rainfall in the Southwest and more rain in the Southeast in coming decades, according to a study released today with the signatures of three Bush administration Cabinet officials.
See the report at climatescience.gov.
The New York Times report on this leads with the growth of concentrations of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere causing the projected change in US rain patterns, as well as resultant changes in agriculture and forestry. The swings affect some of the fastest-growing parts of the United States. Read More
It is interesting to see how many reports come out about what our climate will look like in the future and the role of global climate change. Since the beginning of the year, there have been several reports that we are entering a global cooling phase and yet others are still hanging on to their global warming theories. The only thing that we know for certain is that the climate always has and always will be changing.
Posted by David Beard, Boston.com Staff May 27, 2008 08:57 PM
Climate change will cause much less rainfall in the Southwest and more rain in the Southeast in coming decades, according to a study released today with the signatures of three Bush administration Cabinet officials.
See the report at climatescience.gov.
The New York Times report on this leads with the growth of concentrations of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere causing the projected change in US rain patterns, as well as resultant changes in agriculture and forestry. The swings affect some of the fastest-growing parts of the United States. Read More
It is interesting to see how many reports come out about what our climate will look like in the future and the role of global climate change. Since the beginning of the year, there have been several reports that we are entering a global cooling phase and yet others are still hanging on to their global warming theories. The only thing that we know for certain is that the climate always has and always will be changing.
The Chicken Project
Pressured by animal-rights groups, school chops ‘chicken project’
After heavy lobbying from animals-rights groups including People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, Canandaigua Academy Principal Lynne Erdle has terminated the so-called “chicken project” which has a class of students each year raising chickens and killing them.
Lindsay Rajt, manager of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, said Friday that Erdle sent an e-mail to the organization saying that school officials “recognize the concern” and had discontinued the project, which had been part of a high school ecology class for the past three years. Read More
Teaching the cycle of life and food production has taken a back seat to special interest groups at Canandaigua Academy. Shielding our children from the fact that some things must die for other things to live doesn’t do them any favors. It is important for us to educate our children with the whole story of food production and show them the importance of utilizing these resources.
After heavy lobbying from animals-rights groups including People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, Canandaigua Academy Principal Lynne Erdle has terminated the so-called “chicken project” which has a class of students each year raising chickens and killing them.
Lindsay Rajt, manager of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, said Friday that Erdle sent an e-mail to the organization saying that school officials “recognize the concern” and had discontinued the project, which had been part of a high school ecology class for the past three years. Read More
Teaching the cycle of life and food production has taken a back seat to special interest groups at Canandaigua Academy. Shielding our children from the fact that some things must die for other things to live doesn’t do them any favors. It is important for us to educate our children with the whole story of food production and show them the importance of utilizing these resources.
More Researchers Threatened
Animal rights extremist avoids jail
An extremist who threatened to dig up relatives of people connected to an animal research lab subjected her victims to "a prolonged campaign of hate", police said today.
Diane Jamieson, 60, of Lytham Road, Ashton, Preston, was given a suspended 51-week jail sentence at Preston Crown Court on Thursday after pleading guilty to six counts of interfering with contractual relationships so as to harm an animal research organisation.
The charges arose from threatening letters the former Law Society member and legal worker sent to a number of companies and individuals from 2002 onward.In one she wrote: "You could find the consequences of your actions pretty grim – having the remains of your loved ones removed never to be seen again." Read More
Just when you think you have seen it all from these animal rights activists, they manage to come up with something else. To threaten researchers with the desecration of their deceased loved ones is beyond sick.
An extremist who threatened to dig up relatives of people connected to an animal research lab subjected her victims to "a prolonged campaign of hate", police said today.
Diane Jamieson, 60, of Lytham Road, Ashton, Preston, was given a suspended 51-week jail sentence at Preston Crown Court on Thursday after pleading guilty to six counts of interfering with contractual relationships so as to harm an animal research organisation.
The charges arose from threatening letters the former Law Society member and legal worker sent to a number of companies and individuals from 2002 onward.In one she wrote: "You could find the consequences of your actions pretty grim – having the remains of your loved ones removed never to be seen again." Read More
Just when you think you have seen it all from these animal rights activists, they manage to come up with something else. To threaten researchers with the desecration of their deceased loved ones is beyond sick.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Protecting our Researchers
Animal testing is no cause for threats
Biomedical researchers in California and across the country face increasing threats of violence, harassment and intimidation from activists opposed to research with animals.
The University of California, Davis, has taken significant steps to increase security and ensure that researchers can continue their work in safety. A bill passed by the state Assembly and currently before the Senate, Assembly Bill 2296, takes some additional steps toward protecting scientists who carry out lawful, well-regulated research from attacks on their homes and families.
Recent months have seen incidents at UCLA, UC Berkeley and UC Santa Cruz including attempted fire-bombings, vandalism, harassment and intimidation. In Santa Cruz, six masked intruders tried to break into a biology professor's house during a child's birthday party.
Last month, a spokesman for the Animal Liberation Front – considered a domestic terrorist organization by the FBI – reiterated past statements that the murder of researchers was "acceptable" in order to stop animal research. Read More
Here is more coverage of the efforts in California to protect researchers from threats and harassment. These researchers deserve all of the protections that we can afford them. Someday, the life saved by their medical breakthroughs may be yours.
Biomedical researchers in California and across the country face increasing threats of violence, harassment and intimidation from activists opposed to research with animals.
The University of California, Davis, has taken significant steps to increase security and ensure that researchers can continue their work in safety. A bill passed by the state Assembly and currently before the Senate, Assembly Bill 2296, takes some additional steps toward protecting scientists who carry out lawful, well-regulated research from attacks on their homes and families.
Recent months have seen incidents at UCLA, UC Berkeley and UC Santa Cruz including attempted fire-bombings, vandalism, harassment and intimidation. In Santa Cruz, six masked intruders tried to break into a biology professor's house during a child's birthday party.
Last month, a spokesman for the Animal Liberation Front – considered a domestic terrorist organization by the FBI – reiterated past statements that the murder of researchers was "acceptable" in order to stop animal research. Read More
Here is more coverage of the efforts in California to protect researchers from threats and harassment. These researchers deserve all of the protections that we can afford them. Someday, the life saved by their medical breakthroughs may be yours.
Plastic made from Manure
Animal waste made into plastic
A process developed at the University of Waikato will allow animal waste to be turned into useful and biodegradable plastic.
The new process, developed over two years by University of Waikato chemical engineer Dr Johan Verbeek and Masters student Lisa van den Berg, can turn animal protein waste like blood meal and feathers into a biodegradable plastic using industry-standard plastic extrusion and injection moulding machinery.
For Dr Verbeek, it is highly gratifying to use low-value sustainable waste to create a high-value product that breaks down without polluting the environment. "The material we can produce has the strength of polyethylene - the plastic used in milk bottles and plastic supermarket bags - but it's fully biodegradable." Read More
Science continues to find new ways to utilize this commodity. Being able to turn manure into a bio-degradable plastic will be just one more thing on the long list of products that we have due to animal agriculture.
A process developed at the University of Waikato will allow animal waste to be turned into useful and biodegradable plastic.
The new process, developed over two years by University of Waikato chemical engineer Dr Johan Verbeek and Masters student Lisa van den Berg, can turn animal protein waste like blood meal and feathers into a biodegradable plastic using industry-standard plastic extrusion and injection moulding machinery.
For Dr Verbeek, it is highly gratifying to use low-value sustainable waste to create a high-value product that breaks down without polluting the environment. "The material we can produce has the strength of polyethylene - the plastic used in milk bottles and plastic supermarket bags - but it's fully biodegradable." Read More
Science continues to find new ways to utilize this commodity. Being able to turn manure into a bio-degradable plastic will be just one more thing on the long list of products that we have due to animal agriculture.
Birds or Electricity?
Utility, animal rights activists in court over birds' nests
May 25, 2008
NEW HAVEN, Conn. - Animal rights activists are in court trying to stop the United Illuminating Co. from killing monk parakeets that nest on utility poles.
The long-running battle has landed in New Haven Superior Court. United Illuminating wants a judge to declare Connecticut's monk parakeet population a threat to public health and safety.
It says dozens of power outages have been linked to the nests and that the most effective solution is to capture and kill the birds. Read More
If these nests are interfering with supplying the area with a reliable source of electricity it is absolutely a threat to public safety. Not only that, but it becomes very costly to continually repair the damage from these outages. The safety and well-being of the communities served by this company should come before these birds.
May 25, 2008
NEW HAVEN, Conn. - Animal rights activists are in court trying to stop the United Illuminating Co. from killing monk parakeets that nest on utility poles.
The long-running battle has landed in New Haven Superior Court. United Illuminating wants a judge to declare Connecticut's monk parakeet population a threat to public health and safety.
It says dozens of power outages have been linked to the nests and that the most effective solution is to capture and kill the birds. Read More
If these nests are interfering with supplying the area with a reliable source of electricity it is absolutely a threat to public safety. Not only that, but it becomes very costly to continually repair the damage from these outages. The safety and well-being of the communities served by this company should come before these birds.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Global Warming Advocates Cooling Off
Our View: State's fever on global warming may be cooling
Comments 0 Recommend 0
May 22, 2008 12:00:00 AM
The state's costly, grandiose scheme to combat global warming is finding resistance from many of the same folks who approved it two years ago. Meanwhile, legislative opposition also is growing to the plan to create a global warming state think tank financed by a utility users' surcharge.
It appears that paying for saving mankind from a projected 1- or 2-degree increase in temperature over the next century already is proving too costly in today's limited dollars. Read More
More and more people are starting to see the global warming scam for what it really is. The idea of forcing consumers to pay for a $600 million think tank that will talk about theory and multi-decade forecasts is a waste. Man has never been able to control the weather and never will. As I have said many times before, the only thing constant about the weather is that it is always changing. We are merely along for the ride.
Comments 0 Recommend 0
May 22, 2008 12:00:00 AM
The state's costly, grandiose scheme to combat global warming is finding resistance from many of the same folks who approved it two years ago. Meanwhile, legislative opposition also is growing to the plan to create a global warming state think tank financed by a utility users' surcharge.
It appears that paying for saving mankind from a projected 1- or 2-degree increase in temperature over the next century already is proving too costly in today's limited dollars. Read More
More and more people are starting to see the global warming scam for what it really is. The idea of forcing consumers to pay for a $600 million think tank that will talk about theory and multi-decade forecasts is a waste. Man has never been able to control the weather and never will. As I have said many times before, the only thing constant about the weather is that it is always changing. We are merely along for the ride.
Food Labeling
AVMA Board takes on food labeling, other concerns of animal agriculture
Labeling of meat and other animal products was the subject of several actions of the Executive
Board in April. The board also approved policies relevant to production animals ranging from cattle to catfish.
On the recommendation of the Animal Agriculture Liaison Committee, the board approved a policy on "Truthful and non-misleading human food labeling." The policy supports labels on animal products that provide clear, unambiguous, scientifically valid, and verifiable claims regarding production practices. These production practices should not diminish the health and welfare of animals or increase risks to food safety. Read More
Labeling issues have become a very heated topic as of late due to exaggerated claims on some foods. When it comes to food production, it doesn’t do anyone any good to run down one sector of agriculture to promote another. Doing so only plays into the agenda of the anti-animal agriculture crowd.
Labeling of meat and other animal products was the subject of several actions of the Executive
Board in April. The board also approved policies relevant to production animals ranging from cattle to catfish.
On the recommendation of the Animal Agriculture Liaison Committee, the board approved a policy on "Truthful and non-misleading human food labeling." The policy supports labels on animal products that provide clear, unambiguous, scientifically valid, and verifiable claims regarding production practices. These production practices should not diminish the health and welfare of animals or increase risks to food safety. Read More
Labeling issues have become a very heated topic as of late due to exaggerated claims on some foods. When it comes to food production, it doesn’t do anyone any good to run down one sector of agriculture to promote another. Doing so only plays into the agenda of the anti-animal agriculture crowd.
