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Livestock industry shook up
Proposition 2 regulations too restrictive, insiders say
Published Thursday, December 4, 2008
Consumers don’t think about such things, when they shop for meat products at the local supermarket.
Was that turkey allowed to turn around in a pen or was it confined to a crate before Thanksgiving?
Could that veal calf stand up?
Was that hog able to lie down?
Can any confined animal stretch its limbs?
California voters did think about the implications of restrictive confinement and by a 2-to-1 margin voted to ban specific livestock confinement operations.
Now, the animal livestock industry is worried the exaggerated animal rights movement could spread elsewhere.
They say the livestock industry already adequately regulates itself and consumers do not have to worry about too restrictive confinement for veal calves, egg-laying hens and hogs.
The price tag to too much worrying and over-reaction is steep.
FeedStuffs weekly agribusiness newspaper estimated 95 percent of egg production in California will be affected, leaving consumers dependent upon eggs shipped in from other states and possibly Canada and Mexico.
When President-elect Barack Obama takes office in January 2009, some pork industry observers say he will look at increasing livestock regulations for all the nation’s livestock producers even though the Environmental Protection Agency will have a new set of compliance rules to enforce: CAFO.
Kirk Ferrell, vice president of public policy for the National Pork Producers Council told the Hog Industry INSIDER, “Concentrated animal feeding operations” is ground zero in a new battle over livestock industry regulations.
David Priesler, executive director of the Minnesota Pork Producers Association, said the pork industry has the pending fight on “our radar screen.”
Joe Becker of Austin said he’s worried and so should others be concerned.
Becker is a sales representative for Pig Improvement Corporation, which provides breeding stock for hog producers.
Proposition 2 got his attention in November.
“Pushed by the Humane Society of the United States and other anti- animal-rights groups, agribusiness growers and producers will face huge expenses to configure their operations to meet this law,” Becker warned. “These groups pick on states with relative little production of pork or beef, thus the egg-laying hens were targeted lumping together the crates for pork and veal stalls utilized today to feed our country.
“This law passing in California is a stepping stone to other major pork, beef and egg-laying states throughout the Midwest,” Becker said. “Do you think these laws will impact future food prices?
What these laws fail to address is the ethics of animal production.
“When a hen’s egg-laying capability far surpasses that of any of her predecessors in egg-laying history, isn’t this telling us she is leading a stress-free life? Of course it is. Does a hen have an obligation to produce eggs for you and your neighbors? Should the pig’s purpose in life be to provide food for you or veal to produce rich, nutritious meat for your family?” Becker said.
Obviously, California’s Proposition 2 is a worrisome thing for the livestock industry.
Background
Proposition 2 was a California ballot proposition in that state’s general election Nov. 4. It passed with 63 percent of the votes in favor and 37 percent against.
The proposition adds a chapter to Division 20 of the California Health and Safety Code to prohibit the confinement of certain farm animals in a manner that does not allow them to turn around freely, lie down, stand up and fully extend their limbs.
The measure deals with three types of confinement: veal crates, battery cages and sow gestation crates.
Having been passed by the voters, the key portion of the statute will become operative Jan. 1, 2015. Farming operations have until that date to implement the new space requirements for their animals, and the statute will prohibit animals in California from being confined in a proscribed manner thereafter.
The summary of the California Legislative Analyst’s estimate of net state and local government fiscal impact predicted an unknown decrease in state and local tax revenues from farm businesses — possibly in the range of “several million dollars annually.”
The potential minor local and state enforcement and prosecution costs could be partly offset by increased fine revenue.
Animal agriculture is a major industry in California. More than 40 million animals are raised for commercial purposes on California farms and ranches.
California’s leading livestock commodities are milk and other dairy products, cattle and chickens.
In recent years, there has been a growing public awareness about farm animal production methods and how these practices affect the treatment of the animals.
In particular, concerns have been expressed about some animal farming practices, including the housing of certain animals in confined spaces, such as cages or other restrictive enclosures.
Partly in response to the concerns, various animal farming industries have made changes in their production practices.
For example, certain industries have developed guidelines and best practices aimed, in part, at improving the care and handling of farm animals.
Farm Sanctuary, which claims to be the nation’s leading farm animal protection organization, celebrated the passage of Proposition 2 in California.
