Update: The Star’s readers respond to livestock heat deaths story

Maybe the fact that y'all "took issue with the timing of the story and how the facts were presented" yet made little or no mention of the unimaginable suffering of 5000 trapped and helpless animals just might explain..in part..'the anti-meat agenda'.


Since the vast majority of us consume animal products, maybe a better term would be 'The Anti-Thoughtless & Stupid Inhumanity Agenda'.


Why you continue to speak for producers for whom progressive animal care looks to be waaay at the bottom of their totem-poles is inexplicable.


Do you actually believe this is making you any new friends?


You might consider finding new PR advice.


Because I promise you, from this side of the fence, your present strategy is NOT working well.

A few years ago there was a massive snow and ice storm in Nebraska and Colorado that snowed in roads and brought down power lines. At the largest all natural sow farm in Colorado they could not get to the sows in outside lots for 10 days. 2000 had frozen and starved to death . Of the other 5000 so many had aborted and they were in such poor condition that they depopulated and started over. It was hard to get to the confinement facilities in the area but they protected the animals and to my knowledge none died. So exactly which conditions would you call inhumane? All they animal welfare people who claim animals should all be allowed to freely roam outside never talk about that. It is not nearly as one sided as you make it sound.

I think Keith has a point, leave it to Peter Shapiro to be the first one quoted but where were all of the Animal Right's Activists when the animals were dying from the more or less natural disaster (drought), Off spending $50,000 dollars to save one whale maybe? Natural disasters happen, it is a fact of life, it isn't called a "disaster" because things turn out peachy.

Many of the ARAs are all for letting our livestock go, how many deaths from natural means would occur then? What happens to the livestock that have been "domesticated" when the "factory farmers" turn them all out on their own? They would starve or destroy all of the precious fruit and grain crops left to feed the vegan society!!

well said!

The agriculture industry invests so much time blaming animal protection organizations for their criticism that you can't see the big picture. Agribusiness representatives continue to ignore significant public concern about humane treatment of farm animals. Citizens throughout the country have sent that strong message numerous times by voting to ban the cruel confinement of pigs, calves, and hens.

Your tired strategy of defensive posturing is not helping your public image. Instead of blaming animal protection groups, the media, and concerned citizens, you might consider taking a proactive stance to improve the lives of animals in your facilities.

I was raised around cattle all my life, I owned and operated a cow/calf operation for 30 years. I did all I could to provide shade and a pond in the awful Mo. Summer heat and a windbreak in the sometimes brutal Mo. Winter. With that being said, we have to make some changes in the way we do business. The first time I saw a Western Kansas feed lot I felt ashamed and sad. Not a bit of shade for the thousands of cattle standing in the heat, no windbreak for the endless Winter winds.

A good friend worked in a farrowing house nearby, I learned allot about the factory hog business. I was not impressed with the way the sows were treated or housed. Clean? Absolutely. Humane? That's up for debate.

We must do better than this as an industry. There is no one who is more aware of the small profit margin in agriculture than I am but we need to make some changes in what is preceived to be inhumane treatment of our animals. Unless we want PETA, HSUS and the government running our business we need to come up with some solutions. The problem is not going to go away so we have to solve it within our industry.

Not a tree hugger,

Karol Meoli

Karol, possibly more to the point is that the Bad Guys poison the well of public perception and make responsible producers like you look bad, even though you aren't.

They are....far more than any animal protection group... EVERYONE'S enemy.


'Damning by association' is terribly unfair, but exists nevertheless.

If producers would let go of their eternal harangues directed at animal protection groups it would go a LONG way toward improving public awareness.
From this side of the fence, all these useless tirades accomplish is MORE public (and consumer) perception that EVERYONE has something to hide
Even in cases when it is far from true.

That was not the point of my comment.

Exactly what is your point, Terry, besides another generic attack on the livestock industry? You failed to mention exactly what practices were in place at the farms where these deaths occured that you object to, and did not mention any viable alternatives. My guess is that like many other critcs of U.S. agriculture, you have virtually no knowledge of how these animals are cared for, no grasp of how much food is required to feed an ever-growing world population, and judge all policy in terms of intentions and not results.

