Hogs Animal Welfare

Pig Painkiller Patch Shows Promise

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 16:39:22 GMT

It’s been just over a year since the FDA issued a “Dear Veterinarian” letter that caught a lot of attention among livestock producers. The letter reminded veterinarians that aspirin and sodium salicylate are not approved for use in dairy cattle or any livestock.

“From an animal welfare standpoint, we know pigs go through pain. They have fevers and inflammation when they are sick. We can make them feel better with NSAIDs like we do in humans,” Brian Payne, senior director of commercial technical services R&D and innovation at Veterinary Pharmaceutical Solutions, said in a previous article . “When you’re feeling sick, you want to feel better. Pigs under our care should have that opportunity as well. When they have pain, inflammation or a fever, we can reduce that down so they start feeling better. A secondary benefit is that they produce better.”

To provide pain management and reduce repeated drug administration, Jeremy Powell, veterinarian and professor of animal science for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture , joined a team of researchers to test an experimental pain-relieving drug delivery method for farm animals using microneedle patches.

Although the patches may not have delivered an effective dose, Powell says it took a pivotal step that offers new leads for innovation, according to a University of Arkansas release .

Two Birds With One Stone – Improving Pain and Welfare

The team wanted to find a way to provide analgesic therapy to help control pain in livestock species while improving animal welfare. The project, which began several years ago in cattle with meloxicam, has been supported by a USDA grant.

According to the release, initial studies led to unsatisfactory pain management for cattle. Because of this, the multi-state team of researchers received approval to switch the experiment to pigs using flunixin and dextran, other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that are more soluble than meloxicam.

The goal of the study was to alleviate some pain after castration and tail docking. Researchers set out to see if the patch could provide five to seven days of pain relief without daily injections or handling of the animal.

How Does the Microneedle Patch Work?

Researchers made the patches with polyvinyl alcohol, collagen and chitosan using a square mold. The patches are about 1"x1" and have 625 pyramid-shaped microneedles that are 800 microns tall — about the thickness of a stack of eight sheets of standard copy paper. The medicines were incorporated at a dose of 50 milligrams per patch, the study says.

Application sites and morphological analysis of microneedle patches in a study by researchers within the Department of Animal Science for the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, the University of Arkansas College of Engineering, and Department of Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering at the University of Maryland-Baltimore County. Macroscopic (center) and SEM (right) images of PVA–COL–CHI patches loaded with FLU or FITC-dextran highlight the consistent microneedle geometry.

(Reproduced from RSC Pharmaceutics with permission from the Royal Society of Chemistry)

Medicine slowly flows through the microneedles from the pain patches for slow-release drug delivery, the release explains. The patch is designed to eventually fall off and continue degrading into inert natural products that do not generate contaminants, says Jorge Almodovar, the study’s corresponding author and an associate professor in the department of chemical, biochemical and environmental engineering at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, in the release.

“Designed to only penetrate the upper level of skin where there are few pain receptors, microneedles are known for being painless to mildly prickly, like pressing fine sandpaper when applied with light pressure, or a cat’s tongue brush,” the article says.

Although the drugs administered through the experimental patches did show up in the pigs’ system, the drug concentrations only reached about 2 micrograms per liter. Powell says they would need 3 milligrams per liter for the medicine to be effective, which is 1,500 times greater than what was achieved.

What’s Next for the Patch?

The project remains a proof of concept despite the limited performance, demonstrating that pig skin can absorb medication delivered through a dissolvable microneedle patch, the article says.

In the most recent published study, patches were applied to the ear and neck to assess anatomical site choice on systemic absorption. The team found patches work better on the neck than the ear, which Powell said may guide future testing.

The dextran-based patches on the neck achieved higher plasma concentrations than oral administration and ear-applied patches, “demonstrating enhanced uptake from vascularized regions,” the study explains. Meanwhile, the flunixin-based patches applied to the ear produced detectable plasma levels up to 72 hours after application, with a maximum concentration of about 1.9 micrograms per liter at 24 to 48 hours, “indicating sustained systemic exposure and reinforcing the potential for long-acting therapy.”

One of the other benefits of the patches was that no adverse responses were observed at application sites, the article says.

The findings emphasize the importance of choosing the right spot on the animal and using medications that the delivery method can handle are key to making microneedle drug delivery work better, the researchers note as they head back to the drawing board to improve the patch.

Editor’s Note: The study, “Systemic drug delivery in pigs using biodegradable microneedle patches,” was published in the journal RSC Pharmaceutics. The lead author, Katherine Miranda Muñoz, Ph.D., is a former graduate student at the University of Arkansas College of Engineering. Muñoz is now a postdoctoral associate at the University of Miami. Co-authors of the paper included Powell, Tsungcheng Tsai and Jacy L. Riddle in the department of animal science with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture and Almodovar, Ke He and Lee Blaney at UMBC. Almodovar was previously an associate professor and Ray C. Adam Chair in Chemical Engineering at the University of Arkansas.

No One is 'Winning' in a Prop 12 World: 6 Witnesses Testify Before House Ag Committee

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 16:44:46 GMT

U.S. pork producers and American consumers are facing significant cost increases due to Proposition 12. And the data keeps proving it. In a House Committee on Agriculture hearing, “An Examination of the Implications of Proposition 12,” Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) said Congress must provide a fix for Prop12.

