Things Farmers Say
Because – so true (and hilarious)
PETA’s Selective Mission
Also known as, “Don’t Believe the Hype,” or “We Are More Into the Politics than the Animals,” or “People Encouraging Their own Agenda.”
Link to the article: PETA Offers Unconvincing Defense For The High Kill Rate In Its “Shelter”
Frankly, I was surprised that PETA operates a shelter. PETA seems more interested in the vegan platform than in managing the issues of overpopulation of cats and dogs. My expectation is that this represents a token effort to include a shelter on the checkbox of their accomplishments.
This article provides data about the PETA “Open Admission” shelter in Virginia which shows that PETA euthanizes an average of 65% of the animals it takes in – which is a rate of as much as 13 times the state rate (for dogs) and more than 11 times the state rate of euthanasia for cats. 65% – let that number sink in. More than 6 out of every 10 animals delivered to this shelter are euthanized.
PETA does not dispute the findings – but tries to defend the statistics by saying that this shelter is an “open admission” shelter, as opposed to the much more selective “no kill” shelters. (PETA ironically uses the term “safe place” where no animal is turned away, ever) However, that claim is not supported by the facts. In Virginia, the average euthanasia rate for all other “open admission” shelters is 14% (cats and dogs) compared with PETA’s shelter euthanasia rate at 65% (cats and dogs).
The moral of the story is – don’t take your pet (or your money) to PETA. If they really cared about animals, they would spend more of their money actually saving animals – not euthanizing them.
Top Not-Corn Crops in Indiana
Found on Reddit – thanks to Calisto114. Information has not been verified but appears to be accurate. Also, note that this only refers to crop production – no information is provided regarding livestock.
Indiana is #4 in the nation for Mint production and #2 in the nation for popcorn (Indiana and Nebraska produce 55% of the nation’s popcorn)
Link to post: Reddit – Non-Corn Crops in Indiana
Carbon Neutral Protein Production
Contrary to pop-culture belief, the Agriculture industry is constantly looking for ways to improve – to use fewer resources, to produce a better product (grain, animals, etc.), and to be more efficient.
Ag Web has a terrific article about how farmers are using different ways to move toward carbon-neutral production; in this article, specifically livestock (pig, chicken, cow). The pork industry is looking toward a carbon-neutral pig by 2035 and the cattle industry is looking at 2050.
The Carbon-Neutral Pig and Chicken: The Pivotal Moment is Now
See also (long read):
Digital Technologies are Enabling a Carbon Neutral Pork Industry
Pork production in the US contributes more than $23B to the economy, about 25% of which is exported and accounts for less than 1/2 of 1% of greenhouse gas emissions. Yet the pork industry continues to seek ways to improve efficiencies and reduce production resource needs.
Indiana Right to Farm Act STANDS – US Supreme Court and Himsel
On Monday, October 5, 2020, the US Supreme Court denied the petition for Certiorari in the Himsel v. Himsel case. This decision is an affirmation of the constitutionality of the Indiana Right to Farm Act.
The decision of the US Supreme Court to let the Indiana Court of Appeals decision stand is an important benchmark in Indiana agriculture. The ability of farmers to use the best and most contemporary farming practices, as well as make use of economies of scale in production both for profitability and the maximum care of the agriculture product is critical to both keep Indiana competitive in the global marketplace and for farmers to continue to operate and earn a liveable income from the important industry of agriculture.
Agriculture has changed more in the past one hundred years than it had throughout the previous millenium. Those who challenge modern farming practices fail to understand the critical role modern agricluture plays in our ability to feed ourselves and the world. They also fail to understand the most basic tenant of farming – to take the best care of your livestock and crops as both a moral imperitive and as a path to profitability.
Carroll County Hog Barns
Farmers work hard, care deeply for livestock and crops, and strive to produce the best.
From National Hog Farmer: U.S. Supreme Court upholds Indiana’s Right to Farm Act
Maple Leaf Farms – Indiana Duck Production
Indiana ranks #1 in the nation for duck production, largely due to Maple Leaf Farms in Leesburg, Indiana. I had the opportunity to visit Maple Leaf Farms a few years ago as part of the Indiana Bar Association Agriculture Section Annual Meeting held at their conference center. Our hosts were terrific people, the farm we visited was very interesting, and the duck was tasty.
For more information about duck production, check out this new article from Agri News: Best Duck Isn’t Luck: Journey from Farm to Table.