Sorry Karol, that was meant for Keith.

I guess the one to blame is GOD! Of course, being a rancher, I do not blame God for the weather, or power outages, but some ignorant people might. Surely ignorance is the only excuse they have for their comments. We raise amimals to hopefully make money, and our best interest, is in the animal's best interest. You surely can't make a living on letting animals die! And by the way, I will not comment on any ignorant replies.

Have you personally witnessed animal abuse by an ag producer, or do you naively believe everything you hear? With a rapidly increasing population, agriculturalists are learning about improved technologies, better animal handling techniques, and more advanced ways to increase production while supplying you with a healthy food supply.

Agriculturists are also tired of being attacked while contributing to your survival. You might also try a new strategy- locate a farm or ranch or obtain contact information for a farmer, rancher, association, or organization, and educate yourself on the facts of agriculture production instead of blindly believing everything activist groups, the media, and the uninformed public tell you.

There's SO much information out there! Want us to be more proactive? Have you ever considered maybe you're not listening?
I'll help you get started:
National Cattlemen Beef Association NCBA http://www.beefusa.org/ContactUS.aspx
Cattle Call Blog: http://thecattlecall.wordpress.com/
Blog by farmers: http://www.farmerinc.net/
Info from American Meat Institute provides information regarding numerous topics: http://www.meatami.com/ht/d/sp/i/286/pid/286
Video depicting swine production:
http://www.explorebeef.org/CMDocs/ExploreBeef/FactSheet_ModernBeefProduction.pdf
Video depicting beef production at a feedlot:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onITAppbWyE&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

Have you personally witnessed animal abuse by an ag producer, or do you naively believe everything you hear? With a rapidly increasing population, agriculturalists are learning about improved technologies, better animal handling techniques, and more advanced ways to increase production while supplying you with a healthy food supply.

Agriculturists are also tired of being attacked while contributing to your survival. You might also try a new strategy- locate a farm or ranch or obtain contact information for a farmer, rancher, association, or organization, and educate yourself on the facts of agriculture production instead of blindly believing everything activist groups, the media, and the uninformed public tell you.

There's SO much information out there! Want us to be more proactive? Have you ever considered maybe you're not listening?

I'll help you get started:
National Cattlemen Beef Association (NCBA)
Read a blog written by a farmer or rancher
Info from American Meat Institute provides information regarding numerous topics
Search USFRA on Youtube, and you'll find videos depicting swine and beef production

To Brittni,

Yes, I have seen animal abuse in the industry. I've seen a vet beat a cow in the head with a bat because she couldn't get up in the chute, sickening. I've seen animals hot shotted at the sale barn at the BACK of the pen to get the rest to move out. I quit using the vet and I quit selling at that salebarn, I told the owner why. Yes, it does happen and it makes me sick as a producer.

@ Matt:

I too have bedded down baby calves and mama's in snow storms. I've gone for years without vacations, I've missed family times because of calving, etc. Right now I'm facing knee surgery in Dec. from being knocked down by a cow, how I'll pay the bill is still unknown.

The bottom line is, our industry is not perfect, never will be. However, we MUST make changes and be able to look the public in the eye and tell them exactly what we've done to improve animal care.

opps, continuation of previous comment: I know a 70 year old man and his wife who lost their life's work when Pilgrim's pride went belly up. He is now working as a hired had on a relative's farm.

I'm not sure how the American consumer views farmers, but there is so little profit for the producer in most instances that just "getting by" is becoming more and more difficult for farmers.

Abuse of animals of any nature is abhorant to me, but at the same time, I realize that the "definition" of abuse I use and the "definition" of abuse that PETA uses may not be the same practice. Castration and dehorning I see as necessary procedures to prevent injury from one animal to another....debeaking has the same purpose. Legitimate medical experiments using animals or to train surgeons, develop vaccines, etc. I also view as necessary and noble. PETA and other groups would apparently not agree with me.