“It begs the question – if producers are paying more, and consumers are paying more, who is winning?” Thompson said during the hearing on July 23. “Thankfully, the complexity and unfairness of Prop 12 has been realized by both sides of the aisle.”

Six witnesses testified before the full House Agriculture Committee on the implications of California’s Proposition 12 for farmers and food prices.

Overregulation Hurts Farmers
Pat Hord, an Ohio pork producer and vice president of the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), shared his family farm’s story with the Committee. He said, “Despite producing Prop 12-compliant pork, I am here to say Prop 12, and an unmitigated regulatory patchwork, threatens our farm.”

Prop 12, a California ballot initiative, bans the sale of pork that does not comply with the state’s prescriptive and arbitrary production standards. Though enacted in a single state, Prop 12 has created sweeping consequences nationwide by fueling market volatility, imposing costly new mandates on producers, and paving the way for a patchwork of inconsistent state regulations.

“Spending my entire life raising pigs in a variety of ways, I’m convinced it’s best to allow production methods and consumption demands to take shape in the open market, as opposed to arbitrarily shaping them through poorly worded and short-sighted ballot initiatives,” testified Matt Schuiteman, a farmer and Iowa Farm Bureau board member.

The data shows Prop 12 is creating economic hardship. As of the first quarter of 2025, 12% of small pork operations have exited the market or shifted production away from breeding, citing regulatory uncertainty and high transition costs.

“Prop 12 opens a Pandora’s box of state regulatory overreach that threatens family farms across the country,” NPPC shared in a statement. “This overregulation hurts farmers, increases prices for consumers, and compromises our nation’s food security.”

Unjustified Price Increases
But it wasn’t just pork producers voicing their concern at the hearing over the obstacles caused by Prop 12.

“Harm is what Prop 12 has caused, smashing like a wrecking ball the livelihoods of small restaurants and the communities we serve by disrupting supply chains and dragging up the cost of culturally vital foods like pork,” said Lily Rocha, executive director for the Latino Restaurant Association. “It’s brought economic devastation to families already stretched thin.”

Rocha said Prop 12 is a death sentence for small businesses operating on razor-thin margins.

NPPC economist Holly Cook testified that USDA research and recent scanner data confirm the impact on consumer costs.

“A study released in 2024 by economists at USDA’s Office of the Chief Economist compared retail pork prices and volumes in California and the rest of the U.S. for a period preceding Proposition 12 (October 2019-June 2023) and for 8 months after its partial implementation date (July 2023-February 2024),” Cook said. “After subtracting any price increases that were also observed in the rest of the U.S., the study attributed the following prices increases in California to the impact of Prop 12: 41% increase in pork loin prices, 17% increase in pork rib prices, 17% increase in pork shoulder prices, 16% in bacon prices, and 20% increase in fresh ham prices. Overall, the report suggests a 20% average increase in the sales prices for pork products covered by Proposition 12 and minimal impacts on products not covered by the law, such as sausage.”

Recent retail data also revealed a decline in pork volume sales in California and a 2% to 3% decline in California’s share of national fresh pork sales. Retail scanner data compiled by Circana confirms that these trends have held up over subsequent periods, Cook added.

“From July 2024 to June 2025, the second year of Proposition 12’s partial implementation, prices for popular covered pork products in California were 24% higher on average, with a range of 12% to 33% higher across covered products, than they were in the year leading up to implementation (July 2022 to June 2023),” Cook said. “This compares to an average 3.6% increase for the entire U.S. over the same period.”

In short, Californians are spending more but consuming less pork than they were before Prop 12.

A Contentious Issue
Tiffany Dowell Lashmet, professor and Extension specialist at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, noted the importance of recognizing that there are agricultural interests on all sides of the Prop 12 debate.

“Certainly, there are agricultural producers, groups and businesses in favor of congressional action to overturn Prop 12,” she said. “Similarly, there are agricultural producers, groups and businesses strongly against Congress taking such action, many of whom have already gone to the expense to comply after Prop 12 was passed and upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court.”

Ranking Member Angie Craig (MN-02) pointed out during her comments that Prop 12 is clearly a contentious issue, and merits thoughtful, bipartisan discussion.

“We cannot ignore the questions and challenges Prop 12 raises,” Craig said. “Even the Biden administration’s ag secretary said we need to treat this issue seriously to ensure stability in the marketplace. I agree that we cannot have 50 states with 50 different regulatory frameworks because of the significant challenges it would present to producers, but I believe that there are ways to avoid that situation.”

She also shared that many pork producers have made significant financial investments to make their operations Prop 12-compliant and that Congress needs to be mindful of the voters in California who exercised their rights under their state constitution to adopt this policy.

Thompson reminded the room that Justice Gorsuch noted several times in the majority opinion that Congress would be well within its power to act. Although Thompson doesn’t agree with the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold Prop 12, he agrees that Congress can and must act to rectify the burdens Prop 12 has imposed on interstate commerce.

