State's deal with HSUS might not be end of conflict
JULY 3, 2010
Chillicothe Gazette
For months, the spectre of a fall statewide issue related to animal cruelty promised to create a showdown between animal activists and the farming community in Ohio.
But a last minute deal brokered by Gov. Ted Strickland brought together the animal rights and farm groups for a deal that boosts both sides.
The deal calls for Strickland, the Humane Society, the Ohio Farm Bureau and their partners to join forces in favor of tougher laws governing farm animals, including provisions that ban certain crates and cages and the use of strangulation as a form of euthanasia.
It also calls for setting felony-level penalties for cock fighting, cracking down on puppy mills and promoting a ban on future exotic pet purchases.
The farming community took a hit recently when a video from a Plain City farm showed brutal treatment of cows there.
Animal rights groups, including the Humane Society of the United States, were accused of harassing and dishonest practices to get the signatures needed on petitions.
As Strickland said in a Wednesday press conference, the still-unsigned deal was necessary to avoid a bitter campaign war.
But a closer look reveals Ohio isn't out of the woods just yet.
Provisions in the agreement keep the state on a proverbial leash when it comes to HSUS getting what they want.
For example, if HSUS isn't pleased with the progress on rules regarding wild and dangerous animals (big cats, bears, primates, alligators, venomous snakes, etc.) by Dec. 31, all bets could be off. The same thing goes for 2014, 2017 and beyond -- if HSUS isn't happy with the progress, then a ballot issue could be forthcoming.
As California is learning, HSUS only stays happy for a fleeting moment, then it moves on to the next item on its agenda. The safe money is that the same thing will happen here in the Buckeye State.
So, enjoy it while it lasts, Ohio. You might not have to hear the cacophony of dueling political ads this year, but that doesn't mean it won't be coming in the future. Read More
There’s plenty of discussion happening about last week’s announcement of the deal that was reached in Ohio. One of the things that I continually remind people when it comes to making deals with the HSUS is that it’s only temporary. They can always change their mind and come back anytime. That’s exactly what this article discusses. When you make deals with the devil you are going to get burned every time. ~Troy
Showing posts with label Ohio Farm Bureau. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ohio Farm Bureau. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Livestock Care Issue Won't Be On Ohio Ballot
Livestock care amendment won't be on ballot
July 1, 2010
By MARC KOVAC
Dix Capital Bureau
COLUMBUS -- The Humane Society of the United States has abandoned its drive to place an animal care-related constitutional amendment on the November ballot.
The decision came late Wednesday afternoon, the day the group was supposed to turn in petitions to the Secretary of State, after negotiating with Gov. Ted Strickland and the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation.
The resulting agreement included five proposed livestock standard changes: phasing out veal crates in 2017; phasing out new hog gestation crate use this year with a 15-year phase-out on existing equipment; implementing a "timeout" on battery cage permits used to confine egg-laying hens; and instituting standards for both downer livestock and euthanasia practices.
Those changes will be forwarded to the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board, the voter-approved body that will have to sign off on them. Read More
Only time will tell if this “agreement” was a good idea or not, but after 12 hours of thinking about it, here’s my early take on things. It would seem to me that this agreement has effectively stripped the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board of it’s constitutional duty. The citizens of Ohio decided that they wanted this board to make the decisions about livestock welfare based on scientific reasoning, not emotional arguments made by out-of-state animal rights groups. Unfortunately they are now in the position of being forced to accept this agreement based on politics rather than what’s best for the livestock.
There’s no doubt that the ballot issue would have been risky, but Ohio’s agriculture leadership seemed ready to fight for their industry right up until yesterday.
July 1, 2010
By MARC KOVAC
Dix Capital Bureau
COLUMBUS -- The Humane Society of the United States has abandoned its drive to place an animal care-related constitutional amendment on the November ballot.
The decision came late Wednesday afternoon, the day the group was supposed to turn in petitions to the Secretary of State, after negotiating with Gov. Ted Strickland and the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation.
The resulting agreement included five proposed livestock standard changes: phasing out veal crates in 2017; phasing out new hog gestation crate use this year with a 15-year phase-out on existing equipment; implementing a "timeout" on battery cage permits used to confine egg-laying hens; and instituting standards for both downer livestock and euthanasia practices.
