Ranchers Discuss Animal Well Being
At the August KLA and Kansas State University-hosted Ranch Management Field Day, the Alliance's Executive VP explained to ranchers the threat that legislation and lawsuits backed by animal rights groups present to agriculture .

Forum Looks at Future of Animal Ag

Jim Adams of Wenger Feeds shared messages from the Alliance's Stakeholders Summit with Ag Issues Forum attendees in Pennsylvania, emphasizing the importance of communicating with the public and unifying as an industry.

Three Questions for Kay Johnson Smith

In July, the Alliance's Executive VP provided perspective on Wayne Pacelle's June interview on Agritalk about animal welfare, the public's perception of farmers, and HSUS' agenda to Bovine Veterinarian Magazine.

Beef Cattle Health and Husbandry Experts Team Up
The NCBA announced the newly-formed North American Food Animal Well-Being Commission for Beef (NAFAWC-Beef) in August. World-renowned experts in animal care will serve as an unbiased, science-based panel to address concerns about animal well-being.

The Hill's Animal Welfare Report
A Washington, D.C.-based news source compiled statements in July from eight Members of Congress about various animal welfare issues, including antibiotic use in animal agriculture, horse slaughter and puppy mills.

The Soul of Farming
A  nutrition blogger wrote about her drastically-altered opinion of modern agriculture after visiting a Wisconsin dairy farm. After seeing how hard farmers work to take care of their animals, she decided to seek out the truth about food production.

Unwanted Horse Population Increasing
More than 20,000 horse owners and industry stakeholders responded to a November 2008 study conducted by the Unwanted Horse Council. The results illustrate the challenges facing horse rescues and owners. The failing economy and elimination of horse processing facilities were listed as top reasons for the increase in unwanted horses.

The Alliance published an article in the August NCBA Issues Update outlining the new HSUS distance-learning program that aims to train the next group of animal rights leaders.

Hy-Line Responds to Mercy for Animals Video
Animal rights organization Mercy for Animals recently targeted a Hy-Line chicken hatchery, shooting undercover footage in May and June 2009 before leaking the video to the media in early September. Hy-Line conducted an internal investigation and released a statement reiterating the company's commitment to animal welfare.

Strengthen Your Farm or Facility Security Measures Today
If you're an Individual Gold or Corporate Supporter level (or higher) member of the Alliance, you have access to the Alliance's Farm and Facility Security Recommendations on our Members page on our Web site. All others interested in receiving this information should contact the Alliance by e-mail at info@animalagalliance.org or become a member of the Alliance to access this and other valuable resources to benefit your company or organization. 

AVMA finds Pew Report Biased, Inaccurate

In late August, the Alliance issued a statement in support of AVMA's independent review of the Pew Commission's report on antibiotics used for animal production.

Want Sustainable Ag? Don't Look Back- Look Around

A Marshall Democrat-News reporter invited other reporters to experience the life of a modern farmer before writing about the "benefits" of old-fashioned agriculture.

The Omnivore's Delusion: Against the Agri-Intellectuals

In this well-written opinion piece, Missouri farmer Blake Hurst explained that farmers use technology to feed the world while protecting the land, water, and air around them. Practices may have changed over the years, but modern farmers don't deserve the negativity that surrounds "industrial farming."

Legal/Legislative

Court Awards Damages to Illinois Farmer
An Illinois farmer is seeking $300,000 in damages for legal fees and loss in income after a lawsuit delayed the construction of his large-scale hog facility. In September, the judge ruled that the farmer was engaged in a lawful business and had the right to seek financial recourse for the effects of the lawsuit. 

AVMA Legal Program to Continue
The AVMA's Legal Outreach Program, originally instated in April 2008, will continue to provide a veterinary perspective to the legal community on animal law issues. This unique opportunity for veterinarians to provide science-based information to students studying animal law has been extended to 19 law schools.

Ohio's Livestock Battle Heats Up
Consumers may not be aware of the implications of Issue 2, but many farmers feel it is a fight for their livelihood against animal rights groups. If Ohio voters pass the measure in November, a Livestock Care Standards Board will be instated to oversee animal well-being in agriculture.

Man Sues for $15,000 after Chihuahua's Death
A Virginia man filed a $15,000 lawsuit against his partner who killed their dog two years ago. Pets are legally considered personal property, but this lawsuit- supported by the Animal Legal Defense Fund- included charges for "intentional infliction of emotional distress," making it the first of its kind.