Travis Cushman, deputy general counsel, litigation and public policy for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said in his testimony, “When a single state can condition access to its market on compliance with production mandates that override the judgment of veterinarians, farmers and experts nationwide, Congress must act. This is not a theoretical concern. It is already harming farmers, confusing the courts and threatening the viability of a national food system.”

Cushman believes the language that the Committee passed in the 2024 Farm Bill restores clarity, restores congressional authority and interstate commerce, and protects both producers and consumers from a patchwork of conflicting amenities.

The Patchwork Problem
“When we talk about any premiums that do exist in the market today, the prospect of a patchwork threatens the certainty and the sufficiency of those premiums in the long run,” Cook said following the hearing. “NPPC is seeking to provide certainty to all producers about the environment in which we’re going to be making these decisions and investing in the future of the industry.”

Cook said it was a long day on Capitol Hill, but it was encouraging to hear producers share just how much they care about the animals they raise.

In fact, Hord spoke to misconceptions that Prop 12 enhances animal welfare, citing American Veterinary Medical Association and American Association of Swine Veterinarians opposition to the law and how those pen requirements can “unintentionally cause harm” to animal welfare.

“There were some good discussions around producers caring for their animals and maximizing animal welfare, not only because it’s the right thing to do, but because they have every economic incentive to do everything they can to maximize animal welfare,” Cook reflected.

She noted there were productive discussions on the impacts of Prop 12 from the farm level through the supply chain and all the way to the consumer.

“Producer voices are so strong,” Cook said. “Being able to deliver their stories to their representatives and members of Congress on the impact these issues are having on their farms is always the strongest message lawmakers can receive.”

Take the Stress Out of Social Media: Navigate Detractors

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:14:33 GMT

Have you ever wanted to post on social media but were worried about potential backlash? You want to share your farm, but are worried about receiving potentially negative comments about sow housing? Maybe you are worried about getting tough questions about the use of hormones or antibiotics when it comes to feeding your animals or treating them for illnesses?

Unfortunately, this scenario is all too common for farmers, veterinarians and others in the ag community advocating for animal agriculture on social media. Negative comments have the potential to steer the conversation down an unproductive path. However, if you know how to handle contentious issues online then you can help people understand the animal agriculture community’s commitment to animal care, responsible antibiotic use, sustainability and other core values.

Before deciding how (and if) to respond to comments, take a deep breath and ask yourself a few key questions:

1. Is the comment relevant or is it completely off-topic?

2. Who has made the comments? Are they genuinely curious or are they a known extreme animal rights activist?

3. Consider, “Is it possible they have a different perspective?” or “Is there something that could have shaped this person’s opinion?”

4. Will responding to the comment help other people who will read your response?

If the person has left a completely irrelevant comment, don’t feel obligated to respond. If the comment included offensive remarks, feel confident in hiding the comment or blocking the person from commenting again. Remember, your social media page is your space, and you can set community guidelines.

Depending on who has left the comment can determine how you respond. By clicking on the commentor’s profile you can quickly learn if their comments come from a place of true concern and interest, like a parent concerned about feeding his or her children safe, nutrient-dense foods, or potentially an animal rights extremist with no intention of having a productive conversation about animal agriculture.

If you have concluded that the commenter is likely not open to having a dialogue, still ask yourself if responding to the comment will help others understand your perspective. Social media is a very public space and there are many more people reading your posts and comment sections than actually engaging.

Once you have asked yourself these questions and have decided that responding is your next step, look for common ground on a related topic – such as food safety and family values. Before jumping into the safety and animal welfare benefits of using antibiotics, validate their concerns and offer empathy. Then, ask permission to share your personal experience with using antibiotics on the farm. If the conversation is going well, follow up with the science and offer resources or other people to follow on social media if they are interested in learning more.

Most importantly, know that you can always ask for help. Bring in your friends who also have experience responding to contentious issues, reach out to your local partners, or the Animal Agriculture Alliance to help you moderate difficult conversations.

This is just a preview of the content and training available in the Animal Agriculture Alliance’s Animal Ag Allies program. To sign up to become an Animal Ag Ally, go to and fill out the interest form to join our next class!

Your Next Read: Build Your Team Across the Entire Supply Chain

Denver Voters Reject Slaughterhouse Ban: Win for Animal Ag

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 14:38:59 GMT

Denver residents rejected Ordinance 309 to ban slaughterhouses in the city. Denver, a hub of lamb processing for the state and nation, represents 15% to 20% of U.S. lamb harvest capacity. It also provides many jobs in one of the city’s poorest neighborhoods.

“Activists from New Orleans and California used dark money from out of state to try and shut down this local company, but they lost to Colorado workers, farmers, ranchers and restaurateurs,” Ian Silverii, campaign spokesperson for “Stop the Ban. Protect Jobs,” said in a statement. “We have one message for those who tried to cone to our city and our state to run their experiment to upend the lives of so many hardworking people: it was a baaaaaaaad idea.”

According to the Denver Post , at 11:30 pm, 64.6% opposed the slaughterhouse ban, with very little change in the split for and against throughout the evening.

Opponents of the ban declared victory Tuesday night and Pro-Animal Future, which put the question on the ballot, issued a statement appearing to concede on both measures, the article said.