Those changes will be forwarded to the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board, the voter-approved body that will have to sign off on them. Read More
Only time will tell if this “agreement” was a good idea or not, but after 12 hours of thinking about it, here’s my early take on things. It would seem to me that this agreement has effectively stripped the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board of it’s constitutional duty. The citizens of Ohio decided that they wanted this board to make the decisions about livestock welfare based on scientific reasoning, not emotional arguments made by out-of-state animal rights groups. Unfortunately they are now in the position of being forced to accept this agreement based on politics rather than what’s best for the livestock.
There’s no doubt that the ballot issue would have been risky, but Ohio’s agriculture leadership seemed ready to fight for their industry right up until yesterday.
Monday, October 19, 2009
More On Issue 2
How should we treat the animals we eat?
Voters will decide on state Livestock Care Standards Board this year before Humane Society issue next year.
By Josh Sweigart, Staff Writer
Updated 12:24 AM Sunday, October 18, 2009
Issue 2 is about how we treat our food.
It’s also a high-stakes political maneuver to save Ohio’s livestock industry from a radical animal rights agenda, proponents say. Opponents say it’s an effort to flout humane reform.
The constitutional amendment on the ballot in November would create the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board to regulate the treatment of animals raised for food.
The issue has been endorsed by most farm groups, those representing grocers and restaurants, state leaders and recently by Butler County commissioners.
If there needs to be rules about how farm animals are treated, they say those rules should be written by Ohio farmers, industry experts and veterinarians.
“The experts that live in Ohio, that know Ohio and are knowledgeable about Ohio should be the people to determine what those regulations are to establish,” said Butler County Farm Bureau Director Christy Montoya, who also is the Warren County Farm Bureau director.
They fear failure of Issue 2 would pave the way for animal rights groups to come to voters next year with a measure that would endanger the livelihood of family farmers by creating extensive new rules. Read More
Issue 2 in Ohio has certainly garnered a lot of attention from across the country. Opponents of the bill continue their tired arguments that this will only protect large factory farms even though countless family farmers continue to speak out on the importance of passing this bill. The facts are this, the Humane Society of the United States has a stated goal of eliminating animal agriculture in this country. If Issue 2 doesn’t pass, HSUS will move in with their own legislation to continue working on their goal.
Voters will decide on state Livestock Care Standards Board this year before Humane Society issue next year.
By Josh Sweigart, Staff Writer
Updated 12:24 AM Sunday, October 18, 2009
Issue 2 is about how we treat our food.
It’s also a high-stakes political maneuver to save Ohio’s livestock industry from a radical animal rights agenda, proponents say. Opponents say it’s an effort to flout humane reform.
The constitutional amendment on the ballot in November would create the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board to regulate the treatment of animals raised for food.
The issue has been endorsed by most farm groups, those representing grocers and restaurants, state leaders and recently by Butler County commissioners.
If there needs to be rules about how farm animals are treated, they say those rules should be written by Ohio farmers, industry experts and veterinarians.
“The experts that live in Ohio, that know Ohio and are knowledgeable about Ohio should be the people to determine what those regulations are to establish,” said Butler County Farm Bureau Director Christy Montoya, who also is the Warren County Farm Bureau director.
They fear failure of Issue 2 would pave the way for animal rights groups to come to voters next year with a measure that would endanger the livelihood of family farmers by creating extensive new rules. Read More
Issue 2 in Ohio has certainly garnered a lot of attention from across the country. Opponents of the bill continue their tired arguments that this will only protect large factory farms even though countless family farmers continue to speak out on the importance of passing this bill. The facts are this, the Humane Society of the United States has a stated goal of eliminating animal agriculture in this country. If Issue 2 doesn’t pass, HSUS will move in with their own legislation to continue working on their goal.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Food & Animal Issues Center Gets Donation
A New Partner in Animal Rights Battle
Farm Bureau's Center for Food and Animal Issues gets big donation from Farm Credit Services of Mid-America.
By: Compiled by staff
Published: Aug 17, 2009
Ohio Farm Bureau Federation's newly created Center for Food and Animal Issues received a significant boost recently thanks to a $100,000 donation approved by the Board of Directors for Farm Credit Services of Mid-America, a $15.5 billion agriculture lending cooperative serving over 85,500 farmers and rural residents.