National Day of the Cowboy
Senate passes 'National Day of the Cowboy' resolution
Submitted to the Current-Argus
WASHINGTON D.C. — U.S. Senator Pete Domenici, R-N.M., has cited the past and continuing contributions of the cowboy to New Mexico's history and culture as he noted Senate passage of a resolution he cosponsored.
Also cosponsoring the legislation was Sen. Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M.This is the third year that the Senate has designated a special day.
The resolution was introduced by Senator Michael B. Enzi (R.-Wyo.). The resolution, passed late Tuesday, recognizes July 26, 2008 as "National Day of the American Cowboy." The measure encourages individuals to mark the day with appropriate ceremonies and celebrations. Read More
The National Day of the Cowboy should be a celebration of a way of life that provides food for people across the globe. However, with the frequent attacks and proposed regulations against ranching, this day may turn into a “memorial” day if we don’t stand up and defend agriculture. There is a very real threat to production livestock in this country that will take the help of everyone to stop.
Submitted to the Current-Argus
WASHINGTON D.C. — U.S. Senator Pete Domenici, R-N.M., has cited the past and continuing contributions of the cowboy to New Mexico's history and culture as he noted Senate passage of a resolution he cosponsored.
Also cosponsoring the legislation was Sen. Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M.This is the third year that the Senate has designated a special day.
The resolution was introduced by Senator Michael B. Enzi (R.-Wyo.). The resolution, passed late Tuesday, recognizes July 26, 2008 as "National Day of the American Cowboy." The measure encourages individuals to mark the day with appropriate ceremonies and celebrations. Read More
The National Day of the Cowboy should be a celebration of a way of life that provides food for people across the globe. However, with the frequent attacks and proposed regulations against ranching, this day may turn into a “memorial” day if we don’t stand up and defend agriculture. There is a very real threat to production livestock in this country that will take the help of everyone to stop.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Chimps aren't People
Activists want chimpanzee declared a person
A British woman is leading a court challenge to have a chimpanzee declared a "person" so the animal can enjoy "human rights".
Paula Stibbe and a group of Austrian animal rights activists want the European Court to declare that the ape, who they have given the name Matthew Hiasl Pan to make him sound "more human", legally declared a person so she can be appointed his guardian.
Mrs Stibbe wants the declaration so she can take care of the 26-year-old chimp if the bankrupt animal sanctuary in Voesendorf, south of Vienna, where he currently lives, is forced to close.
The European Court of Human Rights case comes after Austria's Supreme Court upheld a lower court ruling against the group - known as the Association Against Animal Factories - who wanted a trustee appointed for Matthew so Mrs Stibbe could look after him using money pledged by a benefactor.
The court ruled the chimp was neither mentally impaired nor in danger, which are the legal grounds required for a guardian to be appointed. Read More
The attempts to have animals be considered “people” continue to grow. While our DNA is similar, human DNA is similar to most mammals. But there similar is a long ways away from the same. Allowing animals to be considered people is an erosion of human rights.
A British woman is leading a court challenge to have a chimpanzee declared a "person" so the animal can enjoy "human rights".
Paula Stibbe and a group of Austrian animal rights activists want the European Court to declare that the ape, who they have given the name Matthew Hiasl Pan to make him sound "more human", legally declared a person so she can be appointed his guardian.
Mrs Stibbe wants the declaration so she can take care of the 26-year-old chimp if the bankrupt animal sanctuary in Voesendorf, south of Vienna, where he currently lives, is forced to close.
The European Court of Human Rights case comes after Austria's Supreme Court upheld a lower court ruling against the group - known as the Association Against Animal Factories - who wanted a trustee appointed for Matthew so Mrs Stibbe could look after him using money pledged by a benefactor.
The court ruled the chimp was neither mentally impaired nor in danger, which are the legal grounds required for a guardian to be appointed. Read More
The attempts to have animals be considered “people” continue to grow. While our DNA is similar, human DNA is similar to most mammals. But there similar is a long ways away from the same. Allowing animals to be considered people is an erosion of human rights.
Teaching Kids about Ag
'Chef Parmesan' teaches students about farming
Soil. It's what's for supper. At least it's where supper gets it start, Breanne Heitkamp explained to Caneyville Elementary School students.
Heitkamp described soil as the most important ingredient for any pizza, starting with the dough. Dough is made from flour, which comes from wheat, which is grown in the soil. Tomatoes for the pizza sauce are grown in the soil. Even the cheese made from milk is originally from the soil through the grass eaten by the cows to produce milk.
In a day where most children believe food is produced by grocery stores, Agriculture Adventures reveals the real origin of food and importance of the keepers of the soil-farmers. The program is based in science and technology and corresponds to the core content subjects taught in classrooms across the state. Read More
As Trent continues to mention to us, we need to focus on solutions in agriculture. Programs like these are doing just that. If you have a program similar to this in your area, volunteer your expertise to educate those that aren’t involved in agriculture.
Soil. It's what's for supper. At least it's where supper gets it start, Breanne Heitkamp explained to Caneyville Elementary School students.
Heitkamp described soil as the most important ingredient for any pizza, starting with the dough. Dough is made from flour, which comes from wheat, which is grown in the soil. Tomatoes for the pizza sauce are grown in the soil. Even the cheese made from milk is originally from the soil through the grass eaten by the cows to produce milk.
In a day where most children believe food is produced by grocery stores, Agriculture Adventures reveals the real origin of food and importance of the keepers of the soil-farmers. The program is based in science and technology and corresponds to the core content subjects taught in classrooms across the state. Read More
As Trent continues to mention to us, we need to focus on solutions in agriculture. Programs like these are doing just that. If you have a program similar to this in your area, volunteer your expertise to educate those that aren’t involved in agriculture.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
New Rule
New ag rule closing downer cow slaughter exception
By ERICA WERNER – 9 hours ago
WASHINGTON (AP) — Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer announced Tuesday a total ban on meat plant slaughter of cows too sick or weak to stand.
The planned change comes in the wake of the nation's largest beef recall. It would shut down an exception — which critics call a loophole — that allows a small number of so-called "downer" cattle into the food supply if they pass veterinary inspection.
Downer cows pose increased risk for mad cow disease and other infections, partly because they typically wallow in feces. They are already mostly banned from slaughter, but under current rules can be allowed in if they fall down after passing an initial veterinary inspection, and then are re-inspected and pass that second inspection, too.
Democratic lawmakers and the Humane Society of the United States have lobbied Schafer to eliminate that exception, and the meat and dairy industry last month reversed its opposition and endorsed the change too. Read More
Whether the animal was considered a downer due to disease or an injury, the elimination of any possibility that these animals could enter the food supply will be a good thing for the industry. Public health was not the reason for this change, it was changed to show the public how committed our industry is to supplying the safest food supply in the world. Perception is reality in today’s media environment and our industry will be better off with today’s rule change.
By ERICA WERNER – 9 hours ago
WASHINGTON (AP) — Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer announced Tuesday a total ban on meat plant slaughter of cows too sick or weak to stand.
The planned change comes in the wake of the nation's largest beef recall. It would shut down an exception — which critics call a loophole — that allows a small number of so-called "downer" cattle into the food supply if they pass veterinary inspection.
Downer cows pose increased risk for mad cow disease and other infections, partly because they typically wallow in feces. They are already mostly banned from slaughter, but under current rules can be allowed in if they fall down after passing an initial veterinary inspection, and then are re-inspected and pass that second inspection, too.
Democratic lawmakers and the Humane Society of the United States have lobbied Schafer to eliminate that exception, and the meat and dairy industry last month reversed its opposition and endorsed the change too. Read More
Whether the animal was considered a downer due to disease or an injury, the elimination of any possibility that these animals could enter the food supply will be a good thing for the industry. Public health was not the reason for this change, it was changed to show the public how committed our industry is to supplying the safest food supply in the world. Perception is reality in today’s media environment and our industry will be better off with today’s rule change.
Animal Right's Lawyers
Animal law for “least protected” and “most innocent”
Will Potter, a journalist and grassroots activist supporter, spoke at Friday’s “Animal Law: Working with the Grassroots” conference.
“We are the only lawyers whose clients are all innocent,” read a sign at the “Animal Law: Working with the Grassroots” conference.
Friday’s event brought together about 30 activists and lawyers to develop ways to further the cause of animal rights through their own lives and practices. The Student Animal Legal Defense Fund (SALDF) hosted the conference at the Marian Gould Gallagher Law Library.
Animal law deals with the treatment of animals, whether they are pets, farm animals or wild animals. Read More
There is a big difference between animal rights and animal welfare. Animal rights activists and lawyers what to grant the same rights to animals that humans have. And now they are turning to the courts to further that agenda.
Will Potter, a journalist and grassroots activist supporter, spoke at Friday’s “Animal Law: Working with the Grassroots” conference.
“We are the only lawyers whose clients are all innocent,” read a sign at the “Animal Law: Working with the Grassroots” conference.
Friday’s event brought together about 30 activists and lawyers to develop ways to further the cause of animal rights through their own lives and practices. The Student Animal Legal Defense Fund (SALDF) hosted the conference at the Marian Gould Gallagher Law Library.
Animal law deals with the treatment of animals, whether they are pets, farm animals or wild animals. Read More
There is a big difference between animal rights and animal welfare. Animal rights activists and lawyers what to grant the same rights to animals that humans have. And now they are turning to the courts to further that agenda.
Horse Racing
Animal rights activists make point
By Bradley Olson
Linda Kelly became an enemy of horse racing more than 30 years ago.
The Monkton resident was watching television July 6, 1975, along with 18 million other Americans, when the filly Ruffian suffered a catastrophic break of her right foreleg and was euthanized hours after a failed surgery.
That race was supposed to mean something, she remembered. The "equine battle of the sexes" - in which Ruffian faced off against Foolish Pleasure, a 3-year-old colt who had won the Kentucky Derby that year - was supposed to mirror the classic tennis match in which Billie Jean King beat the braggart Bobby Riggs two years earlier.
Instead, it became a rallying cry for people like Kelly, 60, who decided she could never enjoy another horse race. Unlike the tens of thousands of college students, inveterate racing fans and gamblers who streamed into the Pimlico Race Course yesterday to watch the Preakness, Kelly stood outside with about 30 protesters from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. Read More
With the unfortunate deaths of two horses in two years, horse racing, as an industry, has taken a beating as of late. However, the thing to remember is that both of these horses lost their lives doing what they loved to do and that was racing.
By Bradley Olson
Linda Kelly became an enemy of horse racing more than 30 years ago.
The Monkton resident was watching television July 6, 1975, along with 18 million other Americans, when the filly Ruffian suffered a catastrophic break of her right foreleg and was euthanized hours after a failed surgery.
That race was supposed to mean something, she remembered. The "equine battle of the sexes" - in which Ruffian faced off against Foolish Pleasure, a 3-year-old colt who had won the Kentucky Derby that year - was supposed to mirror the classic tennis match in which Billie Jean King beat the braggart Bobby Riggs two years earlier.
Instead, it became a rallying cry for people like Kelly, 60, who decided she could never enjoy another horse race. Unlike the tens of thousands of college students, inveterate racing fans and gamblers who streamed into the Pimlico Race Course yesterday to watch the Preakness, Kelly stood outside with about 30 protesters from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. Read More
With the unfortunate deaths of two horses in two years, horse racing, as an industry, has taken a beating as of late. However, the thing to remember is that both of these horses lost their lives doing what they loved to do and that was racing.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Veggie Pride Parade
Vegetables on march against meat biz
By Erin Einhorn
Vegetables walked in the first-ever Veggie Pride Parade.
It was New York's first-ever Veggie Pride Parade - and people in giant carrot costumes sprouted across the Meatpacking District.
"We're putting the meat business on notice," said parade organizer Pamela Rice. "We're watching them now."