I have no problem with someone being a vegan, or refusing to let a doctor operate on them because that same doctor learned his early skills operatiing on a German shepherd that was slated for death any way, or if they won't wear cosmetics that have been tested on animals, well and good. I do wish they would vaccinate their children though, because the failure to do so puts us all at risk of disease spreading, even though that vaccine was developed using animals. However, because their belief system is different from mine, I do not wish to stop them from practicing their beliefs about eating meat, or using animals (directly or indirectly) for medical advancement, but I also do not think they should dictate my diet or medical research.

I do agree with the poster above about the lack of shade for feed lot animals, however.

The WSJ reports that Obama's EPA wants to cut 8% of electrical generation. That is the equivalent of cutting off Florida and Mississippi from electrical power.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424053111903327904576524423674218998.html
So, it makes no difference whether the animals are in a structure to protect them from the elements. Cutting off heat or cooling can kill them inside a cover or building during extreme weather events.


That observation misses the activists' point however, for the basis of their complaint is that eating animals is animal abuse.
Veganism results in dangerous malnutrition. People are expected to live to 90 years nowadays. A vegan will spend the last 30 years or more of life in a bed with a skeleton too thin and brittle to get out of bed. Only 3% of the population are vegans. That is too many.

To those of you attacking animal agriculture: it is blatantly obvious that you have no idea what it takes to raise these animals and provide a safe, healthy, consistent product to sustain the food supply of the U.S. as well as the rest of the world. You should know that the vast majority of information you receive from anti-animal agriculture groups or individuals is either extremely skewed, or a flat out lie. I’m sure that it is easy for you to take this misinformation and point fingers and tell people they are doing it wrong, but what you should be doing is making sure you have the facts and trying to provide logical solutions to the problems that are actually there. To think that those of us who actually work in agriculture do not care about these animals is absolutely wrong. We work every day, scorching heat or bitter cold, when we are sick, when it’s a holiday, when our relatives die, we are out there taking care of these animals that you claim are abused. In addition, we are constantly looking for ways in which to improve our ways. Here in Kansas, and surrounding states, we are currently doing Welfare audits of our cattle operations. In these audits an outside entity, generally a veterinarian working in conjunction with the Beef Cattle Institute at Kansas State University, inspects the facilities, monitors how the animals are handled and cared for and then goes through the assessment with the manager of the operation to make improvements and set up standard operating procedures to ensure the welfare of the animals. So, yes we are concerned about our animals and yes we are working to improve our operations. The horrible videos and reports of blatant animal abuse are absolutely not the norm. They are rare instances and they disgust us as well and that is why we work every day to end such practices and to improve the welfare of all animals.

If you take care of your animals then what the H do you care what anyone says?
Maybe it's time to grow up.
Real men don't whine.
And maybe man up and turn your attention to real problems... like the exorbitant- and rising-price of feed.
But thats not nearly so much fun, is it.

"If you take care of your animals then what the H do you care what anyone says?
Maybe it's time to grow up.
Real men don't whine.
And maybe man up and turn your attention to real problems... like the exorbitant- and rising-price of feed.
But thats not nearly so much fun, is it."

Terry, what in the world made you say that? I am a beef cattle producer in southwest Missouri and I do everything I can to make sure my cattle stay healthy. I was raised on our family farm and hope to one day continue it with a family of my own. I'm not a man, I don't whine, and I'm pretty sure that I've "grown up". It takes a real "grown-up" to realize that this subject is a "real problem". Rising feed costs are too. But you know, it's people like you that just sweep production agriculture under the rug. You wipe it off your shoulder like it's not big deal. Well guess what buddy, it is. We talk about it and make it known to people that we care about our animals. It's not all fun and games for us. We bust our asses 365 days of the year to make sure we have a healthy growing crop of what ever animal we so choose to raise. While everyone is sleeping at 2 am, we may be out in the snow pulling calves to make sure we don't lose the baby or its momma. While everyone else is inside during the hot weather, we are out making hay to have to feed our cattle when the snow hits the next winter. It's those of us that spread the word of what good production agriculture is, that will help get rid of our bad rep from people like PETA and HSUS that like to talk bad.