The center was created in May to bring together diverse interests including farmers, consumers, zoos, hunters, researchers and pet owners to make sure all voices are heard as decisions about animals are considered. The center will develop programs and partnerships that promote dialog among all stakeholders who benefit from animals in their lives.
"It seems logical that as an agricultural lender, we would get behind the Farm Bureau's initiative. Many of our board members are livestock farmers themselves and wholeheartedly support the objectives of the Center, feeling that changes or advancements in animal well-being guidelines should be based on expert analysis, economic feasibility and sound information," says Donnie Winters, president and chief executive officer for FCS. Read More
One of the trends that I have been noticing lately is that several industries that depend on animal agriculture are starting to more actively support it. Either through donations like the one that Farm Credit Services of Mid-America recently made or by helping us tell our story in other ways. These partnerships are very important in order for all of us to be successful in ensuring and protecting our domestic food supply.
Farm Bureau's Center for Food and Animal Issues gets big donation from Farm Credit Services of Mid-America.
By: Compiled by staff
Published: Aug 17, 2009
Ohio Farm Bureau Federation's newly created Center for Food and Animal Issues received a significant boost recently thanks to a $100,000 donation approved by the Board of Directors for Farm Credit Services of Mid-America, a $15.5 billion agriculture lending cooperative serving over 85,500 farmers and rural residents.
The center was created in May to bring together diverse interests including farmers, consumers, zoos, hunters, researchers and pet owners to make sure all voices are heard as decisions about animals are considered. The center will develop programs and partnerships that promote dialog among all stakeholders who benefit from animals in their lives.
"It seems logical that as an agricultural lender, we would get behind the Farm Bureau's initiative. Many of our board members are livestock farmers themselves and wholeheartedly support the objectives of the Center, feeling that changes or advancements in animal well-being guidelines should be based on expert analysis, economic feasibility and sound information," says Donnie Winters, president and chief executive officer for FCS. Read More
One of the trends that I have been noticing lately is that several industries that depend on animal agriculture are starting to more actively support it. Either through donations like the one that Farm Credit Services of Mid-America recently made or by helping us tell our story in other ways. These partnerships are very important in order for all of us to be successful in ensuring and protecting our domestic food supply.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
OH House Approves Care Board
House approves ballot issue on livestock treatment
By JIM PROVANCE
BLADE COLUMBUS BUREAU CHIEF
COLUMBUS - Despite arguments it was moving too quickly, the Ohio House yesterday overwhelmingly approved a proposed constitutional amendment that would beat a Washington animal-rights group to the punch in addressing livestock confinement conditions.
The Senate is expected to act on a separate but identical resolution today, virtually assuring that the question will appear on the Nov. 3 ballot.
Sen. Bob Gibbs (R., Lakeville), sponsor of the Senate resolution, said lawmakers had to "take the bull by the horns" to address the issue before the Humane Society of the United States could put its own issue on the ballot.
"Ohio consumers can be assured that Ohio agriculture will not tolerate those farms that are not willing to follow commonly accepted best management practices," he said.
"It's not often that the agricultural community requests additional regulation over the way we conduct our businesses," said Mark Watchman, a Napoleon farmer and president of the Ohio Wheat Growers Association.
"So it should be obvious to this [Senate Agriculture] committee, the Ohio Senate, and Ohio consumers that agriculture is confident in the way we raise livestock, and we invite this board of Ohio experts to be the check and balance on behalf of Ohio consumers," he said. Read More
Ohio’s House of Representative thumbed their collective noses at the Washington DC based animal rights group Humane Society of the United States. This was no doubt one of the worst public and embarrassing losses the HSUS has endured with Wayne Pacelle as CEO. Originally scheduled for an interview on Agri-Talk yesterday, Pacelle re-scheduled so that he could personally tend to the situation in Ohio. Pacelle’s bullying tactics backfired in the more ag-friendly state of Ohio, and at least for a day, forced him to put his tale between his legs.
By JIM PROVANCE
BLADE COLUMBUS BUREAU CHIEF
COLUMBUS - Despite arguments it was moving too quickly, the Ohio House yesterday overwhelmingly approved a proposed constitutional amendment that would beat a Washington animal-rights group to the punch in addressing livestock confinement conditions.