She was one of several hundred vegetarian and vegan activists who assembled on a plaza down the street from the Hog Pit BBQ restaurant for a march to Washington Square Park to promote the environmental, ethical and health advantages of a meat-free diet.
After the walking carrot and pea pod at the front of the procession came a couple in banana costumes, holding hands as they marched, and then a man in a "Super Vegan" costume with a blazing "V" on his chest and a woman waving a hot pink tinfoil pig with a plaintive sign reading, "Save me." Read More
While this article doesn’t tell exactly what the environmental, ethical or health advantages of a meat free diet are, I can only imagine what types of things they told consumers during this parade. Unless we are willing to tell the consumers the true story of animal agriculture and the health benefits of a balanced diet, this is the information that many will base their eating decisions on.
By Erin Einhorn
Vegetables walked in the first-ever Veggie Pride Parade.
It was New York's first-ever Veggie Pride Parade - and people in giant carrot costumes sprouted across the Meatpacking District.
"We're putting the meat business on notice," said parade organizer Pamela Rice. "We're watching them now."
She was one of several hundred vegetarian and vegan activists who assembled on a plaza down the street from the Hog Pit BBQ restaurant for a march to Washington Square Park to promote the environmental, ethical and health advantages of a meat-free diet.
After the walking carrot and pea pod at the front of the procession came a couple in banana costumes, holding hands as they marched, and then a man in a "Super Vegan" costume with a blazing "V" on his chest and a woman waving a hot pink tinfoil pig with a plaintive sign reading, "Save me." Read More
While this article doesn’t tell exactly what the environmental, ethical or health advantages of a meat free diet are, I can only imagine what types of things they told consumers during this parade. Unless we are willing to tell the consumers the true story of animal agriculture and the health benefits of a balanced diet, this is the information that many will base their eating decisions on.
The Sky is Falling
Climate fight means changing sky's colour
Environmentalist and former Australian of the Year Tim Flannery says that in order to fight climate change, the colour of the sky may have to be altered.
Professor Flannery says that the world could consider "solar dimming", whereby sulphur is pumped into the atmosphere.
The sulphur then blocks and repels solar rays from entering into the earth's atmosphere and being trapped by greenhouse gas.
"It would change the colour of the sky," Professor Flannery told AAP. Read More
Professor Flannery is predicting a total climate collapse by 2013. It would seem like a stretch considering that some scientists believe the Earth is actually cooling.
Environmentalist and former Australian of the Year Tim Flannery says that in order to fight climate change, the colour of the sky may have to be altered.
Professor Flannery says that the world could consider "solar dimming", whereby sulphur is pumped into the atmosphere.
The sulphur then blocks and repels solar rays from entering into the earth's atmosphere and being trapped by greenhouse gas.
"It would change the colour of the sky," Professor Flannery told AAP. Read More
Professor Flannery is predicting a total climate collapse by 2013. It would seem like a stretch considering that some scientists believe the Earth is actually cooling.
Youth in Ag
County youths work to revitalize old group
With agriculture facing more and more obstacles from population growth, urban development and high operating costs, local farmers aren't the only people mobilizing to make sure their voices are heard.
A group of high school and college students is as well, forming the Wayne County Youth Grange.
And they aren't wasting any time getting active.
Publicity Chairwoman Ivey Best said the group is accomplishing so much so quickly because the members are committed to making a difference in what is happening to agriculture. Read More
While some people prefer to sit around and complain about the state of agriculture, others work together to offer solutions for a brighter future. The youth in agriculture are one of our greatest assets. Congratulations to these young people.
With agriculture facing more and more obstacles from population growth, urban development and high operating costs, local farmers aren't the only people mobilizing to make sure their voices are heard.
A group of high school and college students is as well, forming the Wayne County Youth Grange.
And they aren't wasting any time getting active.
Publicity Chairwoman Ivey Best said the group is accomplishing so much so quickly because the members are committed to making a difference in what is happening to agriculture. Read More
While some people prefer to sit around and complain about the state of agriculture, others work together to offer solutions for a brighter future. The youth in agriculture are one of our greatest assets. Congratulations to these young people.
Monday, May 19, 2008
What is a huge farm?
CAFOs in conflict: Huge farms increase efficiency but create environmental concerns
by Rosemary Parker Kalamazoo Gazette
Factory farms. You've gotta hate 'em.
Opponents of huge livestock operations complain they cram animals together like sardines, threaten the environment with massive quantities of waste and generate smells that could peel paint off the walls.
Concentrated-animal-feeding operations, or CAFOs. What's not to love about 'em?
Supporters call them technological models of efficiency and energy conservation that protect animals from predators and disease, manage manure wastes that were once scattered across fields and streams, and create cheap food and full-time employment.
While some state and national environmental groups and rural township governments have pressed for a moratorium on large livestock facilities, their numbers are burgeoning in this area.
If a Leonidas Township farmer's plans pass muster with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality after a hearing on Wednesday, his dairy will become the 53rd CAFO in southwestern Michigan. Throughout the state there are nearly 200 such operations for dairy cows, beef, chickens, turkeys and pigs. Read More
This is the first in a four part series about modern food production. With rising food prices, many are looking at how we can produce more. Not only do we need to produce more, but we need to do it with less land. Urban sprawl continues to be a problem in a lot of areas. With new neighbors moving out into the country, the complaints that are mentioned in this article continue to be on the rise. The attitude of some moving into ag land seems to be that of wanting their cake and eating it too. Working with, and educating our new neighbors is an important step in educating our consumers.
by Rosemary Parker Kalamazoo Gazette
Factory farms. You've gotta hate 'em.
Opponents of huge livestock operations complain they cram animals together like sardines, threaten the environment with massive quantities of waste and generate smells that could peel paint off the walls.
Concentrated-animal-feeding operations, or CAFOs. What's not to love about 'em?
Supporters call them technological models of efficiency and energy conservation that protect animals from predators and disease, manage manure wastes that were once scattered across fields and streams, and create cheap food and full-time employment.
While some state and national environmental groups and rural township governments have pressed for a moratorium on large livestock facilities, their numbers are burgeoning in this area.
If a Leonidas Township farmer's plans pass muster with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality after a hearing on Wednesday, his dairy will become the 53rd CAFO in southwestern Michigan. Throughout the state there are nearly 200 such operations for dairy cows, beef, chickens, turkeys and pigs. Read More
This is the first in a four part series about modern food production. With rising food prices, many are looking at how we can produce more. Not only do we need to produce more, but we need to do it with less land. Urban sprawl continues to be a problem in a lot of areas. With new neighbors moving out into the country, the complaints that are mentioned in this article continue to be on the rise. The attitude of some moving into ag land seems to be that of wanting their cake and eating it too. Working with, and educating our new neighbors is an important step in educating our consumers.
Cafo's
Down on the big farms
Posted: May 18, 2008
Those rural Hoosiers and their allies who've been resisting the proliferation of large-scale, industrialized livestock farming have gained powerful reinforcements of late.
Whether that power graduates from the informational to the political remains to be seen.
It matters in a lot of areas: environmental quality, public health, animal welfare, the future of family farming and the rural economy. It especially matters in Indiana, whose governor has pledged to double livestock production and whose published data show he's well on his way.
Do we want to go there? Read More
Many people would like agriculture to return to the days of many smaller farms. While nostalgia feels good to some people, this system required a lot of labor and wasn’t designed to feed the projected 10 billion people that will inhabit this planet by the middle of this century.
Posted: May 18, 2008
Those rural Hoosiers and their allies who've been resisting the proliferation of large-scale, industrialized livestock farming have gained powerful reinforcements of late.
Whether that power graduates from the informational to the political remains to be seen.
It matters in a lot of areas: environmental quality, public health, animal welfare, the future of family farming and the rural economy. It especially matters in Indiana, whose governor has pledged to double livestock production and whose published data show he's well on his way.
Do we want to go there? Read More
Many people would like agriculture to return to the days of many smaller farms. While nostalgia feels good to some people, this system required a lot of labor and wasn’t designed to feed the projected 10 billion people that will inhabit this planet by the middle of this century.
The Whole Story
Pictures are worth a thousand words, but not the whole picture
By Kevin E. Dayhoff
Last Wednesday, the Humane Society of the United States released videotape of an "undercover investigation" which claimed to show the "shocking abuse of 'downer' cows occurs not just at slaughter plants but É at livestock auctions and stockyards around the country," according to the humane society press release.
Last Wednesday, the Humane Society of the United States released videotape of an "undercover investigation" which claimed to show the "shocking abuse of 'downer' cows occurs not just at slaughter plants but É at livestock auctions and stockyards around the country," according to the humane society press release.
One of the stockyards "investigated" was the Westminster Livestock Auction.
In a carefully choreographed press conference, Humane Society President Wayne Pacelle played the video shot at the WLA and said: "This is just pitiful. É This poor creature, too weak to move, just left there to languish and to die."
In the first seconds of the video, a cow that is unable to walk is shown in the unloading gate at the livestock auction.
In an interview last Thursday, Jim Horak Sr., owner of the livestock auction since 2004, said a hired trucker unloaded the cow at a busy moment that evening; just as "the man who handles the gate was (away) moving other cattle that had just been unloaded."
When the gatekeeper returned minutes later, just after the cow was unloaded; he found the cow down. Horak said that upon being told that the auction did not accept livestock that cannot walk, the driver refused to take the cow back and quickly left. Read More
As the stories behind the video start to make it into the media, we find that maybe things aren’t what they appear to be on the surface. Obviously, HSUS isn’t going to ever put out a video showing livestock producers doing things to take care of their animals. This is why it is so important for everyone in agriculture to tell their story. If you don’t, HSUS will be more than happy to tell their version for you.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Horse Slaughter Ban Consequences
Horses abandoned in West as feed prices rise
Tue May 13, 2008 7:16am EDT
By Laura Zuckerman
SALMON, Idaho (Reuters) - In the classic Hollywood western, a cowboy portrayed by John Wayne gallops across the sagebrush steppe and rocky ridges of the American West with only his horse for a companion.
What the films don't show is the cowboy buying and hauling hay for his horse, or what happens to the horse when it is too aged, infirm or irascible to ride.
Those more mundane details are at the heart of a debate about growing cases of mistreatment of horses in the United States, at a time when hay and grain prices are skyrocketing and when options for disposing of unwanted horses are dwindling.
"What concerns me is a fate worse than slaughter," said Temple Grandin, professor of animal science at Colorado State University and an authority on the handling of livestock such as horses. "We've got people turning horses loose in fields, dropping horses off in the night -- my worst nightmares are coming true." Read More
The problems arising from the shut down of the horse harvesting facilities in the United States continue to mount. Dealing with unwanted horses is becoming an issue all across the country. The solution to the problem is to once again allow us to utilize this resource rather than them suffering their current fates.
Tue May 13, 2008 7:16am EDT
By Laura Zuckerman
SALMON, Idaho (Reuters) - In the classic Hollywood western, a cowboy portrayed by John Wayne gallops across the sagebrush steppe and rocky ridges of the American West with only his horse for a companion.
What the films don't show is the cowboy buying and hauling hay for his horse, or what happens to the horse when it is too aged, infirm or irascible to ride.
Those more mundane details are at the heart of a debate about growing cases of mistreatment of horses in the United States, at a time when hay and grain prices are skyrocketing and when options for disposing of unwanted horses are dwindling.
"What concerns me is a fate worse than slaughter," said Temple Grandin, professor of animal science at Colorado State University and an authority on the handling of livestock such as horses. "We've got people turning horses loose in fields, dropping horses off in the night -- my worst nightmares are coming true." Read More
The problems arising from the shut down of the horse harvesting facilities in the United States continue to mount. Dealing with unwanted horses is becoming an issue all across the country. The solution to the problem is to once again allow us to utilize this resource rather than them suffering their current fates.