“This law phases out some of the most restrictive confinement systems used by factory farms — gestation crates for breeding pigs, veal crates for calves and battery cages for egg laying hens — affecting 20 million farm animals in the state by simply granting them space to stand up, stretch their limbs, turn around and lie down comfortably,” Farm Sanctuary said in a statement after the passage of Proposition 2.
Opposition to Proposition 2 was intense, according to news reports.
A group called the Animal Agriculture Alliance was formed to fight the initiative.
Made up of farmers, ranchers, processors, retailers and others, it included many of the state’s leading newspapers, including the Los Angeles Times and San Francisco Chronicle, according to Brownfield Ag News For America.
Opponents warmed the proposition could cause “massive” food cost increases as well as devastate production agriculture in California.
The effort, of course, failed.
Caution flags
The Minnesota Pork Producers Association’s Priesler said of the possible expansion of Proposition 2’s animal rights largesse in the Midwest, “We’re watching the situation closely.
“The process for putting an initiative like this is different in states such as Arizona and California than it is in Minnesota,” Priesler said. “If you will recall it took getting a bill passed to get the Legacy Amendment on the ballots in November.”
Thus, states that allow ballot initiatives are more vulnerable to the Proposition 2 impact spreading than states such as Minnesota.
Priesler said the MPPA isn’t discounting the animal rights movement taking roots in Minnesota and, thus, “At this time, it’s on our radar screen.”
Priesler said Proposition 2’s implications for the rest of the livestock industry are a “front burner” issue.
Priesler himself knows what’s happening. “It’s a vegetarian issue. A vegan thing. They don’t want us to raise meat.”
Before Proposition 2, pork and veal producers began transitioning to group or pen systems, because the science and technology had become available.
Egg producers were hailed for providing the highest levels of animal welfare, according to a study by animal ethicists and scientists.
Austin’s Becker sees a moral dilemma taking shape.
“Why isn’t it human morality to increase the cost of food for us, and the starving people around the world?” Becker said. “It is our ethical duty to find and promote the most efficient way to produce food and meat in the food chain.
“We as human beings should be most concerned about the ethical and moral consequences of not implementing every measure possible to feed as many people in the world as possible,” he said. “Keep in mind that millions of people in developing countries continue to experience chronic hunger.”
Like the MPPA’s Priesler, who believes the 2-to-1 Proposition 2 victory was a case of “urban” over “rural,” Becker said those watching the issue should understand how important education and awareness are to an issue such as this, whether they are urban or rural.
“The irony in most of these issues is that it rests in the hands of many Americans, who have little knowledge how production methods have upgraded the quality of life for food-producing animals through the use of confined facilities,” Becker said.
“Do we really value the life of a confined chicken or a sow in a crate over a homeless, hungry person living in the streets of L.A.? “ he said. “I personally hope not.”
What’s Becker’s advice?
“Know the facts and talk to the food producers out there or it may cost you a lot more for that bacon and egg breakfast down the road,” he warned.
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Comments
Posted by TruthTeller (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 12:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Did he actually say that intensely confined methods of farming have IMPROVED the lives of animals raised for "food"? I wonder how improved he would consider his life to be not being able to move or turn around in his entire life! And what about hungry people? Are the farmers giving meat away? If so, why are there hungry people now? OMG this would be funny if it weren't actually being stated as fact.
And as far as the high production of eggs - it's called growth hormone. Chickens are given hormones (as well as dairy cattle, pigs and chickens for food, etc.) to cause faster growth, heavier weight and massively increased egg and milk production. (Up to ten times what they would produce naturally). It certainly isn't because they're "stress free". When a laying hen stops laying, they are "force moulted" - put in isolation in the dark for 5 to 21 days, without food until 25 - 35% of their total body weight is lost so as to "shock" their systems into another laying cycle. Some die, some start laying again. When her little body is completely spent, she is slaughtered for low grade chicken meat that goes into canned soups, etc. What a "quality" life these animals lead! Don't buy big agribusiness'lies - find the truth for yourself. It's all about cramming as many animals as possible into as little real estate for maximum profits. Not feeding hungry people or improving the lives of the animals.