The Senate is expected to act on a separate but identical resolution today, virtually assuring that the question will appear on the Nov. 3 ballot.
Sen. Bob Gibbs (R., Lakeville), sponsor of the Senate resolution, said lawmakers had to "take the bull by the horns" to address the issue before the Humane Society of the United States could put its own issue on the ballot.
"Ohio consumers can be assured that Ohio agriculture will not tolerate those farms that are not willing to follow commonly accepted best management practices," he said.
"It's not often that the agricultural community requests additional regulation over the way we conduct our businesses," said Mark Watchman, a Napoleon farmer and president of the Ohio Wheat Growers Association.
"So it should be obvious to this [Senate Agriculture] committee, the Ohio Senate, and Ohio consumers that agriculture is confident in the way we raise livestock, and we invite this board of Ohio experts to be the check and balance on behalf of Ohio consumers," he said. Read More
Ohio’s House of Representative thumbed their collective noses at the Washington DC based animal rights group Humane Society of the United States. This was no doubt one of the worst public and embarrassing losses the HSUS has endured with Wayne Pacelle as CEO. Originally scheduled for an interview on Agri-Talk yesterday, Pacelle re-scheduled so that he could personally tend to the situation in Ohio. Pacelle’s bullying tactics backfired in the more ag-friendly state of Ohio, and at least for a day, forced him to put his tale between his legs.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
OH's Proposed Livestock Care Board
Proposed farm animal care board under fire
By Ben Sutherly Staff Writer
12:49 AM Tuesday, June 23, 2009
COLUMBUS — A proposed state board charged with developing and enforcing guidelines for livestock and poultry care would thwart meaningful reform in the housing of farm animals, the Humane Society of the United States said on Monday, June 22.
But Gov. Ted Strickland, legislators from both parties and representatives of animal agriculture support a state constitutional amendment that would create a 13-member Livestock Care Standards Board. Joint resolutions proposed late last week in the House and Senate, if passed, would put the amendment before voters Nov. 3.
“This is a constitutional power grab on behalf of big agribusiness,” said Paul Shapiro of HSUS. “This is creating an industry-dominated council that will certainly codify standard inhumane practices on factory farms.”
The council would include three “family farmers,” two veterinarians, a food safety expert, a representative of a local humane society, two members from statewide farm organizations, the dean of an Ohio agriculture college, and two members representing Ohio consumers. The director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture would serve ex officio as a 13th member.
Read More
After complaining that Ohio’s farmers and ranchers wouldn’t sit down at the table with them to discuss livestock production methods, the Humane Society of the United States is now livid over the idea that Ohio may form a board to discuss that very thing. In fact they are so upset that yesterday they made a point that they would spend $10 million to ensure that this board never meets and they still get their way of forcing farmers to use non-confinement systems. If the HSUS was truly concerned about having a conversation with the citizens of Ohio, they would have been thrilled with this idea. The problem is that this doesn’t fit with their goals of ending animal agriculture and creating a vegan society. The worst tragedy is that if they accomplish their goals, it will be at the expense of livestock. Many of the things they promote for livestock may actually be detrimental to their comfort and well-being.
By Ben Sutherly Staff Writer
12:49 AM Tuesday, June 23, 2009
COLUMBUS — A proposed state board charged with developing and enforcing guidelines for livestock and poultry care would thwart meaningful reform in the housing of farm animals, the Humane Society of the United States said on Monday, June 22.
But Gov. Ted Strickland, legislators from both parties and representatives of animal agriculture support a state constitutional amendment that would create a 13-member Livestock Care Standards Board. Joint resolutions proposed late last week in the House and Senate, if passed, would put the amendment before voters Nov. 3.
“This is a constitutional power grab on behalf of big agribusiness,” said Paul Shapiro of HSUS. “This is creating an industry-dominated council that will certainly codify standard inhumane practices on factory farms.”
The council would include three “family farmers,” two veterinarians, a food safety expert, a representative of a local humane society, two members from statewide farm organizations, the dean of an Ohio agriculture college, and two members representing Ohio consumers. The director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture would serve ex officio as a 13th member.