Warming or Cooling? Flip a Coin
Global cooling theories put scientists on guard
LONDON (Reuters) - A new study suggesting a possible lull in manmade global warming has raised fears of a reduced urgency to battle climate change.
The U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), a group of hundreds of scientists, last year said global warming was "unequivocal" and that manmade greenhouse gas emissions were "very likely" part of the problem.
And while the study published in the journal Nature last week did not dispute manmade global warming, it did predict a cooling from recent average temperatures through 2015, as a result of a natural and temporary shift in ocean currents. Read More
The global warming/global cooling debate continues to rage on. The so called minority of scientists that don’t believe in global warming seems to be gaining traction in having their voices heard. Nothing is static in this world, including the temperature. It is always going to be going up or down, just like it always has.
LONDON (Reuters) - A new study suggesting a possible lull in manmade global warming has raised fears of a reduced urgency to battle climate change.
The U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), a group of hundreds of scientists, last year said global warming was "unequivocal" and that manmade greenhouse gas emissions were "very likely" part of the problem.
And while the study published in the journal Nature last week did not dispute manmade global warming, it did predict a cooling from recent average temperatures through 2015, as a result of a natural and temporary shift in ocean currents. Read More
The global warming/global cooling debate continues to rage on. The so called minority of scientists that don’t believe in global warming seems to be gaining traction in having their voices heard. Nothing is static in this world, including the temperature. It is always going to be going up or down, just like it always has.
Factory Farming
Benefits of factory farms just illusions
May. 4, 2008 12:00 AM
If they updated the movie, Dorothy wouldn't live on Uncle Henry and Auntie Em's farm. The tornado would blow her away from a corporately owned concentrated animal-feeding operation.
I'm guessing she'd settle down in Oz instead of going back.
Unlike the old American family farm, there is nothing particularly cozy about the way most meat, dairy products and eggs are produced these days.
Farmers used to be decentralized and independent. There were lots of them and they all produced a variety of agricultural products. Now, a few big players use concentrated, factory-inspired techniques to produce a single product measured in animal units.
Calling them animal units instead of animals sounds efficient and modern.
Treating them like units instead of sentient creatures raises moral questions. Read More
The Pew Commission Report continues to be thrown in the face of agriculture. This biased report was written before the commission conducted it’s first meeting. Those of us in agriculture need to be the source of information regarding our industry rather than this group. Do your part in telling the story.
May. 4, 2008 12:00 AM
If they updated the movie, Dorothy wouldn't live on Uncle Henry and Auntie Em's farm. The tornado would blow her away from a corporately owned concentrated animal-feeding operation.
I'm guessing she'd settle down in Oz instead of going back.
Unlike the old American family farm, there is nothing particularly cozy about the way most meat, dairy products and eggs are produced these days.
Farmers used to be decentralized and independent. There were lots of them and they all produced a variety of agricultural products. Now, a few big players use concentrated, factory-inspired techniques to produce a single product measured in animal units.
Calling them animal units instead of animals sounds efficient and modern.
Treating them like units instead of sentient creatures raises moral questions. Read More
The Pew Commission Report continues to be thrown in the face of agriculture. This biased report was written before the commission conducted it’s first meeting. Those of us in agriculture need to be the source of information regarding our industry rather than this group. Do your part in telling the story.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Hog Expansion Ban
Hog ban draws fire from pork producers
Manitoba hog producers are finding Manitoba a less-than-friendly place to be these days, and they're spending close to $200,000 to tell you why.
The Manitoba Pork Council is mounting an advertising campaign to blast the Doer government's decision to ban hog expansion permanently in much of the rural heartland.
"We have a very short period here... to get the message out," said Karl Kynoch, a Baldur hog farmer and the pork council's chairman. Read More
The movement to eliminate animal agriculture is not just occurring in the United States. This bill would ban the expansion of the hog industry in Manitoba. The consequences of this bill are vast and varied. Not only will this hurt the rural economies, but it will also force food production out of Canada.
Manitoba hog producers are finding Manitoba a less-than-friendly place to be these days, and they're spending close to $200,000 to tell you why.
The Manitoba Pork Council is mounting an advertising campaign to blast the Doer government's decision to ban hog expansion permanently in much of the rural heartland.
"We have a very short period here... to get the message out," said Karl Kynoch, a Baldur hog farmer and the pork council's chairman. Read More
The movement to eliminate animal agriculture is not just occurring in the United States. This bill would ban the expansion of the hog industry in Manitoba. The consequences of this bill are vast and varied. Not only will this hurt the rural economies, but it will also force food production out of Canada.
Misinformation about Beef
'Power of 2': Two Simple Steps for Climate Change
Eat Less Beef, Get an Energy Audit, Help Halt Global Warming
You are staring into the face of one thing you can do to fight climate change: Leave the cow alone.
According to the United Nations, 18 percent of the world's greenhouse gas emissions come from sending beef and dairy products to your kitchen table.
Cows are fed corn and soy, which are grown using fertilizers made from fossil fuels. The production of cow feed is particularly destructive in South America, where beef production accounts for 60 to 80 percent of the deforestation of the Amazon, says Frank Merry, an economist at the Woodshole Research Center in Falmouth, Massachusetts. Cow feed then has to be transported to the cows, which requires loads of fuel. Then there's even more fossil fuel burned in the process of slaughtering those cows and getting them to the supermarket and finally get to your table. Read More
The US EPA estimates that only 3% of greenhouse gasses can be contributed to cattle production. Not only that, but there is also a rapidly growing body of evidence that global warming does not exist. Those that would like to eliminate animal agriculture will continue to use this UN data, just like they will use the Pew Commission Report for the coming years. This is why it is crucial that agriculture stay on top of these reports and make sure that the true story is told to the consumers.
Eat Less Beef, Get an Energy Audit, Help Halt Global Warming
You are staring into the face of one thing you can do to fight climate change: Leave the cow alone.
According to the United Nations, 18 percent of the world's greenhouse gas emissions come from sending beef and dairy products to your kitchen table.
Cows are fed corn and soy, which are grown using fertilizers made from fossil fuels. The production of cow feed is particularly destructive in South America, where beef production accounts for 60 to 80 percent of the deforestation of the Amazon, says Frank Merry, an economist at the Woodshole Research Center in Falmouth, Massachusetts. Cow feed then has to be transported to the cows, which requires loads of fuel. Then there's even more fossil fuel burned in the process of slaughtering those cows and getting them to the supermarket and finally get to your table. Read More
The US EPA estimates that only 3% of greenhouse gasses can be contributed to cattle production. Not only that, but there is also a rapidly growing body of evidence that global warming does not exist. Those that would like to eliminate animal agriculture will continue to use this UN data, just like they will use the Pew Commission Report for the coming years. This is why it is crucial that agriculture stay on top of these reports and make sure that the true story is told to the consumers.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Staged Video
Gemperle investigation reveals "staged, manipulated" video; group disputes claim
Posted on: 5.12.2008
Gemperle Enterprises, a large commercial egg producer that was accused in undercover video last week of egregious animal abuse when workers were shown kicking and stomping on hens and leaving diseased and injured birds to suffer in their cages, issued a statement tonight that the video was "a staged, vicious attack" on the company.
"We are continuing to investigate and now know that our employees (in the video) were coerced by the activist to engage in behavior that is against our high standards for hen welfare for the sole purpose of filming a sensational video," the company said.
The activist in question was an investigator for the vegan activist group Mercy for Animals that publicly released the video.
Gemperle Enterprises further reported that an entry-level employee said he was "directed by the activist" to perform acts of abuse while being filmed and that not were the more sensational video segments staged, but the film was "manipulated" to include footage "sped up to appear more forceful and extreme." Read More
The biggest story here is not that they staged this video, but rather that this group contributed to the abuse and suffering of these animals. If these groups were so concerned about animal welfare, they wouldn’t have contributed to their suffering. I would expect that every other group that claims to have the best interest of animals in mind would call for the prosecution of these criminals. If not, they have shown their true hypocritical colors.
Posted on: 5.12.2008
Gemperle Enterprises, a large commercial egg producer that was accused in undercover video last week of egregious animal abuse when workers were shown kicking and stomping on hens and leaving diseased and injured birds to suffer in their cages, issued a statement tonight that the video was "a staged, vicious attack" on the company.
"We are continuing to investigate and now know that our employees (in the video) were coerced by the activist to engage in behavior that is against our high standards for hen welfare for the sole purpose of filming a sensational video," the company said.
The activist in question was an investigator for the vegan activist group Mercy for Animals that publicly released the video.
Gemperle Enterprises further reported that an entry-level employee said he was "directed by the activist" to perform acts of abuse while being filmed and that not were the more sensational video segments staged, but the film was "manipulated" to include footage "sped up to appear more forceful and extreme." Read More
The biggest story here is not that they staged this video, but rather that this group contributed to the abuse and suffering of these animals. If these groups were so concerned about animal welfare, they wouldn’t have contributed to their suffering. I would expect that every other group that claims to have the best interest of animals in mind would call for the prosecution of these criminals. If not, they have shown their true hypocritical colors.
Horse Slaughter
LMA: Congress More Understanding Of Horse Ban's Bad Consequences
Congress showing more understanding of bad consequences of horse slaughter ban, LMA members say after annual Washington Fly-In
Members of Congress showed a growing understanding of the unintended consequences of the closing of America’s three horse slaughter plants, according to participants in Livestock Marketing Association’s fourth annual Washington, D.C. Fly-In.
Since a series of legislative and judicial actions closed the three plants, LMA President Jim Santomaso said the industry is seeing “more and more reports of abandoned horses, and of horses turned out and left to starve, because owners can’t afford their upkeep, or have the means to properly dispose of them.”
Santomaso, the operator of a Sterling, Colo., market, said LMA members are also reporting that horses are being left at their facilities when they don’t sell, “because their owners don’t want them back.” Read More
It is important that all of us in animal agriculture stay involved in keeping the horse slaughter ban from passing through Congress. This bill is not intended to stop the slaughter of horses, but rather it is the beginning of the end of harvesting animals in the United States. If this passes, our opponents will have their foot in the door. Continue to contact your representatives in Congress to let them know you don’t support the horse slaughter ban.
Congress showing more understanding of bad consequences of horse slaughter ban, LMA members say after annual Washington Fly-In
Members of Congress showed a growing understanding of the unintended consequences of the closing of America’s three horse slaughter plants, according to participants in Livestock Marketing Association’s fourth annual Washington, D.C. Fly-In.
Since a series of legislative and judicial actions closed the three plants, LMA President Jim Santomaso said the industry is seeing “more and more reports of abandoned horses, and of horses turned out and left to starve, because owners can’t afford their upkeep, or have the means to properly dispose of them.”
Santomaso, the operator of a Sterling, Colo., market, said LMA members are also reporting that horses are being left at their facilities when they don’t sell, “because their owners don’t want them back.” Read More
It is important that all of us in animal agriculture stay involved in keeping the horse slaughter ban from passing through Congress. This bill is not intended to stop the slaughter of horses, but rather it is the beginning of the end of harvesting animals in the United States. If this passes, our opponents will have their foot in the door. Continue to contact your representatives in Congress to let them know you don’t support the horse slaughter ban.
Consumer Confidence
Ninety percent of consumers trust supermarket meat and poultry: FMI report
By Ann Bagel Storck on 5/12/2008 for Meatingplace.com
Ninety percent of consumers agree with the statement, "I trust the meat, poultry and fish my grocery store sells is safe," according to the Food Marketing Institute's U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends 2008 report, released last week.
They express less trust in the government: 79 percent agree with the statement, "I trust the U.S. Department of Agriculture to ensure that the food I purchase is safe." Only 76 percent hold this view about the FDA, the survey says.
The report also covers consumers' financial pressures and nutritional concerns. Economic worries are compelling Americans to cook at home more and eat less often at restaurants (71 percent). Consumers also are buying fewer luxury foods (67 percent) and more store-brand items (60 percent) and eating more leftovers (58 percent).