“This was a bold campaign, and no one said changing the status quo was going to be easy,” Pro-Animal Future spokesperson Olivia Hammond said in a statement. “Over a hundred thousand meat eaters voted for a world without slaughterhouses, and that’s a foundation we’ll continue building on. Voters aren’t used to seeing animal rights on the ballot, and we are paving the way with this campaign.”

The measure titled “Prohibition of Slaughterhouses” tried to outlaw “the construction, maintenance, or use of” any meat processing facilities in Denver beginning Jan. 1, 2026, as well as “require the city to prioritize residents whose employment is affected by the ordinance in workforce training or employment assistance programs.”

This ban put 160 jobs at stake and according to one study, at least $215 million in economic benefits, which could be as high as $860 million, counting indirect factors. In addition, the ban also threatened more than 2,700 jobs including independent ranchers, truckers, distributors, retailers, butchers and restaurant owners and employees, according to a Colorado State University study .

“Stop the Ban, Protect Jobs” raised money from an array of donors including Superior Farms, the American Sheep Industry Association, the National Pork Producers Council, the National Cattleman’s Beef Association, Visit Denver, the Colorado Livestock Association, United Food & Commercial Workers International, Concience Bay Research, LLC, Political Action Trust, and the Colorado Livestock Association.

Voters also rejected Ordinance 308, which would ban the manufacture, distribution, display, sale or trade of certain animal products within Denver city limits, with limited exceptions, such as for Native American cultural uses or for cow leather. Had the ordinance passed it could have affected sales of cowboy and other hats made of beaver, rabbit or hare hides, as well as fly-fishing lures that include animal fibers. The Denver Post reported the ordinance reported nearly 58% of voters opposed the fur ban.

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Level Up Your Skills to Tell Ag’s Story

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 15:56:11 GMT

Today, people are more curious than ever about where their food comes from. This is particularly true of the newest generation, Gen Z, that values transparency above all else. It can be hard to share the complexity of the many facets of agriculture, especially when society is more removed from it than ever. How can we better tell our story and take away the mystery?

The idea of putting yourself out there on the internet as a social media influencer can be intimidating, and it’s not necessarily for everyone! However, there are a lot of other things you can do as a member of the ag community to build connections with consumers and bridge the communication gap between farm and fork. These can be things like creating partnerships in your local community and inviting schools out for farm tours, sponsoring local events, or forming connections with local media to help tell your story.

If you’re looking to level up your skills and confidence as an “ag-vocate,” look no further than the Animal Agriculture Alliance’s Animal Ag Allies program, working to empower farmers, ranchers, veterinarians, and food and agriculture professionals to be outspoken advocates for agriculture online and within their communities.

To date, more than 150 Animal Ag Allies graduates have been armed with the knowledge and skills necessary to serve on the front lines of responding to emerging issues and sharing positive messages about animal agriculture. There’s never been a better time than now to take the plunge in advocating for agriculture. Thanks to the generous support of the United Soybean Board, all participation fees for the 2024 Animal Ag Allies program have been waived!

The Animal Ag Allies program consists of two phases: online training and a private forum to discuss engagement strategies and emerging issues. The online training modules are all available online and can be completed at your own pace.

Modules address:
• Overviews of each sector of animal agriculture
• Where to find more resources on each sector
• Hot topics and emerging issues facing animal ag
• How to handle contentious issues
• Growing your social following and preaching outside the choir
• Public outreach

New Animal Ag Allies classes begin every quarter. You can visit the Alliance website to see when the next deadline is approaching. Apply by filling out this interest form . Don’t let this opportunity pass you by – sign up today!

Animal Rights Activist Found Guilty of Felony and Two Misdemeanors

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 18:23:08 GMT

Animal rights activist Wayne Hsiung was found guilty of one felony and two misdemeanor charges after nearly a week of deliberations before a Sonoma County jury. The charges are in connection with poultry farm “open rescues” that took place at Sunrise Farms in 2018 and Reichardt Duck Farm in 2019, both outside Petaluma, Calif.

Hsiung, 42, was convicted of two misdemeanor trespassing counts, including one count of trespassing with the intent to disrupt a lawful business and a felony charge of conspiracy to commit trespass. According to The Press Democrat , the jury was deadlocked on a second felony conspiracy charge.

According to Northern California Public Media , Hsiung unsuccessfully represented himself at trial. He described his actions, and those of the hundreds of other activists that took part, as “akin to breaking a car window to rescue a child or pet trapped in a car on a hot day. He cited a section of California law, code 597e, as a legal justification to take birds he says were sick and dying for veterinary care,” the article said.

After the verdict, three sheriff’s deputies escorted a handcuffed Hsiung out of the courthouse in Santa Rosa, Calif. This is not the first time he has been charged.

Hsiung is the co-founder of Direct Action Everywhere (DXE). He was not granted bail and will remain in jail until his sentencing hearing that is scheduled at the end of November.

Read More:

Activists Continue to ‘Storm the Courts’

Animal Activist Wayne Hsiung Found Guilty of Felony Charges

Animal Ag Organizations Team Up to Combat Misinformation and Share Science

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 20:14:55 GMT

Everyone knows communication is key to animal agriculture’s future success. That’s why the Animal Agriculture Alliance and National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) are teaming up.