Read More
After complaining that Ohio’s farmers and ranchers wouldn’t sit down at the table with them to discuss livestock production methods, the Humane Society of the United States is now livid over the idea that Ohio may form a board to discuss that very thing. In fact they are so upset that yesterday they made a point that they would spend $10 million to ensure that this board never meets and they still get their way of forcing farmers to use non-confinement systems. If the HSUS was truly concerned about having a conversation with the citizens of Ohio, they would have been thrilled with this idea. The problem is that this doesn’t fit with their goals of ending animal agriculture and creating a vegan society. The worst tragedy is that if they accomplish their goals, it will be at the expense of livestock. Many of the things they promote for livestock may actually be detrimental to their comfort and well-being.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Ag - Our Financial Foundation
Ohio's economic well-being directly tied to success of its dairy industry
June 13, 2009
WARM summer days in Ohio bring one of my favorite things: ice cream - rich, luscious ice cream. As we celebrate National Dairy Month this June, keep in mind the many homegrown dairy products we enjoy daily, such as cool glasses of milk and a refreshing bowl of ice cream on a hot summer evening.
Ohio is home to 3,490 dairy farms and 76 milk-processing facilities that produce nearly 5 billion pounds of milk each year.
Nationally, Ohio ranks first in Swiss cheese production, fifth in the number of dairy manufacturing plants and 11th in total milk production.
However, the success of Ohio's agricultural industry is being threatened by a Washington-run special interest group, which moves from state-to-state advocating for agricultural regulations that are devastating local farmers.
This organization, the Humane Society of the United States, differs from our local nonprofit humane societies, which focus on responsible pet ownership and animal adoptions.
During these difficult economic times, agriculture is a financial rock on today's shifting economic sands. Supporting our dairy industry not only creates and maintains jobs, but also keeps Ohio competitive in the world markets. We need to ensure that we support and promote our dairy industry and our local dairy farms. Read More
It’s easy for most people to forget that agriculture is the foundation upon which everything is built in this country. Most of us have never seen empty grocery store shelves. But this doesn’t happen by accident. It takes the hard work and dedication of America’s family farmers and ranchers. There is a threat to this foundation, however. There are some people that want to regulate these families right off the land. Apparently they favor food that has been grown in other countries. Consumers need to realize that when they vote on these innocent sounding farm reforms that there are far reaching consequences for the families that grow their food.
June 13, 2009
WARM summer days in Ohio bring one of my favorite things: ice cream - rich, luscious ice cream. As we celebrate National Dairy Month this June, keep in mind the many homegrown dairy products we enjoy daily, such as cool glasses of milk and a refreshing bowl of ice cream on a hot summer evening.
Ohio is home to 3,490 dairy farms and 76 milk-processing facilities that produce nearly 5 billion pounds of milk each year.
Nationally, Ohio ranks first in Swiss cheese production, fifth in the number of dairy manufacturing plants and 11th in total milk production.
However, the success of Ohio's agricultural industry is being threatened by a Washington-run special interest group, which moves from state-to-state advocating for agricultural regulations that are devastating local farmers.
This organization, the Humane Society of the United States, differs from our local nonprofit humane societies, which focus on responsible pet ownership and animal adoptions.
During these difficult economic times, agriculture is a financial rock on today's shifting economic sands. Supporting our dairy industry not only creates and maintains jobs, but also keeps Ohio competitive in the world markets. We need to ensure that we support and promote our dairy industry and our local dairy farms. Read More
It’s easy for most people to forget that agriculture is the foundation upon which everything is built in this country. Most of us have never seen empty grocery store shelves. But this doesn’t happen by accident. It takes the hard work and dedication of America’s family farmers and ranchers. There is a threat to this foundation, however. There are some people that want to regulate these families right off the land. Apparently they favor food that has been grown in other countries. Consumers need to realize that when they vote on these innocent sounding farm reforms that there are far reaching consequences for the families that grow their food.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Ohio Ag Not Backing Down to HSUS
Humane Society: Give Ohio farm animals some space
By TERRY KINNEY , 05.19.09, 04:06 PM EDT
The Ohio farm lobby and the Humane Society of the United States are girding for a fight over the confinement of farm animals, with the Washington-based society saying it is confident voters will side with animals and farmers saying the group's real goal is to reduce consumption of animal products.
