Hoosier Ag Today
Legislators Reject Animal Activists Efforts at Statehouse
by Gary Truitt
02/13/2008
http://www.hoosieragtoday.com/wire/news/...ouse_183824.phpIndiana lawmakers were part of a national lobbying effort by a leading
animal activist group on Wednesday. The Humane Society of the United
States (HSUSA) issued an invitation for their members to join them on
February 13 at one of 23 state capitals across the country for "Humane
Lobby Day." But two Indiana lawmakers rejected the efforts of the
group and issued an open letter condemning their actions and
supporting Indiana livestock farmers. Senator Bob Jackman (R-Milroy)
and Senator. Johnny Nugent (R-Lawrenceburg) said, in a letter directed
at Hoosier consumers, "Whether you realize it or not, agriculture is
under attack and the biggest victims may well be you, the consumer. An
example could be sitting in your refrigerator right now on your milk
carton. This month marked the beginning of a disturbing trend by such
well-known retailers as Kroger and Deans Foods. Both began selling
their store brand milk using a supply more expensive to produce." They
were referring to efforts to ban the use of BST to produce milk.
A bill to prevent retailers from labeling their milk "Hormone Free"
was effectively killed recently by pressure from animal rights
organizations and consumer activists. "This is just one example of how
hard special interest groups are making things for the American
farmer. Economies of scale and the dynamics of trying to make a profit
is what drives modern agriculture today. It's like any other industry
- you've got to get bigger and better if you want to stay in it. We
have to take advantage of all the technology we can. The American
consumer demands it. Grocery shoppers want every piece of meat to look
and taste the same. For us to meet those expectations, technology - at
times the kind special interest groups target as inhumane - is a must
for the American farmer," the two lawmakers said in their letter. They
concluded by saying, "It's sad that the American farmer is perhaps the
only member of our workforce not encouraged to use the technological
advances that are available." They urged Hoosier consumers to support
Indiana farm families and reject the efforts of special interest
groups.
American agriculture needs your support
Farmers are under attack from special interest groups
If you're reading this while you enjoy your breakfast or lunch,
chances are an American farmer had something to do with your meal.
American agriculture continues to produce the most abundant,
affordable and safest food supply in the world. So often we take it
all for granted - from the time we pick it up at the local supermarket
to its being served at our family dinner table.
Likewise, the average Indiana consumer probably doesn't realize how
hard things have become for the American farmer. Animal rights
activists and environmentalists have combined to make things
increasingly difficult for those laboring hard to produce your food.
That's why I authored a resolution in the Indiana Senate earlier this
month asking for support of American agriculture.
Whether you realize it or not, agriculture is under attack and the
biggest victims may well be you, the consumer. An example could be
sitting in your refrigerator right now on your milk carton. This month
marked the beginning of a disturbing trend by such well-known
retailers as Kroger and Deans Foods. Both began selling their store
brand milk using a supply more expensive to produce.
Technology has been a friend to the American farmer - and the consumer
- allowing us to more efficiently produce food products society
demands. One of those breakthroughs involved treating cows with a
synthetic version of the naturally occurring growth hormone.
This does not harm cows in any way, but it does help them produce more
milk. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration have found no difference
between the artificial hormone and the naturally occurring one.
But pressure from animal rights activists has led Kroger and Deans to
stop stocking milk made by this production technology. Michael
Schultz, a Purdue extension dairy specialist, was quoted as saying
"the sad thing is, consumers will likely pay more for milk that is no
different than the milk they purchased last month."
Without the use of this production aide, dairy farmers will see
decreased profits and smaller farms will be at greater risk. Farmers
may have to increase the size of their herds in order to replace the
lost milk. Increased herds likely mean increased costs.
This is just one example of how hard special interest groups are
making things for the American farmer. Economies of scale and the
dynamics of trying to make a profit is what drives modern agriculture
today. It's like any other industry - you've got to get bigger and
better if you want to stay in it. We have to take advantage of all the
technology we can. The American consumer demands it. Grocery shoppers
want every piece of meat to look and taste the same. For us to meet
those expectations, technology - at times the kind special interest
groups target as inhumane - is a must for the American farmer.
It's sad that the American farmer is perhaps the only member of our
workforce not encouraged to use the technological advances that are
available. Yet, it could be said America's farmers make it possible
for all others in the workforce to succeed because they are the ones
putting nourishment on the table for everyone.
Back during the Great Depression, approximately 55 percent of the U.S.
population was involved in farming. Today, the statistic is less than
2 percent.
That's why we need to support the modern agriculture community's
efforts to promote choices of farming methods, practices and crops.
That's why we need to be on the offensive when misleading propaganda
occurs and public misconceptions mount.
As you finish reading your newspaper with your meal, I hope you'll
remember our American farmers - and not blame them the next time your
grocery bill goes up.
Sen. Bob Jackman (R-Milroy)
Sen. Johnny Nugent (R-Lawrenceburg)