On July 26, the Animal Agriculture Alliance and NIAA announced a working partnership to maximize areas of expertise to ensure sound scientific information about animal agriculture is being communicated effectively to key audiences.

“The Alliance frequently fields questions from food brands, registered dietitians, media, and thought leaders on issues such as animal welfare, responsible antibiotic use, and environmental stewardship. This partnership with the NIAA will give us greater access to technical experts in these fields to ensure we’re communicating accurate, science-backed, and expert-supported information to these audiences,” Hannah Thompson-Weeman, Animal Agriculture Alliance president and CEO, said in a release. “The animal agriculture community has an incredible history of progress – thanks in large part to advancements in science – and we’re honored to continue spreading that message with the support of NIAA.”

According to the release, as part of the working relationship,

NIAA, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing programs to work towards providing solutions for disease, while promoting a safe and wholesome food supply, will serve as a resource on scientific research and technical expertise.
Animal Agriculture Alliance, a non-profit working to safeguard the future of animal agriculture and its value to society by bridging the communication gap between the farm and food communities, will work to communicate this information to key audiences.

“The NIAA has often served the animal agriculture community behind the scenes by convening experts and allies to explore, discuss, learn, and develop knowledge that fosters interdisciplinary cooperation and advances progress within the fields of animal welfare, animal health, and antibiotic use, among others,” J.J. Jones, NIAA executive director, said in a release. “Working alongside our communications partners at the Alliance, we’re positioned to better support the animal agriculture community in communicating science while combatting misinformation.”

From coordinating media responses on technical issues with third-party expertise and collaborating on the development and review of talking points, infographics and other resources on topics such as animal welfare, antibiotic use and sustainability to hosting regular joint issue updates with key stakeholders from each organization, the partnership will allow each organization to achieve greater reach.

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Animal Rights Extremist Connections and Tactics Updated in New Reports

Animal Activists Are Waging War in Your Backyard

Fri, 12 May 2023 17:15:15 GMT

I kept a bit of distance as I approached the site of my first animal activist rally. I watched two people huddled beside a small megaphone and a bag, checking their phones constantly. As the clock struck the advertised time for this group to make their announcements, I leaned in anticipating what would happen next.

Nothing.

About 15 minutes later, two more joined. They pulled out a banner and signs from the bag. Another 15 minutes passed and the group, now up to five, started walking. As I followed the group, I realized I was listening to students uneducated about modern livestock production and abiding by a playbook from a known animal activist organization.

The actual protest consisted of four people holding signs and one person reading a message from his phone.

“We are here to speak out for animals who cannot speak for themselves. We are here to tell you that there is something you can do. Rescue these animals and join the animal rights movement today,” the activist read.

His thoughts and ideas were scripted. I think that made me the most unsettled. Why are you fighting for a cause that you can’t speak on your own about?

I was not impassioned or moved by anything that was said. No one else was either. People just streamed by and only one couple stopped for about 8 seconds.

I share something in common with these students. We love animals. But I was disheartened to hear them support breaking the law to “rescue” animals right here in the Midwest where we are surrounded by animal agriculture and the benefits of an abundant food supply.

A Reality Check

I called my friend Hannah Thompson-Weeman, president of the Animal Agriculture Alliance , the next morning.

She said something that makes sense, but was still a punch in the gut. Organizations like this one are mobilizing activists all over the country – not just on the coasts.

“Groups like Direct Action Everywhere (DXE) have small pockets of supporters across the country that are willing to mobilize for the cause, and the ‘lead organizers’ have also shown they’re willing to travel anywhere to conduct ‘investigations’ and demonstrations,” she explained.

Other extreme groups, such as The Save Movement, have chapters in various cities, particularly where processing plants are located, she pointed out.

They find people willing to carry out their plan to get their message heard in unexpected places, even Farm Country USA. I want to believe that the reason people didn’t stop and engage, that no one listened or took them seriously, is because they know better. They know farmers care for their animals and do whatever it takes to make sure animals are raised in a healthy, safe and controlled environment.

But I’m not sure that’s why.

There are so many messages shared about animal ag, and consumers struggle to know which voices to trust. I am grateful for voices such as Tork and Sawyer of This’ll Do Farm , Heidi Flory of “The Princess and the Pig Farmer,” Cara Haden “Pig Vet” and Jesse Heimer of Heimer Hampshires for using their voice to share what it’s really like to raise livestock.

How Can You Help?

I walked away from the rally full of questions. How am I helping people who are outside of agriculture discern truth from fiction? How am I raising kids emboldened to speak up for agriculture? What am I doing to remind the younger generations their story is important and needs to be told?

The war for people’s hearts and minds is moving into your backyard. Are you ready?

Editor’s Note: Want to learn more? Check out the Animal Agriculture Alliance Summit conference that is taking place May 4-5. You can purchase the recording pass to access recordings from all the sessions after the event.

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Animal Activist and Former Baywatch Star Found Not Guilty in ‘Open Rescue’

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 20:01:34 GMT

Former “Baywatch” star Alexandra Paul and animal rights activist Alicia Santurio were found not guilty of misdemeanor theft by a Merced County jury on March 17 after they “rescued” two chickens from a Foster Farms truck in Livingston, Calif., in September 2021.