The Humane Society met with Ohio Farm Bureau Federation leaders, the Ohio Cattlemen's Association, the Ohio Pork Producers Council and the Ohio Poultry Association in February to deliver this message: Ohio farmers must agree to change their animal husbandry practices or have the practices changed for them via the ballot box.
"When we met with those industry leaders, we suggested we come to a meeting of the minds with a plan to phase out confinement systems in the state," Humane Society president Wayne Pacelle said Tuesday. "My suggestion to agricultural leaders in Ohio was not to squander money on a campaign that was likely to fail."
The farm bureau has served notice that it is not going to roll over.
"They make what sound like simple demands regarding animals when in reality their true goal is to give animals status equal to humans," said Jack Fisher, executive vice president of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation.
The federation sounded a fundraising alarm on its Web site last week. And in its newsletter, the organization asks if the Humane Society is making an honest attempt to improve animal care, "or is it part of a broader effort to disrupt livestock farms, artificially drive up the cost of animal products and restrict consumer choice?" Read More
Ohio’s livestock producers have refused to lay down and be run over by the new bully on the block. We have learned from the situation in California that the “prop 2” legislation is just the beginning of a series of laws animal rights groups will continue proposing in order to eliminate animal agriculture. If we don’t stand up and challenge these proposals today, there may not be a livestock industry tomorrow.
By TERRY KINNEY , 05.19.09, 04:06 PM EDT
The Ohio farm lobby and the Humane Society of the United States are girding for a fight over the confinement of farm animals, with the Washington-based society saying it is confident voters will side with animals and farmers saying the group's real goal is to reduce consumption of animal products.
The Humane Society met with Ohio Farm Bureau Federation leaders, the Ohio Cattlemen's Association, the Ohio Pork Producers Council and the Ohio Poultry Association in February to deliver this message: Ohio farmers must agree to change their animal husbandry practices or have the practices changed for them via the ballot box.
"When we met with those industry leaders, we suggested we come to a meeting of the minds with a plan to phase out confinement systems in the state," Humane Society president Wayne Pacelle said Tuesday. "My suggestion to agricultural leaders in Ohio was not to squander money on a campaign that was likely to fail."
The farm bureau has served notice that it is not going to roll over.
"They make what sound like simple demands regarding animals when in reality their true goal is to give animals status equal to humans," said Jack Fisher, executive vice president of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation.
The federation sounded a fundraising alarm on its Web site last week. And in its newsletter, the organization asks if the Humane Society is making an honest attempt to improve animal care, "or is it part of a broader effort to disrupt livestock farms, artificially drive up the cost of animal products and restrict consumer choice?" Read More
Ohio’s livestock producers have refused to lay down and be run over by the new bully on the block. We have learned from the situation in California that the “prop 2” legislation is just the beginning of a series of laws animal rights groups will continue proposing in order to eliminate animal agriculture. If we don’t stand up and challenge these proposals today, there may not be a livestock industry tomorrow.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Leading by Example
Students learn they can’t get swine flu from eating pork
AARON KEITH HARRIS Staff Writer
JAMESTOWN, OH — The recent outbreak of the swine flu turned into a “teachable moment” and a delicious treat for some Greeneview High School students Friday.
Craig Corry, who teaches agriculture at the school, organized the “Salute the Pig — Stick it to the Swine Flu Barbecue” to educate his students about the fact that you can’t get the swine flu from eating pork.
“The idea came from the fact that some of the students had concerns about catching H1N1 from eating pork products,” Corry said.“We want to get the word out that pork products are fine to eat,” Corry said. “It’s been a big financial issue for some families, and we need to get education and positive information out there.”
“Anytime you give the consumer a doubt, it affects the bottom line,” said Janelle Mead of the Ohio Farm Bureau, who sponsored the event and provided the tasty pork loins.
Corry told his students that the care, quality and inspection standards in the United States are better than anywhere else in the world and that pork is safe to eat if cooked to an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees.
“This is great,” said sophomore Wayne Harlow, who was on his second pork sandwich. “You can’t get swine flu from eating pork, but pork is delicious and you should keep eating it.” Link
AARON KEITH HARRIS Staff Writer
JAMESTOWN, OH — The recent outbreak of the swine flu turned into a “teachable moment” and a delicious treat for some Greeneview High School students Friday.