Drovers, please work on your comment section, It's been necessary to repost 3X.

@ Brittni:

Yes, I have witnessed producers abusing their animals. I saw a vet beat a cow in the head because she was down in the chute and couldn't get up. I've seen cattle in the back of the pen at a local auction barn, being hot shotted to get the front ones to move. I quit using that vet and quit selling at that barn, told the owner why.


@ Matt:

You're so right, no one knows what we go through 365 days a year to eek out a living out here. I've bedded down baby calves at midnight during a snow storm more than once. Missed family dinners and get togethers as a result of calving, etc. Not taken vacations with friends simply because the time was not right. (When is it?) Right now looking forward to having knee surgery (again) as a result of being knocked down by a cow last Jan. How the bill will be paid is still up in the air.

Karol, ever hear of the refresh button?

It appears that agribusiness needs more folks like Karol Meoli

Karol,
I have also witnessed unnecessary abuse, but I don't know of ANY *credible, ethical* producer, ag organization or association that supports or encourages abuse. I completely agree that our industry isn't perfect and is continually improving methods, technologies, practices, research, etc. But not one industry is perfect. If everything was perfect there would be no corrupt businessmen, lawyers, politicians, etc. and no need for PR or communication professionals.

Abuse is not the norm in our industry, and it takes agriculturists, producers, farmers, ranchers (just like me and you) to communicate that to those who want to listen and want more information and aren't too busy accusing of our entire industry of animal cruelty and abuse. This happens repeatedly and we're all guilty of it- we see one person do something distasteful and it corrupts the image of the entire group or, in this case, industry.

Note: Refresh the page and then make sure your comment posted before you try to submit it three times because you think it's not posting. Ha!

If we only grow food for our families and let the rest fend for themselves,is that inhumane ?

The real problem here is that while farmer/rancher folks have always cared for their animals to the best of their ability or character, using the best of animal science as it developed, many of those who protest and claim 'abuse' have an agenda to end all productive uses of animals. Too many of them also have a record of using animals' suffering to enhance their fundraising propaganda, while also spending a very small fraction of income to help animals, all the while presenting themselves as 'saviors' of animals. There is very little to be gained by abusing animals, or people for that matter, yet some still persist, many more doing so to PEOPLE than to animals. Where is your defense of children and others so often abused? The fact that ag animal producers have not spent the money to advertise our animal care does not mean it is neglected. Just that our precious small amount of funds is better spent actually CARING for the animals.

Who exactly is going to allow anyone to 'end all pruductive use of animals', Maxine?

I could not reply to Matt from Kansas's post but this is regarding his comment. I could not agree with you more. I believe that today, animal rights groups such as PETA and HSUS will say anything and everything to get those not involved in agriculture to believe whatever they want. That is why it is so important that agriculturists, whenever possible, properly educate the public and set proper and ethical examples to ensure that negative and improper behavior is not related to the industry. I love the part where you state that as farmers, we do not take a day off for sickness, weather, or holidays. As a hog farmer, I believe that we have given an "un-written, undocumented" oath as to care for and protect these animals. Animals and crops do not take a day off when it snows or for Christmas and it is our duty to ensure their health and well-being. I believe that non-agriculturists are more apt to listen to a celebrity or prestigious public figure when it comes to animals and abuse instead of doing research and basing their opinions on facts and what they believe is morally correct. Agriculture is the backbone of this country and I think in today's society people overlook that without agriculture food, clothing, medical research and thousands of other by-products would be non-existent or in short supply.

Natural disasters are going to take place at some point in time no matter where you are located.
I don't remember hearing anything out of the animal rights folks during other natural disasters that
have happened recently. When I look at the situation through their eyes I see an easy target and
an easy way to promote animal rights in a time where people are going to let their emotions take over.
Pigs die in hot trailers everyday, its part of the agriculture world, and its going to happen, meats good.

