Animal Issues

Animal Issues in the State of California
AWARENESS

That is the buzz word in agriculture these days. It appears as though agriculturalists have accepted farms being described as sustainable, local and fresh. However, we haven’t quite been able to put our fingers on what awareness looks like and how we share it. According to the California Farmer magazine, farmers need to tell their stories, even if its in the coffee shop.

Public awareness comes in many forms. The obvious is a public forum where large groups of people gather to hear a speaker tell their story with ambition and aspiration. The not so obvious is striking up a conversation with the person in the line behind you at the grocery store or the mail man/woman at the post office. The least favorite seems to be the farm visit invite! It is my belief that the reasoning lies with the farmers hesitation due to bad press. After all why would we want to invite a complete stranger to the farm with a risk of belittling our lively hood across America? Answer…WE HAVE TOO! If we don’t, PETA and HSUS will get their way and eventually eliminate the livestock industry in the United States.

Don’t fear, help is here. The California Deparmtent of Food and Agriculture has secured multiple awareness programs for the farmer. Listed below are a few programs and ideas from several county agencies to help heighten awareness:

The Animal Care (AC) Program coordinates Departmental activities related to the responsible care and use of domestic farm animals in California. The goals of the AC Program include:

• Maintaining knowledge and expertise in AC–related issues
• Establishing working relationships among stakeholders
• Providing education and training through outreach activities
• Serving as a resource to the legislature, industry, and the public
• Maintaining an awareness of AC–related research
• Encouraging awareness and understanding of emerging AC issues

L ivestock production in Placer and Nevada Counties generates gross income of over $14 million annually to local ranchers. Many types of livestock are raised in the two county area including cattle, sheep, goats, horses, and llamas. Ranch operations range from very large acreage with a lifetime of experience to small operations with little or no experience. There are over 300,000 acres of rangeland and 35,000 acres of irrigated pasture in the two counties.

The UC Cooperative Extension Livestock and Natural Resources program in Placer and Nevada Counties emphasizes economic and environmental sustainability.

The Livestock and Natural Resources program takes local and statewide UC research to producers to help enhance and improve the sustainability of their farms and ranches.

Maintaining agricultural viability in both counties has become increasingly challenging due to rapid development, reduced profitability, an aging agricultural population, and the lack of a younger generation ready to take over the farm.
To address these and related issues, over thirty educational programs, workshops, and short courses reached over 2,000 producers in Placer and Nevada Counties.

Remember our overarching goal is to provide the public with correct information around animal agriculture. They then can make in informed decision.

Keep talking, share your story!

Opposition group forms against animal rights ballot measure - -

Californians for Sound Farm Animal Agriculture (CSFAA) has formed to oppose a proposed ballot initiative that would ban cages for egg-laying poultry, gestation crates for sows and veal crates for veal calves. Californians for Humane Farms, sponsored by the Humane Society of the United States, needs 433,000 valid signatures by February to put the initiative on the November 2008 ballot. CSFAA is actively seeking support from those opposed to the initiative and is circulating a form for opponents to sign. The form is attached to this e-mail. (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader). The Western Untied Dairymen board of directors has voiced its opposition to the measure. CAFAA ask that the form be faxed to Ted Green at (310) 996-2673. Further information about the campaign is available by contacting Green at (310) 996-2670. Jan. 3, 2008 CSFAA Notice

click here to download sign up form