Meanwhile, 41 percent of shoppers say they are "very concerned" about the nutritional content of the foods they eat. When evaluating whether a food is nutritious, shoppers focus most on the fat content listed on the Nutrition Facts label, with more than half checking saturated fat, trans fat and total fat. More than four in 10 check the calorie count, look for whole grains and focus on the salt, sugar and cholesterol levels, FMI says.
As much as some groups would like to completely erode consumer confidence in the food supply of this country, consumers have not waivered. A domestically produced food supply is vital to the security of this country and more consumers realize that after watching our dependence on foreign oil.
By Ann Bagel Storck on 5/12/2008 for Meatingplace.com
Ninety percent of consumers agree with the statement, "I trust the meat, poultry and fish my grocery store sells is safe," according to the Food Marketing Institute's U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends 2008 report, released last week.
They express less trust in the government: 79 percent agree with the statement, "I trust the U.S. Department of Agriculture to ensure that the food I purchase is safe." Only 76 percent hold this view about the FDA, the survey says.
The report also covers consumers' financial pressures and nutritional concerns. Economic worries are compelling Americans to cook at home more and eat less often at restaurants (71 percent). Consumers also are buying fewer luxury foods (67 percent) and more store-brand items (60 percent) and eating more leftovers (58 percent).
Meanwhile, 41 percent of shoppers say they are "very concerned" about the nutritional content of the foods they eat. When evaluating whether a food is nutritious, shoppers focus most on the fat content listed on the Nutrition Facts label, with more than half checking saturated fat, trans fat and total fat. More than four in 10 check the calorie count, look for whole grains and focus on the salt, sugar and cholesterol levels, FMI says.
As much as some groups would like to completely erode consumer confidence in the food supply of this country, consumers have not waivered. A domestically produced food supply is vital to the security of this country and more consumers realize that after watching our dependence on foreign oil.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Defending Agriculture
Livestock producers defend practices animal-rights groups criticize
Depending on whom you ask, livestock farms house healthy, contented animals or dirty, little secrets.
Producers of beef, eggs and other products are defending their industries against accusations from animal-rights groups, some armed with undercover video cameras.
Tuesday, a group called Mercy for Animals alleged that laying hens at Gemperle Farms of Turlock have been pushed roughly into cages and otherwise abused by workers.
Wednesday, the Humane Society of the United States charged that sick and injured cattle were mistreated at auction sites and stockyards in four states.
In January, the same group alleged that cattle at a Chino slaughterhouse were shoved with forklifts, shocked with electric prods and sprayed in the face with water.
The industries have a two-part response: Any worker doing such things should be punished, and these abuses are very rare. Read More
One of the most important take home messages from this article is that we shouldn’t be giving our opponents anything to videotape. I can guarantee you that HSUS will never release a video of people handling animals properly. It is up to every one of us in the livestock industry to prevent these video tapes from ending up on the evening news.
Depending on whom you ask, livestock farms house healthy, contented animals or dirty, little secrets.
Producers of beef, eggs and other products are defending their industries against accusations from animal-rights groups, some armed with undercover video cameras.
Tuesday, a group called Mercy for Animals alleged that laying hens at Gemperle Farms of Turlock have been pushed roughly into cages and otherwise abused by workers.
Wednesday, the Humane Society of the United States charged that sick and injured cattle were mistreated at auction sites and stockyards in four states.
In January, the same group alleged that cattle at a Chino slaughterhouse were shoved with forklifts, shocked with electric prods and sprayed in the face with water.
The industries have a two-part response: Any worker doing such things should be punished, and these abuses are very rare. Read More
One of the most important take home messages from this article is that we shouldn’t be giving our opponents anything to videotape. I can guarantee you that HSUS will never release a video of people handling animals properly. It is up to every one of us in the livestock industry to prevent these video tapes from ending up on the evening news.
EU's animal rights laws
Europe gets bullish on animal rights issues
LONDON — Spain's iconic sport, bullfighting, is known for its ferocity and flair. But the centuries-old spectacle may have met its match in an equally tenacious opponent: Europe's animal rights movement.
For the first time Thursday, doping tests were introduced at Spain's most prestigious bullfighting festival after allegations that bulls are given drugs to tip the balance in favor of the matador. Under pressure and falling ratings, Spanish TV has dropped bullfighting from its schedule.
The increasingly vocal anti-bullfighting lobby says it's only a matter of time before the sport is relegated to the history books.
"People in Europe are finally beginning to accept the animal welfare message," said Kate Fowler-Reeves, head of campaigns for Animal Aid, the UK's largest animal rights group. Read More
We’ve talked about the danger of following Europe’s lead on granting rights to animals before. The idea that chimpanzee’s were even considered to receive “personhood” is beyond comprehension. To read Trent’s comments on following the EU’s lead click here.
LONDON — Spain's iconic sport, bullfighting, is known for its ferocity and flair. But the centuries-old spectacle may have met its match in an equally tenacious opponent: Europe's animal rights movement.
For the first time Thursday, doping tests were introduced at Spain's most prestigious bullfighting festival after allegations that bulls are given drugs to tip the balance in favor of the matador. Under pressure and falling ratings, Spanish TV has dropped bullfighting from its schedule.
The increasingly vocal anti-bullfighting lobby says it's only a matter of time before the sport is relegated to the history books.
"People in Europe are finally beginning to accept the animal welfare message," said Kate Fowler-Reeves, head of campaigns for Animal Aid, the UK's largest animal rights group. Read More
We’ve talked about the danger of following Europe’s lead on granting rights to animals before. The idea that chimpanzee’s were even considered to receive “personhood” is beyond comprehension. To read Trent’s comments on following the EU’s lead click here.
How These Ideas Take Off
An Obvious Tie
Many people ( but not enough) wonder about how a kooky movement gets started. These people can understand anyone can come up with a goofy idea but they wonder how some stupid ideas gain traction and followers. The key to understanding this is to look at the professed moral premises of the people advocating such nonsensical ideas as the rights of plants. This movement is just an extension of the animal rights movement which has as much credibility and no basis in fact. What kind of thinking went into initiating this notion? Read More
This article makes a great point about rights. Rights are a concept that was conceived by humans and only appreciated by human. All of us in animal agriculture should be concerned about animal welfare, but animal rights (and plant rights) takes on a whole new meaning.
Many people ( but not enough) wonder about how a kooky movement gets started. These people can understand anyone can come up with a goofy idea but they wonder how some stupid ideas gain traction and followers. The key to understanding this is to look at the professed moral premises of the people advocating such nonsensical ideas as the rights of plants. This movement is just an extension of the animal rights movement which has as much credibility and no basis in fact. What kind of thinking went into initiating this notion? Read More
This article makes a great point about rights. Rights are a concept that was conceived by humans and only appreciated by human. All of us in animal agriculture should be concerned about animal welfare, but animal rights (and plant rights) takes on a whole new meaning.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Beef Promoters
Beef Crosses Boston Marathon Finish Line A Winner
CENTENNIAL, Colo.) – During the three days leading up to the grueling 26.2-mile run, beef checkoff representatives were making sure runners were well equipped with the beef nutrition message at the Sports & Fitness Expo. Boston Marathon runners came to the Expo to pick up their numbers and registration packets -- an appropriate venue for beef and an opportunity to speak to the country and world’s most elite runners about lean beef as fuel for active bodies.
“Our efforts to spread the message about the benefits of lean beef really hit home with this active consumer audience,” says Emilie Miller, Director of Retail & Foodservice Relations for the NEBPI. “We heard comments such as ‘I was a vegetarian – up until an hour ago!’, ‘You just saved a runner’s body.’ and ‘I learned so much and feel much more confident about eating beef.’ Dedication begins on the farm with our producers and this spring in Boston, beef crossed the finish line a winner.” Read More
The National Beef Ambassadors and others in the beef industry were providing great information at the Boston Marathon. One of the best things that producers can do is to get out and interact with consumers to share the story of agriculture with them. I have had the great opportunity to do this on several occasions and it is always a great experience. Congratulations to all of those involved for telling their story.
CENTENNIAL, Colo.) – During the three days leading up to the grueling 26.2-mile run, beef checkoff representatives were making sure runners were well equipped with the beef nutrition message at the Sports & Fitness Expo. Boston Marathon runners came to the Expo to pick up their numbers and registration packets -- an appropriate venue for beef and an opportunity to speak to the country and world’s most elite runners about lean beef as fuel for active bodies.
“Our efforts to spread the message about the benefits of lean beef really hit home with this active consumer audience,” says Emilie Miller, Director of Retail & Foodservice Relations for the NEBPI. “We heard comments such as ‘I was a vegetarian – up until an hour ago!’, ‘You just saved a runner’s body.’ and ‘I learned so much and feel much more confident about eating beef.’ Dedication begins on the farm with our producers and this spring in Boston, beef crossed the finish line a winner.” Read More
The National Beef Ambassadors and others in the beef industry were providing great information at the Boston Marathon. One of the best things that producers can do is to get out and interact with consumers to share the story of agriculture with them. I have had the great opportunity to do this on several occasions and it is always a great experience. Congratulations to all of those involved for telling their story.
Investigation Continues
Report sparks change in livestock regulations
Reports of inhumane treatment of a cow too injured to move at the Westminster Livestock Auction Market have spurred the Maryland Department of Agriculture to tighten regulations.
The U.S. Humane Society videotaped the cow April 22 and notified the MDA. The cow dropped off by its owner, was not recovering well from surgery and the auction’s owner allegedly failed to follow state regulations and take care of the animal, according to MDA.
“A downed animal would either need to be humanely euthanized or under the care of a veterinarian,” said Julie Oberg, an MDA spokeswoman. “He has to take appropriate care for a downed animal, and he allegedly did not do those things. There’s also allegations that he did not provide food and water.” Read More
The investigation as to what exactly happened at this auction continues. HSUS claims that they found abuse at all four sale barns that they randomly selected. The truth of the matter is they will search to no end to find something they can use in their quest to eliminate animal agriculture in this country. The solution to stopping their crusade is for all of us in animal agriculture to make a stand. They have a $130 million budget, but your story and passion for agriculture is more powerful. Use that to your advantage.
Reports of inhumane treatment of a cow too injured to move at the Westminster Livestock Auction Market have spurred the Maryland Department of Agriculture to tighten regulations.
The U.S. Humane Society videotaped the cow April 22 and notified the MDA. The cow dropped off by its owner, was not recovering well from surgery and the auction’s owner allegedly failed to follow state regulations and take care of the animal, according to MDA.
“A downed animal would either need to be humanely euthanized or under the care of a veterinarian,” said Julie Oberg, an MDA spokeswoman. “He has to take appropriate care for a downed animal, and he allegedly did not do those things. There’s also allegations that he did not provide food and water.” Read More
The investigation as to what exactly happened at this auction continues. HSUS claims that they found abuse at all four sale barns that they randomly selected. The truth of the matter is they will search to no end to find something they can use in their quest to eliminate animal agriculture in this country. The solution to stopping their crusade is for all of us in animal agriculture to make a stand. They have a $130 million budget, but your story and passion for agriculture is more powerful. Use that to your advantage.
Energy Independence
Don't Give Up on Energy Independence
By ROBERT MCFARLANE
May 7, 2008; Page A17
This week in Congress, efforts are underway to roll back goals enacted just last year to encourage the development of biofuels. This could damage – perhaps irretrievably – the substantial progress we've made toward relieving the threat posed by our reliance on foreign oil.
Our country is in the midst of a vigorous, healthy argument over whether the apparent appeal of biofuels as a means of reducing our reliance on foreign oil hasn't had the unintended effect of driving an increase in food prices throughout the world. We must base this debate on established facts, and emerge with renewed commitment to measures to relieve a historic threat to our national security.
