Agricultural News
Oklahoma Cattlemen Expect Negative Messages About Cattle Production From New HSUS National Agriculture Advisory Board
Sun, 08 May 2016 19:11:51 CDT
In Nebraska on Friday, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) announced the formation of The Humane Society of the United States National Agriculture Advisory Council. The council includes a handful of livestock producers, including at least two beef producers. The National Advisory Council also includes former Oklahoma State Senator Paul Muegge as a part of it's initial board.
The National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) and the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association (OCA) both released statements regarding the announcement.
"Extreme animal rights groups like HSUS continue to press for less consumer food choice by restricting farmers and consumers," said Michael Kelsey, Executive Vice President of the OCA. "This new group no doubt will spew only negative images and messages in an effort to dupe people into their idea of food consumption which is a progressive suggestion of reducing, then refining then replacing (eliminating) meat in the diet according to their 'Three R's - HSUS's Humane Eating Guide'. It is interesting that they don't discuss the positive strides agriculture has made to responsibly and efficiently grow and raise food for an increasing human population. Instead, their efforts, if successful, will increase the price of food, reduce food choices for consumers and put farmers and ranchers out of business. Conversely, Oklahoma farmers and ranchers work very hard every day to wisely steward Oklahoma's wonderful natural resources in order to grow and raise food that is affordable and abundant all while maintaining a strong commitment to the future of natural resources and the next generation of family farmers and ranchers."
Kelsey goes on to say that, "This new council reinforces the importance of Oklahomans passing SQ 777 - Oklahoma's Right to Farm so that Oklahoma farmers and ranchers can continue to grow and raise food that consumers want based upon their own preferences rather than being restricted by elitist ideas of anti-agriculture animal rights groups."
According to Kansas cattleman and NCBA President Tracy Brunner, "The Humane Society of the United States has made it clear that they do not want animals raised for food and they have invested significant resources in efforts to end animal agriculture. It's puzzling to most cattlemen and women that a handful of livestock producers have chosen to join them."
"Cattle producers are committed to animal welfare and the work we do each day to care for our animals. We are proud of the existing partnerships we've established with a wide variety of stakeholders and organizations with whom we share common ground to further this commitment. Those partnerships have continuously improved the practices we use each day as we raise cattle for beef. For example, we've partnered with veterinary groups since the 1980s, to establish and continuously update Beef Quality Assurance guidelines to reflect the latest science in animal care."
"As an industry, we form partnerships with organizations that can help us be better caretakers of our animals and better stewards of our natural resources. In all of these efforts, partners must have the best interests of consumers, as well as farmers and ranchers in mind. We do not believe that this council meets that criteria."
Source- Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association
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