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Producers Have Right To Be Pro-Active

published: August 20th 2010
by: Dave Bergmeier
source: Abilene Reflector Chronicle

Farmers and ranchers have a vested interest in watching what animal rights groups do because they have a direct impact on the livestock industry, according to an expert who monitors such developments.

The director of the Beef Cattle Institute at nearby Kansas State University, Dr. Dan Thomson, a veterinarian and researcher, spoke Monday night during the annual meeting of the Dickinson County Farm Bureau Association in Sterl Hall in Eisenhower Park.

Thomson acknowledged that when peaking before farmers and ranchers it might be easier to applaud their work; however, his message was more about being proactive in the face of animal rights groups who have no regard for what production is all about.

“Our industry is under attack,” Thomson said of organizations with goals to outlaw animal production for food purposes.

While he works with the cattle industry, it also applies to pork producers and other meat producers. Producers understand the care of their animals and they have a vested interest in caring for their livestock, the veterinarian said.

However, there are animals rights groups who are “like wolves in sheep clothing,” he said.

Two states -- California and Ohio -- had animal rights issues on the ballot that could have been devastating to production agriculture because of the regulatory environment it would have created, he said.

Thomson said those who advocate animal rights have courted the public’s perception of animal well being. Producers have to be wary because there are animal rights groups who think that animals are a lot like humans.

The producers of today also have to recognize that while there are groups who will be violent in opposing research, he has noticed over time that animal welfare rights groups have “blended messages” that confuse consumers.

He noted that 85 percent of people think of their pets like children. It contrasts with a trend of fewer people involved in production agriculture.

Forty years ago, “Mr. Green Jeans” gave children and the general public a positive view about agriculture, Thomson said. In contrast to today, at least one organization offers an online course that teaches how to be an effective anti-livestock advocate.

For Thomson, it reminded him about the importance of educating youth.

“We have to get to all the kids,” he said.

Thomson said livestock producers best bet is to continue to invest in consumer education. They need to let them know they are caring for their animals, educate children, and assure the public that they are not abusing animals. The expert said the consumer is ultimately right.

The veterinarian said farmers and ranchers have a positive message.

“What do we do everyday? We feed the world,” Thomson said. “Is there a more noble occupation?”

It is all driven by profitability, he said, noting that increased bureaucracy and unnecessary regulations affect income.

With today’s modern social media, someone can erroneously Tweet a rumor that causes fears through any industry, including agriculture. Thomson said farmers and ranchers, known for being humble, do have to speak out on behalf of their industry, particularly if they see something wrong.

At K-State, part of his mission as he sees it is to continue to educate producers as well as consumers about the importance of the livestock industry. As a third-generation veterinarian, it comes easy for him.

“Nobody cares more about cattle than the people in the beef industry,” he said.

Their message is a good one, he said, noting that America has the safest food supply in the world. The country has a vested interest in watching U.S. agriculture succeed and knowing that farmers and ranchers are viewed as trustworthy and humane.

He said farmers and ranchers can support local animal shelters, should be wary about sending contributions to national organizations without finding the specifics.

He said many of the organizations that oppose using livestock for meat production have a goal of raising money with glitz and glamour, while driving a vegetarian agenda, so they advise Americans, and attempt to abolish animal agriculture for meat-eating purposes.

Thomson said in 2010, farmers and ranchers need to be paying attention to state races. He personally opposes initiative and referendum going on the issue because it leads to animal care votes in which anti-livestock campaigns are largely funded by out-of-state groups. Those campaigns tend to smear production agriculture.

He prefers going through the legislative process.

“Animal welfare is not about checking a box but is about working day in and day out (with livestock),” he said.

The industry has to disarm critics, Thomson said. Producers who abuse animals must be singled out by those who are involved in the industry. Producers should provide water and reasonable care for animals that are to be euthanized. They should look at castration and dehorning techniques that are humane. Castration and dehorning are done to improve weight-gaining efficiency for steers.

Labor issues will continue to be a part of future livestock operations, he said, as fewer and fewer ranch hands come from traditional farms. The Hispanic population, the veterinarian said, has provided more ranch hands in recent years. As a result, it also calls on the industry and universities to provide information for better cultural understanding of workers as well as bilingual instruction about animal care.