Let's focus first on what is true in the food-versus-fuel argument. Read More
Energy independence, like a domestic food supply, is vital to our national security. Agriculture has stepped up to provide both. Ultimately, the price of the oil that we are importing has caused the price of food to rise along with most everything else. The US has an incredible supply of untapped oil resources. We shouldn’t be risking the future of this nation on pipelines in the Middle East.
By ROBERT MCFARLANE
May 7, 2008; Page A17
This week in Congress, efforts are underway to roll back goals enacted just last year to encourage the development of biofuels. This could damage – perhaps irretrievably – the substantial progress we've made toward relieving the threat posed by our reliance on foreign oil.
Our country is in the midst of a vigorous, healthy argument over whether the apparent appeal of biofuels as a means of reducing our reliance on foreign oil hasn't had the unintended effect of driving an increase in food prices throughout the world. We must base this debate on established facts, and emerge with renewed commitment to measures to relieve a historic threat to our national security.
Let's focus first on what is true in the food-versus-fuel argument. Read More
Energy independence, like a domestic food supply, is vital to our national security. Agriculture has stepped up to provide both. Ultimately, the price of the oil that we are importing has caused the price of food to rise along with most everything else. The US has an incredible supply of untapped oil resources. We shouldn’t be risking the future of this nation on pipelines in the Middle East.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Downer Cattle Video
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) has released a video today alleging abuse of downed dairy cattle at four different auction yards. While we don’t know the validity of their claims as of yet, an investigation has already begun. The video was taken during April and May of this year and was shared with US Secretary of Agriculture Edward Schafer on Friday.
If these allegations of abuse are true, there is no excuse for this mishandling. Auction markets have available to them quality assurance programs to teach proper handling to their employees and management must make sure that these handling procedures are being put in place.
No one in livestock production wants to see an animal suffer. Those of us that work with livestock on a daily basis work hard everyday to make sure that our animals are content. Producers know that their livelihood depends on these animals living healthy lives and being handled in the best possible way.
Millions of head of livestock are handled every year in this country using proper handling guidelines. And our industry should expect nothing less.....Troy
If these allegations of abuse are true, there is no excuse for this mishandling. Auction markets have available to them quality assurance programs to teach proper handling to their employees and management must make sure that these handling procedures are being put in place.
No one in livestock production wants to see an animal suffer. Those of us that work with livestock on a daily basis work hard everyday to make sure that our animals are content. Producers know that their livelihood depends on these animals living healthy lives and being handled in the best possible way.
Millions of head of livestock are handled every year in this country using proper handling guidelines. And our industry should expect nothing less.....Troy
HSUS Releases Video
Humane Society releases new video of mistreated livestock
By NATASHA T. METZLER – 2 hours ago
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Humane Society of the United States released video footage Wednesday of sick and injured livestock the group says were mistreated at auction sites and stockyards where cattle are sold for slaughter.
The group released videos shot during April and May showing downed cows abandoned for hours at facilities in Maryland, New Mexico, Pennsylvania and Texas. A video was posted on the group's Web site.
"We found downed cows in a state of ill health, with no relief provided to the animals," said Wayne Pacelle, the organization's president and chief executive. Read More
Here is the Associated Press report on the release of the HSUS video alleging abuse of downer cattle at four separate auction markets.
By NATASHA T. METZLER – 2 hours ago
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Humane Society of the United States released video footage Wednesday of sick and injured livestock the group says were mistreated at auction sites and stockyards where cattle are sold for slaughter.
The group released videos shot during April and May showing downed cows abandoned for hours at facilities in Maryland, New Mexico, Pennsylvania and Texas. A video was posted on the group's Web site.
"We found downed cows in a state of ill health, with no relief provided to the animals," said Wayne Pacelle, the organization's president and chief executive. Read More
Here is the Associated Press report on the release of the HSUS video alleging abuse of downer cattle at four separate auction markets.
Old Environmentalist Predictions
Environmentalists' wacky predictions
Now that another Earth Day has come and gone, let's look at some environmentalist predictions that they would prefer we forget.
At the first Earth Day celebration, in 1969, environmentalist Nigel Calder warned, "The threat of a new ice age must now stand alongside nuclear war as a likely source of wholesale death and misery for mankind." C.C. Wallen of the World Meteorological Organization said, "The cooling since 1940 has been large enough and consistent enough that it will not soon be reversed." In 1968, professor Paul Ehrlich, Vice President Gore's hero and mentor, predicted there would be a major food shortage in the U.S. and "in the 1970s ... hundreds of millions of people are going to starve to death." Ehrlich forecasted that 65 million Americans would die of starvation between 1980 and 1989, and by 1999 the U.S. population would have declined to 22.6 million. Ehrlich's predictions about England were gloomier: "If I were a gambler, I would take even money that England will not exist in the year 2000." Read More
The predictions of environmentals from 40 years ago compared with their predictions today demonstrate that our climate has cycles. Everything on this planet tends to run in cycles, so it shouldn’t surprise us that the temperature can rise and fall regardless of human activity. After all, it’s been doing just that for the past 4 billion years.
Now that another Earth Day has come and gone, let's look at some environmentalist predictions that they would prefer we forget.
At the first Earth Day celebration, in 1969, environmentalist Nigel Calder warned, "The threat of a new ice age must now stand alongside nuclear war as a likely source of wholesale death and misery for mankind." C.C. Wallen of the World Meteorological Organization said, "The cooling since 1940 has been large enough and consistent enough that it will not soon be reversed." In 1968, professor Paul Ehrlich, Vice President Gore's hero and mentor, predicted there would be a major food shortage in the U.S. and "in the 1970s ... hundreds of millions of people are going to starve to death." Ehrlich forecasted that 65 million Americans would die of starvation between 1980 and 1989, and by 1999 the U.S. population would have declined to 22.6 million. Ehrlich's predictions about England were gloomier: "If I were a gambler, I would take even money that England will not exist in the year 2000." Read More
The predictions of environmentals from 40 years ago compared with their predictions today demonstrate that our climate has cycles. Everything on this planet tends to run in cycles, so it shouldn’t surprise us that the temperature can rise and fall regardless of human activity. After all, it’s been doing just that for the past 4 billion years.
Family's Land "Too Good" for Livestock
Board: Peach Bottom Twp. land too good for hogs
The Peach Bottom Township zoning hearing board Tuesday rejected a family's application to create a large hog farm on their property.
The board denied the Gemmill family's application to create a Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation, or CAFO, on their 120-acre farm in the 400 block of Gemmill Road.
The board based its decision on a township regulation that requires that CAFOs be placed on poor-quality farm ground.
The Gemmills planned to build the hog barn on land of higher quality than the board deemed appropriate. Read More
Producers know their land better than anyone. If this family was able to meet all of the permitting regulations, it should be up to them to determine the best use of that land. Private property rights continue to erode in this country and this is another example of it.
The Peach Bottom Township zoning hearing board Tuesday rejected a family's application to create a large hog farm on their property.
The board denied the Gemmill family's application to create a Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation, or CAFO, on their 120-acre farm in the 400 block of Gemmill Road.
The board based its decision on a township regulation that requires that CAFOs be placed on poor-quality farm ground.
The Gemmills planned to build the hog barn on land of higher quality than the board deemed appropriate. Read More
Producers know their land better than anyone. If this family was able to meet all of the permitting regulations, it should be up to them to determine the best use of that land. Private property rights continue to erode in this country and this is another example of it.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Bad Beef Rumors
Who Spreads These Malicious Beef Rumors?
Groundless rumors involving the dangers of U.S. beef are reportedly being transmitted to junior and senior high school students throughout the country through mobile phone text messages. One of them is the rumor that schools throughout the country will be closed on Saturday, May 17 or urging students to skip school that day, and a rally involving junior and senior high school students on May 17 is said to be in the works.
During anti-U.S. beef protests in Seoul last Friday and Saturday, junior and senior high school students received mobile text messages urging them to participate. Groundless rumors that have been spread include: “First human death from mad cow disease reported on May 2,” “Consuming just 0.01 g of U.S. beef will kill you” and “President who allowed U.S. beef imports is getting ready to relinquish Dokdo.” Students who received such messages passed them on to their friends, so they spread like wildfire. Read More
This happened in South Korea, and is another example of what people who want animal agriculture eliminated will do to achieve their goal. They will basically stop at nothing. This is why it is vitally important that our industry educate youth about livestock production, because they are being targeted by those who want to put us out of business.
Groundless rumors involving the dangers of U.S. beef are reportedly being transmitted to junior and senior high school students throughout the country through mobile phone text messages. One of them is the rumor that schools throughout the country will be closed on Saturday, May 17 or urging students to skip school that day, and a rally involving junior and senior high school students on May 17 is said to be in the works.
During anti-U.S. beef protests in Seoul last Friday and Saturday, junior and senior high school students received mobile text messages urging them to participate. Groundless rumors that have been spread include: “First human death from mad cow disease reported on May 2,” “Consuming just 0.01 g of U.S. beef will kill you” and “President who allowed U.S. beef imports is getting ready to relinquish Dokdo.” Students who received such messages passed them on to their friends, so they spread like wildfire. Read More
This happened in South Korea, and is another example of what people who want animal agriculture eliminated will do to achieve their goal. They will basically stop at nothing. This is why it is vitally important that our industry educate youth about livestock production, because they are being targeted by those who want to put us out of business.
Edcuating our Youth
All about agriculture
EAGLE GROVE — Youth Environmental Agriculture Days brought more than 985 fifth-graders in eight days to the Wright County Fairgrounds in Eagle Grove to help them learn how agriculture and the environment impact their lives.
‘‘They’ve learned about water conservation, how to conserve and the fact that Iowa uses 90 percent of its land for agriculture,’’ said Lori Thomas, a fifth-grade teacher at Manson Northwest Webster. ‘‘It’s a good day for them to be exposed to agriculture concerns. Many kids don’t live on farms anymore, so it’s good exposure.’’ Read More
Having events like this are incredibly important for telling the story of agriculture. If kids are never exposed to life on the farm, they will never have the background knowledge to understand where there food comes from and how important agriculture is to the security of our country.
EAGLE GROVE — Youth Environmental Agriculture Days brought more than 985 fifth-graders in eight days to the Wright County Fairgrounds in Eagle Grove to help them learn how agriculture and the environment impact their lives.
‘‘They’ve learned about water conservation, how to conserve and the fact that Iowa uses 90 percent of its land for agriculture,’’ said Lori Thomas, a fifth-grade teacher at Manson Northwest Webster. ‘‘It’s a good day for them to be exposed to agriculture concerns. Many kids don’t live on farms anymore, so it’s good exposure.’’ Read More
Having events like this are incredibly important for telling the story of agriculture. If kids are never exposed to life on the farm, they will never have the background knowledge to understand where there food comes from and how important agriculture is to the security of our country.
Lawyers search for next pot of gold
'Holy Grail' of Animal Rights Law Tantalizes a New Breed of Lawyer
A few years back, a lawyer sued President Bush in Hawaii on behalf of all the world's whales, porpoises, and dolphins. Although the case was dismissed, the outcome gave animal rights lawyers a glimmer of hope. At the time, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decided that it saw "no reason" why the Constitution prevents federal courts from hearing cases brought in the name of animals. All that was needed, the 9th Circuit suggested, was an act of Congress.
Congress hasn't been forthcoming with such a law.
Still, there are animal rights lawyers who haven't given up the search for their holy grail: a court decision allowing lawyers to bring suits directly on behalf of one or more animals. Read More
The only reason these lawyers are trying to get “personhood” granted to animals is to make money. Since the enormous tobacco settlement, certain lawyers have been searching for the next pot of gold. And several of them have animal agriculture in their cross hairs.
A few years back, a lawyer sued President Bush in Hawaii on behalf of all the world's whales, porpoises, and dolphins. Although the case was dismissed, the outcome gave animal rights lawyers a glimmer of hope. At the time, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decided that it saw "no reason" why the Constitution prevents federal courts from hearing cases brought in the name of animals. All that was needed, the 9th Circuit suggested, was an act of Congress.