I am offended that someone whom I am positive enjoyed some form of animal protein the night before if not during while writting that article would spit in the face of agriculture. It makes me lose faith in the media even more when I envision a reporter saying comments like " people should quit killing those sweet animals and go get their meat from the butcher like God intended it".
I mean honestly how far off from that are we really. These journalist are either so bias they cant see straight or they are so stuck on making up for their lack of journalism flair by utilizing the shock and awe factor.
We all know what you trying to do and fortunately there are those of us out there that are able to see through it and hopefully over time we can continue to help educate the public with the truth.

I think that both sides and all opinions should have been reported in the star's article. Yea a lot of animals died from the heat, but that's nobodies faultand it was not abuse. Farmers can not help it that is was over a 100 degrees for more than 13 days.

There are many things that we as agriculturalists cannot prevent. Heat and the damage caused by it is one of them. I do not agree with heat deaths being a form of abuse when we have no control over it. Another thing is that producers will not abuse animals, abusing animals would decrease their production, therefore our income. We do care about our animals and we are going to take good care them. No producer wants their cattle dying out in 100 degree weather. Every cow that dies is a loss to them, so we are going to take as good of care of our animals as we possibly can. Also with all these animal activist groups, their plan is for us to let our animals go, "the abolishment of all agriculture". What do they think will happen to all of these animals that are loose in the future in the excessive heat? Just something to think about...

The people complaining about the majority livestock agriculturist not caring about the welfare of their animals must not know much about the livestock industry. I agree that there are a few bad apples in the agriculture industry that do not care about the happiness of their animals. If care was not given towards the livestock’s welfare and the animals were put under undue stress this would cause their meat quality to diminish (http://www.fao.org/DOCREP/003/X6909E/x6909e04.htm), and not many are willing to pay more for bad meat over good meat. To me though it is not just based on the money. Call me naïve, but I believe the majority of humans have compassion especially for something that belongs to them. I do not believe it is most human nature to purposely cause something harm that has some type of value to them. So it is my belief that if it was feasible to save these animals in the terrible drought conditions that it would have been done.

This is to KAREN MICHAEL (the nurse)…people like you are the reason that American agriculture is being ridiculed. The uneducated people, although you were pretty enthusiastic about including your nursing accreditations (which I’m sorry have nothing to do with this issue) are the cause for this issue. While you’re out assisting in deliveries we are out trying to find efficient ways of feeding the growing population. People constantly ridicule us producers for taking the measures we have to, to produce what we have to, and we are feeding ungrateful people like you?... I think you KAREN MICHAEL BSN RN, need to get out and experience farming first hand and maybe tomorrow morning you’ll wake up with a realistic view on American production agriculture.
Lauren,
Senior Animal Science student
Missouri State University

After reading some of these comments I wish that people would educate themselves before speaking. I know many of the non-agriculturalist were speaking about how we always bring up HSUS and PETA and how it is not their fault but what they need to consider is the information these organizations are feeding them. I mean the only ads you ever see from an organization like HSUS are ones that put a poor light on agriculture. These pictures are sometimes edited and they also show the very small percentage of farmers that do run poor operations, but has anyone considered the fact that we also have bad parents that abuse children but we don't always here about that do we. There is always going to be a bad apple that ruins the whole barrel. It is just up to agriculturalist like myself to get out there and promote their good agriculture practices.

There is always room for improvement. In my opinion it seems that it is mostly on the larger scale operations (based on what I have read in school and on my own) but I personally have only been on one feed lot and it was family owned and operated. I think consumers need to be informed about agriculture since we do dictate what everyone eats and agriculture as an industry keeps everyone fed. I think sometimes agriculturalist point more fingers than we need to because it is not as effective as telling our side of the story. Blaming other organizations just seems to make more people mad and we need people to see a farmer and ranchers way of life. That it is a business and if the animals don't do well then the business does not do well. Organizations that are against animals agriculture will never 100% agree with us (if at all). Take time to be informed from all sides not matter what your background and opinion is.
Check out the Beef Quality Assurance website to learn about cattle standards. http://www.bqa.org/ If the normal consumer saw the BQA requirements would they think it was at a high enough standard?