Posted by gingerlks (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 12:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
In the future, people will look back in horror & disgust at these dark days where humans actually ate the cut up insides of dead animals & drank their body fluids.
Posted by volo0012 (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 3:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This article put me in a bad mood, so I apologize in advance for that. Wow. I don’t even know where to begin. This entire article just screams ignorance: mainly, ignorance of the folks involved with the food industry. To say that consumers don’t “think about such things” as issues involving animal cruelty and the origins of the food on their plate is beginning to not be the case anymore. More and more people are seeking out information and are becoming aware of how and where their food is produced. To describe the animal rights movement as “exaggerated” is EXTREMELY displeasing and inaccurate. If anything, it should and will only grow in strength. This Becker guy sounds like a really compassionate human being that I would love to hang out with (utmost sarcasm here). I wonder how he treats his own pets, or even his family? It blows my mind how he can think that a hen living in a factory farm could EVER be living a stress-free life. The sole purpose of animals on Mother Earth is NOT to feed humans, as prosyltized by Becker. If that was the case, what the heck were they doing here before humans entered the picture? Just waiting for us to eat them I suppose. I find it amusing that local meat producers are watching the animal rights “situation” as if it were some impending catastrophic storm or something. This is NOT a vegetarian thing. This is NOT a vegan thing. This is an ethical issue in regards to how we treat our fellow beings that we share the Earth with. I have no problem with people eating meat; that is the circle of life. However, I DO have a problem with how most of this meat is “harvested” and “manufactured.” It is not our ethical duty to provide the cheapest possible food for everyone. It is our ethical duty to be compassionate toward all beings, regardless of species. I love Becker’s threat at the end of the article too. If we’ve learned anything from the Bush regime it’s that ignorant Americans always respond best to fear and intimidation.
Posted by bellarobi (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 3:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I encourage consumers to think about the meat and animal products they eat. If you don't believe that farm animals live under extremely cruel conditions, try to visit a farm...I can garantie that you won't be invited to see the animals. It is a well kept secret.If people had any idea about the suffering behind closed doors, meat consumption would decrease.
How can eating tortured flesh be healthy for our bodies?
Posted by bekind (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 6:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Please look into these issues on your own (visit www.hsus.org and type in factory farming in your search engine to learn more) and make your own decisions about the current treatment of farm animals. Please also question the following statements made in this article:
“...production methods have upgraded the quality of life for food-producing animals through the use of confined facilities,” Becker said.
(The truth: Conditions for and treatment of farmed animals has gotten drastically worse since the practice of Factory Farming became widespread.)
“Do we really value the life of a confined chicken or a sow in a crate over a homeless, hungry person living in the streets of L.A.?
(The reality: We don't have to value one OVER the other. We can have concern and compassion for all.)
It’s a vegetarian issue. A vegan thing. They don’t want us to raise meat.”
(The basic issue: It's not a vegan/vegetarian thing. It's a compassion thing. Animals do not need to be subjected to intense confinement where they can not even stand up, turn around, flap their wings, etc. They do not need to be subjected to the current pain and suffering that occurs daily on factory farms across our country. Improvements can and should be made. It's not vegan/vegetarian issue. It's an issue of humanity--to treat all living beings with respect and to reduce the pain and suffering of these animals to the fullest extent possible.)
Posted by TruthTeller (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 6:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Here's what the "protein industry" DOESN'T WANT YOU TO SEE!
Meat.org
- undercover footage of ALL animals at factory farms. I was born on a family farm and thought it just wasn't a meal if it wasn't meat. And it's true, factory farms won't let you see how they run, it's illegal to try and enter the premesis. If it's so humane, why not invite the public for a big PR tour? They sure can spin a good tale to read, but won't show you.
Posted by freetobeme (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 7:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Money is Not more important than good morals, (and clean living). Have a little faith in Americans making the right decisions more and more. In the future, the awareness of the (greedy) factory farming methods will continue to grow.
Posted by BeaElliott (anonymous) on December 5, 2008 at 7:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree... this whole article reeks with contradictions and avoidance of facts. Becker said. “It is our ethical duty to find and promote the most efficient way to produce food and meat in the food chain.
