American Livestock Producers Not Alone In Facing Challenges
By: Doug Busselman, Executive Vice President
As we look into the problems that American livestock producers have to contend with the list continues to grow of those intent on destroying any semblance of such agricultural production. From court-clogging lawyers who are lining their pockets with federal dollars by challenging the use of federally-managed lands for livestock grazing – to multi-million dollar “humane” organizations pursuing their agenda and fund-raising through the ballot box – livestock producers face a multitude of various party-killers.
The same degree of assault is being directed at livestock producers in other countries as well. As we read here the political armaments lined up against livestock production are formidable and intent on using whatever avenues they can find.
While I don’t think that accepting compliance with the theory of climate change is necessary, the need for combating the fringe anti-livestock zealots is essential. Customers, who livestock producers depend on for their existence, are not automatically pre-disposed to fall for the distortions of the promoters of doing away with animal production, but in a vacuum of information non-agricultural producers can be convinced that what isn’t so could be.
Efforts by livestock producers to actively work to set the record straight are critical. The contributions that ranchers like Stacy and Troy Hadrick make in their outreach serve as a model that can turn the tide in a lack of understanding. Another hardworking example of this group of young farmers and ranchers, advancing the theme of agricultural producers putting themselves out there to improve consumer understanding is Chris Chin.
Beyond the public information work that is necessary for making the case for livestock production, effective engagement in public issues must be viewed in their broader context. Political activity and cooperative work with all agricultural interests need to be part of game plan of proactive strategies and response to challenges.
The all-out attack on livestock production requires our best with a sound set of working tactics, carried out by committed champions who make the time to do what needs to be accomplished.
As we look into the problems that American livestock producers have to contend with the list continues to grow of those intent on destroying any semblance of such agricultural production. From court-clogging lawyers who are lining their pockets with federal dollars by challenging the use of federally-managed lands for livestock grazing – to multi-million dollar “humane” organizations pursuing their agenda and fund-raising through the ballot box – livestock producers face a multitude of various party-killers.
The same degree of assault is being directed at livestock producers in other countries as well. As we read here the political armaments lined up against livestock production are formidable and intent on using whatever avenues they can find.
While I don’t think that accepting compliance with the theory of climate change is necessary, the need for combating the fringe anti-livestock zealots is essential. Customers, who livestock producers depend on for their existence, are not automatically pre-disposed to fall for the distortions of the promoters of doing away with animal production, but in a vacuum of information non-agricultural producers can be convinced that what isn’t so could be.
Efforts by livestock producers to actively work to set the record straight are critical. The contributions that ranchers like Stacy and Troy Hadrick make in their outreach serve as a model that can turn the tide in a lack of understanding. Another hardworking example of this group of young farmers and ranchers, advancing the theme of agricultural producers putting themselves out there to improve consumer understanding is Chris Chin.
Beyond the public information work that is necessary for making the case for livestock production, effective engagement in public issues must be viewed in their broader context. Political activity and cooperative work with all agricultural interests need to be part of game plan of proactive strategies and response to challenges.
The all-out attack on livestock production requires our best with a sound set of working tactics, carried out by committed champions who make the time to do what needs to be accomplished.
Posted by Doug Busselman at 12/6/2009 6:41 AM 
Categories: Agriculture
Tags: Livestock Animal Ownership
Categories: Agriculture
Tags: Livestock Animal Ownership
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