Bad apples will never be a threat to spoil the whole bunch when it comes to how farmers treat their animals. Nevertheless, farmers are adversely affected when a “bad actor” is discovered.
   The recent highly publicized incident of abuse on “downer” cattle at a California packing plant presented “animal rights” groups with another opportunity to use a broad brush to paint all farmers, along with those who handle and process livestock, as offenders. Once again, when one member of the sprawling agricultural industry is found mistreating animals, the “animal rights” bunch insists it is an epidemic.
   Farmers have faced the same dilemma with some environmental issues, and that’s very unfortunate for all of us.
   It’s unfair to farmers because we do the right thing when it comes to preserving natural resources and caring for animals. Why would we do otherwise when our livelihoods depend on quality soil, water, crops and livestock?
   It’s a disservice to the non-farm public because people are being misinformed into believing that our food is not safe or the environment is being tarnished. That, in turn, affects consumers’ buying habits and perhaps overall quality of life.
   Even when it’s the opposing groups that are pointing to the problems, it’s vital that farmers speak out against the guilty parties. Farm Bureau certainly has done that in response to the California packing plant incident, calling for the U.S. Department of Agriculture to bring those responsible to justice. And we’re joined by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association in lamenting this incident and insisting on tighter overview of handling and processing facilities.
  Indeed, a willingness to condemn those who do not follow accepted practices is a good way to separate the few “bad actors” from the millions who do the right things on a daily basis.
   But while agriculture has stepped up efforts to tell its story and to work cooperatively with those concerned about these issues, “animal rights” activists have become louder, more uncompromising, more unethical and, unfortunately, more effective.

   A few examples: Florida now has a law giving legal rights to pregnant pigs; Arizona has a similar law for veal calves; Californians last year were asked to support a ballot initiative that would give pigs, cows and chickens some of the same rights people have. (The proposal, thankfully, didn’t advance)
   It’s important that the non-farm public be aware that we in agriculture recognize the concerns and are always re-examining our production practices and exploring alternatives. We only ask that decisions on raising farm animals be based on science, rather than emotion.
   Farmers have worked closely with veterinarians and other experts to help ensure the well-being of their animals. Decades of research and generations of experience based on common sense have enabled us to develop production practices that are in the best interest of our livestock, as well as the viability of our businesses. This includes commonly accepted practices regarding feeding and watering, disease prevention, veterinary care, housing and transportation.
   As a cattleman, I fully realize that healthy, well treated animals have more value in the marketplace and produce the type of quality products that I want for my family. Like the overwhelming majority of my peers, I treat my cattle humanely because it makes good business sense and simply is the right thing to do.