The Merced County District Attorney’s office prosecuted the case that caught international attention from animal rights activists who continue to target large farms across the country.

This is the latest of several trials, and more trials will be held throughout 2023. The next one will take place in Sonoma County, Calif .

Paul and Santurio are members of the animal rights network Direct Action Everywhere (DXE). They faced the possibility of spending up to six months in jail if they were found guilty.

After the verdict, Paul told reporters going to jail would have been worth it.

“The only reason people like us go into these places is because law enforcement and the government aren’t helping these animals,” Paul said in The Fresno Bee . “No one is comfortable with abusing animals, even if they are chickens, and I think the jury understood that.”

District Attorney Sets Record Straight

Cassie King, a spokesperson for DXE, called this court decision a victory for the concept of “open rescue.”

“We have the momentum, and we cannot stop now,” Almira Tanner wrote in a recent DXE blog post. “2023 will bring more open rescues, more bold actions, and more trials. As we tear down the industry, we lift up animals. We show the world the violence that must be left in the past, and the beauty the future can hold.”

Even Paul admitted to reporters she would do it again if necessary and plans to continue to do her “investigatory work,” if she finds a sick animal.

But Merced County District Attorney Nicole Silveira argues this Foster Farms case doesn’t set a precedent. “Rescuing” farm animals is illegal and you will be prosecuted, she said in The Fresno Bee .

Many animal rights groups saw the court decision as a key victory in the movement to make it legal to remove farm animals that are suspected of being neglected. Some states provide immunity to a person who breaks into a car to rescue a pet that is in distress, but that protection does not apply to farm animals.

Silveira explained the jury’s not guilty verdict does not mean the defendant’s acts were legal. It shows that they were not guilty of this crime, she said in The Fresno Bee. The crime of theft is still criminal conduct.

She pointed out that the activists and their legal team used a “mistake of law” defense, meaning “they believed it was legal to steal the animals in this instance,” the article said.

“Now there should be no further mistake that this conduct is illegal and anyone who commits these acts will be prosecuted. They, and everyone who reads this, is now on notice that it is illegal to take animals from another person, farm, or place of business,” Silveira wrote to The Fresno Bee. “Moving forward from this verdict, there should be no further mistakes or misunderstandings: if you steal animals in Merced County, regardless of your personal beliefs, you will be prosecuted for that conduct.”

Local Rally Attempts to Raise Support

On March 26, five animal activists gathered on the University of Illinois campus in Urbana, Ill., in a “Rally for the Right to Rescue” to raise awareness and show support for the right to rescue, according to a Facebook post.

“We are here to speak out for animals who cannot speak for themselves. We are here to tell you that there is something you can do. Rescue these animals and join the animal rights movement today,” an activist read from his phone during the rally.

The organization continues to mobilize activists all over the country – not just on the coasts, explains Hannah Thompson-Weeman, president of the Animal Agriculture Alliance . She says there are two important takeaways for the livestock industry to understand from the rally.

“Sometimes people can be lulled into a false sense of security by assuming these extreme incidents are only happening on the coasts, or only in urban areas. That is not the case. While DXE is primarily based in the San Francisco Bay area, the group has small pockets of supporters across the country that are willing to mobilize for the cause, and the ‘lead organizers’ have also shown they’re willing to travel anywhere to conduct ‘investigations’ and demonstrations,” Thompson-Weeman explains. “Other extreme groups like The Save Movement have chapters in various cities, particularly where processing plants are located. By providing these local chapters with messaging and resources, these organizations are trying to get their message heard even in unexpected places.”

More from Farm Journal’s PORK:

What Animal Rights Activists are Saying About Ag: 2022

Why We Need More Youth to Speak Up About Ag

$15K Reward Offered for Information on Attempted Arson at a Pig Farm

Tell Your Story: If We All Do A Little, No One Will Have To Do A Lot

Producers Beware: A Look Inside the Animal Activists' Playbook

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 16:24:36 GMT

While the animal ag industry continues to strive to produce more, nutrient-dense pork, beef, poultry and dairy products using less resources, animal rights activists and extremist groups craft strategies and agendas to turn consumers away from these animal-based products.

The Animal Agriculture Alliance (AAA) has released its compilation of reports from five prominent animal rights extremist conferences held throughout the last year, including:
• Humane Society of the United States’ Taking Action for Animals (TAFA) Conference
• The Rancher Advocacy Program’s (RAP) Summit
• Animal Place’s Farmed Animal Conference E-Summit (FACES)
• Animal Legal Defense Fund’s (ALDF) Animal Law Symposium
• ALDF and the Center for Animal Law Studies’ Animal Law Conference

“Animal rights extremist organizations are becoming increasingly more persistent in attacking the animal agriculture community through various channels, including pressuring our restaurant, retail and foodservice customers, targeting the public with misleading emotional campaigns and using the legal system,” says Hannah Thompson-Weeman, president and CEO of AAA.

In compiling these conference reports, the animal agriculture community can be more informed of emerging tactics and can take steps to safeguard livelihoods from potential extremist threats, Thompson-Weeman adds.

