There's always a bad egg in every aspect of life. Why does agriculture take the hardest hit of all industries?
Before defining the agriculture industry as "not caring for their animals" or "inhumane," consider all that they do.
The dairy industry. Getting up at 5 a.m. to milk cows. Milking them about three times a day, while having 135 head (or even more) of cattle.
Raising livestock for meat. Making sure to keep animals healthy, while providing high quality meat for consumers.
Showing livestock. The industry not only cares about their consumers, they care about the future producers. Teaching children discipline in taking care of their livestock by doing daily chores. Teaching them that the livestock are important.
FFA. Providing the future generations leadership roles.
The news and organizations like PETA only show you the negative aspects. They catch your emotions by blinding with only bits and pieces of the industry.
Where is the media coverage on agriculture where people risked their lives for their livestock?
This couple, along with another man (shown below), lost their lives trying to save their livestock.There was a fire on the farm, and those three that lost their lives were attempting to open gates for the cattle to escape the fire. "Decided it would be a good idea to open the gates of the cattle pen so they could escape 'just in case”'the flames got too close. Despite the danger, the trio headed to the ranch."Donate to the Wildfire Relief Fund: http://wrca.org
Why isn't PETA making a video of this? Families lost their loved ones.
This story proves just how much people care about their industry, and how anti-ag organizations fail to show every side of the agriculture industry.
Would you be able to work in this industry? Being constantly told by consumers that you don't care about your animals. That the way you raise them is inhumane.
Making your money by feeding the ever growing population, while your consumers question your every move.
Would you be able to have laws created by people who do not have a knowledgeable background of your industry?
Would you be able to overcome a major crisis that nearly wipes out your livelihood? Would the people in your industry come together to help others out when a crisis occurs?
Not everyone can do what a farmer does.
Put yourself in their shoes.
Their livelihood comes from raising animals, in order to feed the world.
After reading this I challenge you to go on twitter and search #ANS211. This will show you that not only does our education encourage students to advocate, but the student’s willingness to promote the industry they love.