Congress hasn't been forthcoming with such a law.
Still, there are animal rights lawyers who haven't given up the search for their holy grail: a court decision allowing lawyers to bring suits directly on behalf of one or more animals. Read More
The only reason these lawyers are trying to get “personhood” granted to animals is to make money. Since the enormous tobacco settlement, certain lawyers have been searching for the next pot of gold. And several of them have animal agriculture in their cross hairs.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
PETA Wants Jockey Suspended
PETA wants Eight Belles jockey suspended after filly's death
NORFOLK, Va. (AP) — People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is seeking the suspension of Eight Belles' jockey after the filly had to be euthanized following her second-place finish in the Kentucky Derby on Saturday.
Gabriel Saez was riding Eight Belles when she broke both front ankles while galloping out a quarter of a mile past the wire. She was euthanized on the track.
PETA faxed a letter Sunday to Kentucky's racing authority claiming the filly was "doubtlessly injured before the finish" and asked that Saez be suspended while Eight Belles' death is investigated. Read More
Not surprisingly, PETA is using this tragedy to promote their agenda. To suggest that a jockey riding at this level would not have noticed a problem is ridiculous. There are inherent dangers in horse racing and unfortunately they lost a horse in this year’s derby.
NORFOLK, Va. (AP) — People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is seeking the suspension of Eight Belles' jockey after the filly had to be euthanized following her second-place finish in the Kentucky Derby on Saturday.
Gabriel Saez was riding Eight Belles when she broke both front ankles while galloping out a quarter of a mile past the wire. She was euthanized on the track.
PETA faxed a letter Sunday to Kentucky's racing authority claiming the filly was "doubtlessly injured before the finish" and asked that Saez be suspended while Eight Belles' death is investigated. Read More
Not surprisingly, PETA is using this tragedy to promote their agenda. To suggest that a jockey riding at this level would not have noticed a problem is ridiculous. There are inherent dangers in horse racing and unfortunately they lost a horse in this year’s derby.
Rise against ag
Why We Need to Rise up Against Industrial Agriculture (Again)
By Will Allen, AlterNet
Upton Sinclair's The Jungle described the most disgusting practices in the preparation, preservation, and canning of rotten meat. His expos helped create the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which came into being to watch over food safety issues. That was a hundred years ago. Our food supply is now worse than ever, filled with pesticides and pharmaceuticals that are both unnecessary and which are radically harming our ability to survive in an increasingly fragile planet.
As many people know-or at least suspect-the FDA does not do much to protect us from hidden dangers in our food supply. It exists to protect large businesses, large-scale farmers, and corporations that produce various chemicals and pharmaceuticals. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plays a similar role, as recent reports document.
When Sinclair wrote the above description, most cows, pigs, and chickens were raised on pastures. Consequently, most animals arrived at the meat packers in a healthy state. That is definitely not the case today. Read More
This article claims that our food supply is poisoned in the United States and it is because producers have been tricked into thinking they should make their operations efficient. If someone wants to raise organic food, I think that is just fine, however, to insult the rest of agriculture by saying we poison food and torture animals is ridiculous. Our life span has never been longer and our food supply has never been safer.
By Will Allen, AlterNet
Upton Sinclair's The Jungle described the most disgusting practices in the preparation, preservation, and canning of rotten meat. His expos helped create the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which came into being to watch over food safety issues. That was a hundred years ago. Our food supply is now worse than ever, filled with pesticides and pharmaceuticals that are both unnecessary and which are radically harming our ability to survive in an increasingly fragile planet.
As many people know-or at least suspect-the FDA does not do much to protect us from hidden dangers in our food supply. It exists to protect large businesses, large-scale farmers, and corporations that produce various chemicals and pharmaceuticals. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plays a similar role, as recent reports document.
When Sinclair wrote the above description, most cows, pigs, and chickens were raised on pastures. Consequently, most animals arrived at the meat packers in a healthy state. That is definitely not the case today. Read More
This article claims that our food supply is poisoned in the United States and it is because producers have been tricked into thinking they should make their operations efficient. If someone wants to raise organic food, I think that is just fine, however, to insult the rest of agriculture by saying we poison food and torture animals is ridiculous. Our life span has never been longer and our food supply has never been safer.
PETA's Cow Memorial
St. Paul Stockyard May Be Future Site of PETA Cow Memorial
ST. PAUL – Land that was once the world's largest cattle stockyard may end up being the site of the future PETA cow memorial. After 122 years in business and 300 million cows slaughtered, PETA is asking that the animals who died at the South St. Paul stockyard be commemorated.
Monday, in a letter sent to Greg Miller—president of Interstate Partners, the company that owns the land and plans to redevelop—PETA urged that the land be developed into a memorial for the animals. Read More
In this world, things need to die so that other things can live. The animals lives weren’t wasted, rather they were utilized. Animals are a valuable resource that would be wasted if groups like PETA get their way.
ST. PAUL – Land that was once the world's largest cattle stockyard may end up being the site of the future PETA cow memorial. After 122 years in business and 300 million cows slaughtered, PETA is asking that the animals who died at the South St. Paul stockyard be commemorated.
Monday, in a letter sent to Greg Miller—president of Interstate Partners, the company that owns the land and plans to redevelop—PETA urged that the land be developed into a memorial for the animals. Read More
In this world, things need to die so that other things can live. The animals lives weren’t wasted, rather they were utilized. Animals are a valuable resource that would be wasted if groups like PETA get their way.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Global Cooling is Starting
New Jason Satellite Indicates 23-Year Global Cooling
By Dennis Avery Thursday, May 1, 2008
Now it’s not just the sunspots that predict a 23-year global cooling. The new Jason oceanographic satellite shows that 2007 was a “cool” La Nina year—but Jason also says something more important is at work: The much larger and more persistent Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) has turned into its cool phase, telling us to expect moderately lower global temperatures until 2030 or so.
For the past century at least, global temperatures have tended to mirror the 20-to 30-year warmings and coolings of the north-central Pacific Ocean. We don’t know just why, but the pattern of the last century is clear: the earth warmed from about 1915 to1940, while the PDO was also warming (1925 to 46). The earth cooled from 1940 to 1975, while the PDO was cooling (1946 to 1977). The strong global warming from 1976 to 1998 was accompanied by a strong and almost-constant warming of the north-central Pacific. Ancient tree rings in Baja California and Mexico show there have been 11 such PDO shifts since 1650, averaging 23 years on length.
Read More
Have you noticed that the more Al Gore talks about global warming the less the earth’s temperature actually rises? While it’s doubtful that Gore will let the facts get in the way of his agenda, more and more data is suggesting that humans really can’t control the weather, no matter how bad Gore wishes we could.
By Dennis Avery Thursday, May 1, 2008
Now it’s not just the sunspots that predict a 23-year global cooling. The new Jason oceanographic satellite shows that 2007 was a “cool” La Nina year—but Jason also says something more important is at work: The much larger and more persistent Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) has turned into its cool phase, telling us to expect moderately lower global temperatures until 2030 or so.
For the past century at least, global temperatures have tended to mirror the 20-to 30-year warmings and coolings of the north-central Pacific Ocean. We don’t know just why, but the pattern of the last century is clear: the earth warmed from about 1915 to1940, while the PDO was also warming (1925 to 46). The earth cooled from 1940 to 1975, while the PDO was cooling (1946 to 1977). The strong global warming from 1976 to 1998 was accompanied by a strong and almost-constant warming of the north-central Pacific. Ancient tree rings in Baja California and Mexico show there have been 11 such PDO shifts since 1650, averaging 23 years on length.
Read More
Have you noticed that the more Al Gore talks about global warming the less the earth’s temperature actually rises? While it’s doubtful that Gore will let the facts get in the way of his agenda, more and more data is suggesting that humans really can’t control the weather, no matter how bad Gore wishes we could.
More Pew Report News
Livestock lobby meddled in study, authors say
By PERRY BEEMAN REGISTER STAFF WRITER
Livestock interests tried to disrupt a wide-ranging study of their industry by threatening to yank financing for universities and scientists who assisted, a Pew Commission report released Tuesday alleges.
The 2-year study by the Pew Commission on Industrial Farm Animal Production concluded that the industry needs a vast overhaul that includes banning the use of antibiotics as a growth stimulant and giving local governments zoning power over often controversial developments.
"While some agriculture representatives were recommending potential authors for the technical reports to commission staff, other industrial agriculture representatives were discouraging those same authors from assisting us by threatening to withhold research funding for their college or university," commission Executive Director Robert Martin wrote in the foreword of the report. "We found significant influence by the industry at every turn: in academic research, agriculture policy development, governmental regulation and enforcement."
Farm groups said the 15-member Pew panel was tilted against them from the start. Read More
The outcome of this study was absolutely predictable based on what the Pew Charitable Trust has donated to and the reports it has released previously. They do not like animal agriculture and there is no doubt that they will continue to on their quest to eliminate it from this country.
By PERRY BEEMAN REGISTER STAFF WRITER
Livestock interests tried to disrupt a wide-ranging study of their industry by threatening to yank financing for universities and scientists who assisted, a Pew Commission report released Tuesday alleges.
The 2-year study by the Pew Commission on Industrial Farm Animal Production concluded that the industry needs a vast overhaul that includes banning the use of antibiotics as a growth stimulant and giving local governments zoning power over often controversial developments.
"While some agriculture representatives were recommending potential authors for the technical reports to commission staff, other industrial agriculture representatives were discouraging those same authors from assisting us by threatening to withhold research funding for their college or university," commission Executive Director Robert Martin wrote in the foreword of the report. "We found significant influence by the industry at every turn: in academic research, agriculture policy development, governmental regulation and enforcement."
Farm groups said the 15-member Pew panel was tilted against them from the start. Read More
The outcome of this study was absolutely predictable based on what the Pew Charitable Trust has donated to and the reports it has released previously. They do not like animal agriculture and there is no doubt that they will continue to on their quest to eliminate it from this country.
Plant Violations
AP Exclusive: 2 beef processors cited for humane violations
By FREDERIC J. FROMMER
WASHINGTON (AP) — Two of the nation's largest beef processors were slapped with humane handling violations during a government review of meat providers to the National School Lunch Program, records show.
One of those companies' violations was rescinded after the company appealed, and the other company's appeal is pending.
Audits by the Agriculture Department's Food Safety and Inspection Service resulted in "noncompliance" determinations for a National Beef Packing Co. plant in Dodge City, Kan., and a Cargill Meat Solutions plant in Fresno, Calif., according to information obtained by The Associated Press under a Freedom of Information Act request. Read More
Harvesting facilities will continue to be under increased scrutiny following the largest beef recall in our history. Management is going to have to make sure they are following best management practices to the letter because there is not going to be a shortage of people ready to use any violations against our industry.
By FREDERIC J. FROMMER
WASHINGTON (AP) — Two of the nation's largest beef processors were slapped with humane handling violations during a government review of meat providers to the National School Lunch Program, records show.
One of those companies' violations was rescinded after the company appealed, and the other company's appeal is pending.
Audits by the Agriculture Department's Food Safety and Inspection Service resulted in "noncompliance" determinations for a National Beef Packing Co. plant in Dodge City, Kan., and a Cargill Meat Solutions plant in Fresno, Calif., according to information obtained by The Associated Press under a Freedom of Information Act request. Read More
Harvesting facilities will continue to be under increased scrutiny following the largest beef recall in our history. Management is going to have to make sure they are following best management practices to the letter because there is not going to be a shortage of people ready to use any violations against our industry.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Poultry Litter Case Update
Litter suit’s parties get eager for ruling
BY ROBERT J. SMITH
A U. S. District Court judge has had 50 days to make a decision on granting a preliminary injunction to ban spreading poultry litter on farm fields in the Illinois River watershed, leaving some to wonder what’s taking so long.
Farmers, lawyers and others interested in Judge Greg Frizzell’s decision have waited since March 12 to learn whether he’ll grant Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson’s request to stop spreading the litter.