Well then... let's stop feeding animals 6 times more grain than what it would take to feed humans! Let's stop making "food" that is responsible for 18% of methane/greenhouse gas. Let's stop using 200 times more water making *meat* products instead of plant based foods. Let's stop feeding people diets that are linked to diabetes, cancer and obesity. Let's stop wasting the fuels it takes to truck these animals to/from feedlots and slaughterhouses - then store their body parts in sub-zero reefer containers and meatcases...
That's ethically responsible - And in the meantime this article wants to say that society shouldn't be concerned if a poor pig, chicken or calf can turn around. Give me a break, the whole "animal agriculture" industry violates every bit of moral ethics - to it's consumers, to the planet and certainly to the pathetic animals it imprisons then murders.
Be vegan.
Posted by Dawlish (anonymous) on December 5, 2008 at 12:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ok, this is probably one of the worst articles I have ever read. It states that Prop 2 mandates certain animals to receive enough room to turn around and stand up, that is all. And then the rest of the article is about how horrible this law is for people. Hello! I think people can handle spending a few more dollars for meat or eating a few more vegetables, so that beings can move and inch! I think most people would be absolutely horrified at the conditions of veal calves, they look just like puppies. And most people can handle spending a few more dollars on food. People on welfare are allowed T.V.'s and other non-essential items. How can anyone say we need to only value humans? That is so ridiculous. And what BeaElliot said was totally right, it cost way more to eat meat, that plants. Because through meat, you consume far more plants. I hope no one is educated by the meat industry about the ethics of eating. They are getting your money when you listen to them! Read more into it, there are other people who volunteer their time to help animals! They have no money invested, so their opinions are based in compassion. Or look for other sources, neither meat industry nor animal rights industry. Clearly if animals can't stand up, they are not being treated well!
And this is not just a vegan issue, it's an everyone issue! Can you justify eating animals that were not even allowed to move, because you wanted to spend the extra money on a new purse??? I think not! So, buy only organic and free range, or better yet go vegan!
Posted by skippy (anonymous) on December 5, 2008 at 1:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The animal rights movement wants you to believe that humans and animals are the same. The fact is with the changes in the law, the food chain animal breeders are going to be paying millions. The AR Movement wants you to think it wont cost the public anything. But it will. The AR groups are also shuting down dog breeders. They are also shuting down every retail department chain for (get this) selling fake fur thats labeled fake fur. The HSUS sued the retailers for labeling fake fur as fake fur. The HSUS says that the fur is real fur. These days dNA testing will put the AR GROUPS on the ground for lying. The AR Groups are spreading anti American propaganda. They are backed by the Sopcialist party.
Posted by Dawlish (anonymous) on December 6, 2008 at 12:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Skippy, I think you have your information a little messed up. There is no one Animal Rights group that everyone can look to as representation of everyone else. The dog breeders thing is probably just something you heard about people wanting to stop puppy mills from existing. They are cruel places and create many animals that just need to be destroyed because there are not enough people to take care of them. Even Obama knows about this, so this isn't a weird "AR" thing. The Humane Society is very well respected and main stream, so I don't think they would allege that the fur was real, unless there was probable cause. I and if people were selling real fur, then it would be very important that it be labeled correctly. I most definitley would not want to accidently buy something that involved animals being skinned and killed. And I have never even heard of this happening, so I don't really understand. Anti-American propaganda? If the words "Go Vegan" are anti-American then maybe so, but I think America is great and full of animal loving people. Socialist Party? News to me! And I don't know if people are really trying to hide that veal in California might be more expensive. I know we are certainly saying that a meat filled diet requires more plants to be harvested than it you were just vegan, so that would save money for everyone. Many of the poorest countries are primarily vegetarian, and they clearly aren't spending too many extra paychecks on letting animals move.
I don't claim that humans and animals are the same, but I do claim that they aren't worthless. I think that you too, Skippy, would have to agree animals aren't completely worthless. I bet you've liked a dog or cat in your lifetime and I bet if you had to witness a veal calf's life, you might just join the AR movement yourself! You should do more investigation, you might be surprised. Animals rights people are cool, we only seem so mad sometimes, because it really is upsetting how these animals are treated. The law simply gives animals the right to stand up, stretch their limbs, turn around and lie down comfortably. How can that be too much to ask?
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