The key takeaways and claims from this year’s conferences, compiled by AAA, include:
• Animal rights activists aim to advance the interest of animals through the legal system by utilizing “undercover videos” as evidence in court.
• Activists believe the marketing of plant-based products and promotion of animal rights needs to speak to the emotions of the consumer rather than the intellectual messaging that currently compares alternatives to meat, milk, poultry and eggs.
• Activists are pressuring elected officials to include animal rights in their political campaigns in order to bring their cause to the legislature.

Many activist voices were loud and clear about how they plan to convince consumers to change habits.

“I have been a vegan for almost 40 years, and my whole life has been around activism through food, and that’s really how I’ve tried to touch people—trying to reach their hearts through their stomachs,” says Miyoko Schinner, founder and CEO of Miyoko’s Creamery.

Targeting children in school was also a topic of discussion, as Monica Chen, executive director of the Factory Farming Awareness Coalition explains, “When we do our lessons, we target the audience’s emotions by creating a story about the suffering and destruction that factory farming causes, and students are now primed for us to help them connect the story of factory farming to the story of who they are.”

Undercover videos were highly praised, as Sharon Nunez, president of Animal Equality, says, "[Undercover] investigations are a foundational aspect of our work as we bring light to the darkness of factory farming.”

As producers look ahead to 2023, the importance of sharing the animal ag story will become increasingly important to combat misconceptions and ensure consumers understand the truth about how their food is raised.

The AAA shares more activist perspectives in the full release .

Read More:

What Animal Rights Activists are Saying About Ag: 2022

Sen. Booker Proposes Industrial Agricultural Accountability Act

Wed, 23 Nov 2022 15:16:33 GMT

Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) has unveiled new legislation targeting America’s large livestock “corporations and industrial operators,” seeking to hold such entities accountable for disaster mitigation and to ensure those entities are complying with animal welfare regulations.

The Industrial Agricultural Accountability Act would end line-speed increases and “meatpacker self-inspection programs” for animal slaughter, prohibit slaughter of all downed animals and require “more humane treatment of livestock transported for long periods.”

Booker announced his proposal with a news release posted to his website Tuesday.

The proposed legislation would also require large entities to register with USDA, submit a disaster preparedness plan and pay a fee to establish a fund focused on disaster events.

“This new fund, the High-Risk AFO Disaster Mitigation Fund, will be utilized to enforce disaster mitigation plans and ensure that the most humane practices are used if depopulation is absolutely necessary,” the release said.

Booker also proposes to invest resources for higher-welfare slaughter technology in meat and poultry processing facilities and establish a pilot program to train and employ more part-time inspectors for small processing plants.

“We’ve seen multiple recent crises that have shined a light on the threat that corporate meat producers and their web of factory farms represent to workers, animals, the environment, and rural communities,” booker said. “Built by agribusinesses, the industrial livestock and poultry system is designed to maximize production– while externalizing risk and liability– to ensure corporate profits even when the system fails.”

The full text of the bill can be found here. The list of supporting organizations can be found here.

Activist Threats Aren’t Just on the Farm Anymore

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 17:05:11 GMT

I consider myself a “foodie.” I think this word may be overused a bit, but I stand by my statement. I’m not really sure which came first – wanting to work with animals or wanting to work with food. I grew up working in restaurants and always wanted to be involved in where food came from and be a part of sharing it with others. With that, I developed a love for agriculture, and later, grocery shopping.

We are fortunate to live in a place with so many options and choices when it comes to our food selections. I enjoy strolling the produce section, meat case and dairy aisles to see what is new and innovative amongst brands. You could say that the grocery store is my happy place.

Lately, however, grocery stores have become a battleground for extremists looking to pressure retailers into removing meat, milk, poultry and eggs from their grocery store shelves. Recent trends have shown an uptick in grocery store protests, demonstrations and food tampering.

The Animal Agriculture Alliance monitors this animal rights extremism and works with experts to develop security guidance for those that need it. Animal rights extremist groups continue to target restaurant, retail and foodservice brands through pressure campaigns to express their disagreement with using animals for food.

All grocery store employees should be aware of the potential to be targeted by extremists and know how to handle potential protesters. This also applies to customers feeling pressure in the store to purchase certain items or boycott certain brands that don’t claim specific welfare compliance. For someone in the animal agriculture community, this can be disheartening to see when you know that farmers work hard to provide their animals a comfortable life, regardless of the logo or label on the package.

Shopping to feed your family can feel like your least favorite task somedays, especially when you run into activist-placed stickers claiming, “Meat Is Murder.” Another tactic we’ve seen in stores lately is the placement of flowers in meat cases to “mourn” the death of animals raised for food.

Whether you are an employee of a household name brand, the farmer raising the animals, or the consumer at the store, it’s important to be aware of these issues and tactics. Animal rights groups’ intention is to get you to stop and consider choosing something else – ideally, a vegan option.

You may be thinking that you are a little removed from this situation, which is a totally normal thought. You might not work in a grocery store or have encountered this in your local store. However, we all depend on safe, wholesome food products for our families. We can’t let extremists take control of this common space in the grocery aisles and at the meat case.

For more information, visit Animal Agriculture Alliance’s website to find resources and tips like this one for preparing for a protest .

