I think you know that we here at Ozarks Farm & Neighbor stand with the farmer when it comes to politics and policies that threaten our shared way of life. The Humane Society of the United States has tried to gain a stronghold in Arkansas and Oklahoma through ballot measures in the past. In Missouri the HSUS is starting its first ballot initiative this year. We want to keep you informed and attuned to these important happenings, because as you know, every success the HSUS gets, the greater the threat is to our way of life as livestock producers. Make no mistake; the HSUS is not just about saving puppies and kittens from abuse. They want to end production agriculture as we know it, crippling the American farmer so we can no longer feed our own countrymen and women. We can’t bury our head in the sand. We as producers must continually be willing to fight back.
The ballot initiatives proposed are usually sponsored by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), and are propelled by high-dollar ad campaigns supposedly with the sole goal to end puppy mills. But that’s never the case. Not long after their passage certain practices in animal agriculture come under scrutiny and sometimes, in negotiations, are banned. Also don’t forget, the HSUS is not the same as your local humane society shelters or reserves. These local organizations do great work locally, but the HSUS’ intentions are much more politically specific.
One great way to fight the HSUS, PETA and other enemies of agriculture is to support your local youth in agriculture. The only long-term solution to the problems of a misinformed public egged on by groups like PETA and the HSUS is a generation that believes in agriculture.
Also, don’t be afraid to use your voice in these times. Consider writing in to your local paper, and tell your friends. It’s up to us to fight the HSUS, and other groups whose goals are to limit, regulate and ultimately end animal agriculture.
God Bless,