“Judges sit and listen to Nobel lawyers slug it out all the time,” said Patrick Patenteau, senior counsel at the Environment and Natural Resources Law Clinic at the Vermont Law School, who uses the complex debate over the Illinois River issue to teach students about interstate waterquality disputes. “At the end of the day, judges have to decide who to believe. Read More
Here is an update on the poultry litter case that was brought on by OK Attorney General Edmondson. He wants the court to declare that poultry litter is solid waste, and banned from being used as fertilizer in the watershed area. He also knows that if the poultry farmers can’t get rid of their litter that they may be forced to close down, and that seems to be his goal.
BY ROBERT J. SMITH
A U. S. District Court judge has had 50 days to make a decision on granting a preliminary injunction to ban spreading poultry litter on farm fields in the Illinois River watershed, leaving some to wonder what’s taking so long.
Farmers, lawyers and others interested in Judge Greg Frizzell’s decision have waited since March 12 to learn whether he’ll grant Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson’s request to stop spreading the litter.
“Judges sit and listen to Nobel lawyers slug it out all the time,” said Patrick Patenteau, senior counsel at the Environment and Natural Resources Law Clinic at the Vermont Law School, who uses the complex debate over the Illinois River issue to teach students about interstate waterquality disputes. “At the end of the day, judges have to decide who to believe. Read More
Here is an update on the poultry litter case that was brought on by OK Attorney General Edmondson. He wants the court to declare that poultry litter is solid waste, and banned from being used as fertilizer in the watershed area. He also knows that if the poultry farmers can’t get rid of their litter that they may be forced to close down, and that seems to be his goal.
An Activist's Mentality
The Beginning of a Movement
by Kath Rogers
Think back to the last time you were cramped in a middle seat on an airplane. You are uncomfortable and you fidget throughout the flight because the passengers next to you are much too close for comfort. Now imagine your plane is landing early so it is forced to sit twenty extra minutes on the tarmac waiting for the gate to open. You are sweating and have been crowded for hours. You are hot, sticky and your body aches; all you can think about is how badly you want to get up and stretch your legs.
Now imagine that you are never allowed to get up out of that seat. This is where you will eat, sleep, breathe, and go to the bathroom for the entirety of your life. Read More
This is an interesting insight into the mentality of those that are pushing for the passage of the Farm Animal Cruelty Ban in California. They refuse to believe that there are benefits to putting hens in cages and consequences to the banning of this practice. With the push for more locally grown food, these people are trying to push this segment of agriculture further away from California.
by Kath Rogers
Think back to the last time you were cramped in a middle seat on an airplane. You are uncomfortable and you fidget throughout the flight because the passengers next to you are much too close for comfort. Now imagine your plane is landing early so it is forced to sit twenty extra minutes on the tarmac waiting for the gate to open. You are sweating and have been crowded for hours. You are hot, sticky and your body aches; all you can think about is how badly you want to get up and stretch your legs.
Now imagine that you are never allowed to get up out of that seat. This is where you will eat, sleep, breathe, and go to the bathroom for the entirety of your life. Read More
This is an interesting insight into the mentality of those that are pushing for the passage of the Farm Animal Cruelty Ban in California. They refuse to believe that there are benefits to putting hens in cages and consequences to the banning of this practice. With the push for more locally grown food, these people are trying to push this segment of agriculture further away from California.
Doctor wants Researchers Murdered
Killing Researchers Is “Morally Acceptable,” Says Popular Animal Rights Activist
Dr. Jerry Vlasik is quoted as saying, "killing researchers, involved in animal testing, could save millions of non-human lives.” (Four Points Media)
A controversial animal rights activist spoke in a conference in Salt Lake City, Saturday. 2NEWS' Brian Mullahy spoke with the Doctor who had some startling words about methods used for the cause of animal liberation.
Dr. Vlasak is a trauma surgeon in Southern California. And to him, all forms of life are precious.“I save lives everyday at the hospital. Everyday, I go to the hospital, I save lives,” says Dr. Vlasak.
But the doctor feels that if necessary, it’s morally acceptable to take human lives, if it saves the lives of many animals. Years ago, Vlasak was quoted as saying, “I don’t think you’d have to kill -assasinate- too many. I think for five lives, ten lives, fifteen human lives, we could save one million, two million maybe ten million non-human lives.” Read More
Besides advocating for the murder of researchers doing research on life saving medical treatments, Vlasak is also the spokesman for the Animal Liberation Front (ALF). ALF is considered one of the top domestic terrorist threats in the United States, and its partly because of their total disregard for human life. Never should the life of an animal be worth a human death.
Dr. Jerry Vlasik is quoted as saying, "killing researchers, involved in animal testing, could save millions of non-human lives.” (Four Points Media)
A controversial animal rights activist spoke in a conference in Salt Lake City, Saturday. 2NEWS' Brian Mullahy spoke with the Doctor who had some startling words about methods used for the cause of animal liberation.
Dr. Vlasak is a trauma surgeon in Southern California. And to him, all forms of life are precious.“I save lives everyday at the hospital. Everyday, I go to the hospital, I save lives,” says Dr. Vlasak.
But the doctor feels that if necessary, it’s morally acceptable to take human lives, if it saves the lives of many animals. Years ago, Vlasak was quoted as saying, “I don’t think you’d have to kill -assasinate- too many. I think for five lives, ten lives, fifteen human lives, we could save one million, two million maybe ten million non-human lives.” Read More
Besides advocating for the murder of researchers doing research on life saving medical treatments, Vlasak is also the spokesman for the Animal Liberation Front (ALF). ALF is considered one of the top domestic terrorist threats in the United States, and its partly because of their total disregard for human life. Never should the life of an animal be worth a human death.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
PETA - A dog's worst friend?
PETA and Euthanasia
Even among animal lovers, killing unwanted pets is a divisive issue.
Jeneen Interlandi
Newsweek Web Exclusive
Updated: 12:43 PM ET Apr 28, 2008
Nearly a decade later, Daphna Nachminovitch still remembers the rerelease of the Disney classic "101 Dalmatians" and the tragedy that followed. First there was a spike in sales of the famous spotted breed. Then, in the months that followed, shelters took in hundreds of Dalmatians from disillusioned pet owners around the country. "As soon as the puppies outlived their cuteness and the kids didn't want to scoop the poop anymore, the dogs were dumped in shelters," says Nachminovitch, vice president of cruelty investigations for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). "Many of them had to be euthanized, because there was simply no place for them to go."
But what many animal lovers don't realize is that PETA itself may have put down some of those unwanted Dalmatians. The organization has practiced euthanasia for years. Since 1998 PETA has killed more than 17,000 animals, nearly 85 percent of all those it has rescued. Read More
PETA has been taking more and more heat lately because THEY are responsible for the deaths of so many animals. While the hard-core PETA supporters will defend everything they ever do, the public is starting to ask more questions about how PETA treats animals. Those who argue for the ban on horse slaughter state that death is not humane treatment. I guess PETA didn’t get the memo.
Even among animal lovers, killing unwanted pets is a divisive issue.
Jeneen Interlandi
Newsweek Web Exclusive
Updated: 12:43 PM ET Apr 28, 2008
Nearly a decade later, Daphna Nachminovitch still remembers the rerelease of the Disney classic "101 Dalmatians" and the tragedy that followed. First there was a spike in sales of the famous spotted breed. Then, in the months that followed, shelters took in hundreds of Dalmatians from disillusioned pet owners around the country. "As soon as the puppies outlived their cuteness and the kids didn't want to scoop the poop anymore, the dogs were dumped in shelters," says Nachminovitch, vice president of cruelty investigations for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). "Many of them had to be euthanized, because there was simply no place for them to go."
But what many animal lovers don't realize is that PETA itself may have put down some of those unwanted Dalmatians. The organization has practiced euthanasia for years. Since 1998 PETA has killed more than 17,000 animals, nearly 85 percent of all those it has rescued. Read More
PETA has been taking more and more heat lately because THEY are responsible for the deaths of so many animals. While the hard-core PETA supporters will defend everything they ever do, the public is starting to ask more questions about how PETA treats animals. Those who argue for the ban on horse slaughter state that death is not humane treatment. I guess PETA didn’t get the memo.
Meijer customers not happy
Meijer ends Humane Society contest after sportsmen complain
by Shandra Martinez The Grand Rapids Press
Monday April 28, 2008, 6:25 PM
WALKER -- Meijer Inc. ducked Monday after finding itself in the cross hairs of a national hunting group over donations to help families and pets going through foreclosure.
The Foreclosure Pets Fund is run by the Humane Society of the United States -- an organization the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance charges is anti-hunting.
After the Alliance condemned Meijer Friday, the company Monday ended the program to donate $1, up to $5,000, for every entry in an online pet photo contest.
"The feedback from our customers is important," Meijer spokeswoman Stacie Behler said. "We support our customers who come to our store to buy hunting licenses and fishing licenses and sportsmen equipment." Read More
More people are starting to see HSUS for what it really is. Hunters, like farmers and ranchers, are being attacked by this organization because they utilize the resources that this planet gives us. Wildlife management is critical to keeping a healthy, balanced population, and hunters know this better than anyone.
by Shandra Martinez The Grand Rapids Press
Monday April 28, 2008, 6:25 PM
WALKER -- Meijer Inc. ducked Monday after finding itself in the cross hairs of a national hunting group over donations to help families and pets going through foreclosure.
The Foreclosure Pets Fund is run by the Humane Society of the United States -- an organization the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance charges is anti-hunting.
After the Alliance condemned Meijer Friday, the company Monday ended the program to donate $1, up to $5,000, for every entry in an online pet photo contest.
"The feedback from our customers is important," Meijer spokeswoman Stacie Behler said. "We support our customers who come to our store to buy hunting licenses and fishing licenses and sportsmen equipment." Read More
More people are starting to see HSUS for what it really is. Hunters, like farmers and ranchers, are being attacked by this organization because they utilize the resources that this planet gives us. Wildlife management is critical to keeping a healthy, balanced population, and hunters know this better than anyone.
PETA takes aim at Wendy's (Again)
PETA Challenges Triarc to Change Wendy's Practices
2008-04-29 —
PETA president Ingrid E. Newkirk sent the following letter to Triarc's CEO Roland Smith and Chair Nathan Peltz today challenging the Atlanta-based company to improve Wendy's animal practices:
"Dear Messrs. Smith and Peltz:
I'm writing on behalf of PETA and our more than 1.8 million members and supporters worldwide regarding your purchase of Wendy's.
I know that there are many people unhappy with this purchase, but I want you to know that those of us at PETA who have been nudging Wendy's to eliminate the worst abuses of the animals raised and killed for its restaurants are relieved. Perhaps now, Wendy's will make some long-overdue progress on this issue. Read More
PETA is apparently still stinging from their failed efforts to have Wendy’s use cage free eggs. Back in February, PETA placed ads in newspaper urging people to call Wendy’s and tell them to switch. Wendy’s ended up getting more calls against the switch, and chose not do change anything.
2008-04-29 —
PETA president Ingrid E. Newkirk sent the following letter to Triarc's CEO Roland Smith and Chair Nathan Peltz today challenging the Atlanta-based company to improve Wendy's animal practices:
"Dear Messrs. Smith and Peltz:
I'm writing on behalf of PETA and our more than 1.8 million members and supporters worldwide regarding your purchase of Wendy's.
I know that there are many people unhappy with this purchase, but I want you to know that those of us at PETA who have been nudging Wendy's to eliminate the worst abuses of the animals raised and killed for its restaurants are relieved. Perhaps now, Wendy's will make some long-overdue progress on this issue. Read More
PETA is apparently still stinging from their failed efforts to have Wendy’s use cage free eggs. Back in February, PETA placed ads in newspaper urging people to call Wendy’s and tell them to switch. Wendy’s ended up getting more calls against the switch, and chose not do change anything.
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