Craig Corry, who teaches agriculture at the school, organized the “Salute the Pig — Stick it to the Swine Flu Barbecue” to educate his students about the fact that you can’t get the swine flu from eating pork.
“The idea came from the fact that some of the students had concerns about catching H1N1 from eating pork products,” Corry said.“We want to get the word out that pork products are fine to eat,” Corry said. “It’s been a big financial issue for some families, and we need to get education and positive information out there.”
“Anytime you give the consumer a doubt, it affects the bottom line,” said Janelle Mead of the Ohio Farm Bureau, who sponsored the event and provided the tasty pork loins.
Corry told his students that the care, quality and inspection standards in the United States are better than anywhere else in the world and that pork is safe to eat if cooked to an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees.
“This is great,” said sophomore Wayne Harlow, who was on his second pork sandwich. “You can’t get swine flu from eating pork, but pork is delicious and you should keep eating it.” Link
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Ohio's Prop 2
HSUS to take Prop 2-like action to Ohio
April 6, 2009
By: Jennifer Fiala
For The VIN News Service
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is taking its campaign to eliminate tight housing quarters for farm animals on the road. Next stop: Ohio.
In February, HSUS leaders Wayne Pacelle and Paul Shapiro sat down with agriculture groups and the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA) and announced plans to bring California’s costly and contentious Proposition 2 to the state that ranks second in egg production and ninth in swine, nationally. The group intends to put a citizen referendum to ban sow gestation stalls, veal crates and battery cages for layer hens on the November 2010 ballot.
But first, the activist group is reaching out in hopes that a deal can be negotiated, and it appears that veterinary medicine will play a major role in how that might take place.
For now, all sides say they’re willing to engage in a dialogue. Shapiro, senior director of HSUS’ Factory Farming Campaign, says that it’s in the agriculture industry’s best interest to compromise on imposing free-range housing requirements for livestock and hens. After all, when it comes to successfully taking its message to voters, HSUS is a financial and political powerhouse with an undefeated record. Since the group started its campaign to change agriculture’s controversial confinement standards, five states have imposed bans on housing systems deeply entrenched in U.S. agriculture. Read More
This situation isn’t unique to Ohio. HSUS is the bully on the block trying to force their ideas everywhere they go. It never has been about animal rights, it’s been about power and money. That is what they are most interested in. If they were really concerned about the livestock, they would recognize sound science and follow what the research says. So when HSUS shows up in your state, you basically have two choices. You can lay down or you can stand up. So far we haven’t been successful at the ballot box, but negotiating with them hasn’t gotten us anything either. So don’t give up, instead speak out and tell your story to anyone who will listen.
April 6, 2009
By: Jennifer Fiala
For The VIN News Service
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is taking its campaign to eliminate tight housing quarters for farm animals on the road. Next stop: Ohio.
In February, HSUS leaders Wayne Pacelle and Paul Shapiro sat down with agriculture groups and the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA) and announced plans to bring California’s costly and contentious Proposition 2 to the state that ranks second in egg production and ninth in swine, nationally. The group intends to put a citizen referendum to ban sow gestation stalls, veal crates and battery cages for layer hens on the November 2010 ballot.
But first, the activist group is reaching out in hopes that a deal can be negotiated, and it appears that veterinary medicine will play a major role in how that might take place.
For now, all sides say they’re willing to engage in a dialogue. Shapiro, senior director of HSUS’ Factory Farming Campaign, says that it’s in the agriculture industry’s best interest to compromise on imposing free-range housing requirements for livestock and hens. After all, when it comes to successfully taking its message to voters, HSUS is a financial and political powerhouse with an undefeated record. Since the group started its campaign to change agriculture’s controversial confinement standards, five states have imposed bans on housing systems deeply entrenched in U.S. agriculture. Read More
This situation isn’t unique to Ohio. HSUS is the bully on the block trying to force their ideas everywhere they go. It never has been about animal rights, it’s been about power and money. That is what they are most interested in. If they were really concerned about the livestock, they would recognize sound science and follow what the research says. So when HSUS shows up in your state, you basically have two choices. You can lay down or you can stand up. So far we haven’t been successful at the ballot box, but negotiating with them hasn’t gotten us anything either. So don’t give up, instead speak out and tell your story to anyone who will listen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)