Read More:

Biosecurity and Farm Security are Closely Linked

Nutrition: The Next Activist Battleground?

4 Keys to Prevent Animal Activist Attacks in the Wake of a Disaster

Animal Rights Extremists Take Their Cause to the Courtroom

Easier Said ... But It Must Be Done

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 16:13:01 GMT

As many, if not all, in animal agriculture can attest, conversations, meetings and research around traceability, information systems, animal identification and sustainability have been happening for several decades. So, why does the National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) and Farm Journal sense now is the time to foster a more robust conversation?

Because if we, who believe strongly animal-derived proteins are good for people, do not share animal agriculture’s story, those who wish to diminish or eliminate animal agriculture from today’s food system will lead the conversation. Sadly, in several cases, they are already forming the narrative.

Mission Critical

Farm Journal and NIAA are both internal animal agriculture organizations. As a leading voice in the swine, beef, dairy and veterinary sectors, Farm Journal’s mission is to purposefully share relevant content with you, its readers, as well as listen. After all, today’s communication model is more two-way than one-way.

NIAA’s mission is to convene animal agriculture experts and allies to explore, discuss, learn and develop knowledge that fosters interdisciplinary cooperation. Since 1916, NIAA has been focused on the continuous progress of animal agriculture.

Staying true to our missions, neither of our organizations are in spaces that engage with shoppers, influencers and others affecting the social license of animal agriculture. However, we can foster conversation and exploration that provides for well-informed decision-making by those in animal agriculture and those who engage with shoppers and influencers — checkoffs, trade associations and allied industries.

Two-Way Communication

Let’s start with a more robust dialogue that focuses on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats at the intersection of traceability, information systems, animal identification and sustainability. We will explore and learn through research insights, case studies and point-counterpoint-style deeper dives. And we most certainly want to live up to today’s two-way communication model. Feedback and dialogue are encouraged and, quite frankly, required for success, whether through email, webinars or in-person gatherings.

Our work is not to advocate for a certain outcome or decision. As the facilitator of this conversation, we might introduce research or insights that challenge our thinking. We might allow for threads of conversation to be fully explored before moving on to the next. But no matter, we always want to ensure we live up to the expectation our stakeholders have come to expect — a place where tough issues can be explored and discussed in a collaborative manner.

Advancement is Necessary

It has been said there is no issue so great that reasonable people cannot come together to solve it. We will identify and bring those reasonable people in our industry together.

It also has been said that humankind has yet to develop a technology or innovation that is not used. While some innovations might be replaced by more advanced systems, it is hard, if not impossible, to identify advancements that have been “shelved” simply because we’ve decided not to use them. Just like communities went from communicating with letters and postcards to telegraphs then the telephone and onto email and text messaging, there are numerous examples in animal agriculture of similar advancements.

In the coming months, Farm Journal and NIAA look forward to exploring the intersection of traceability, information systems, animal identification and sustainability with you.

Farm Journal and the National Institute for Animal Agriculture Team Up to Help Animal Ag Share Its Story

Tue, 24 May 2022 19:55:11 GMT

“Everybody works for somebody. Me, I work for everybody in these United States that steps into a butcher’s shop for a T-bone steak, and you work for me. There’s not much difference.”

In the 1963 western movie McLintock!, G.W. McLintock, played by John Wayne, shared that succinct description on how the protein value chain works with a ranch hand. However, like many aspects of business and life, we know ensuring a safe, wholesome, affordable food supply is a bit more detailed and intertwined than McLintock describes.

Not to make this too convoluted but each of these factors is a proverbial onion with many layers — and the more you peel the more you might experience a bit of discomfort before you reach the glorious result. You might say it’s like caramelized onions on a juicy steak or chop – representative of consumer trust in animal-derived proteins and animal agriculture’s social license to operate.

Now, add one more layer to the onion – the one pertinent to this discussion. How does animal agriculture collectively ensure we meet shoppers’ and buyers’ increased interest in and demand for greater transparency about the meat, poultry, milk, eggs and fish they choose for themselves and their loved ones?

While more complicated than this, consumer trust and social license are preserved and enhanced with data points that when aggregated and looked at holistically “tell” a story — a story of a protein-rich food that is delicious, nutritious, sustainable and accessible. Farm Journal and the National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA), in a newly formed program that explores the intersection of traceability, information systems, animal identification and sustainability, believe these four areas can guide animal agriculture to its “story.”

As leaders from Farm Journal and NIAA first began discussing this collaborative initiative, foundational research was conducted of farmers and ranchers raising beef and dairy cattle and pigs. Many data points from this inaugural research when combined with consumer/shopper research indicate there are many reasons it is time to more fully explore how animal identification, information systems and traceability contribute to the sustainability – environmental stewardship, social responsibility and economic viability, of animal agriculture. The below data points are of particular interest.

In their annual Power of Meat study , the Food Industry Association (FMI) and the North American Meat Institute (NAMI) continue to find consumers believe “meat/poultry belong in a healthy, balanced diet” – 76% agreed with this statement in 2020 and 73% in 2021.

Permission to Consume

Insights from the same studies demonstrate to animal agriculture the need to give consumers “permission” to consume animal-derived proteins. The need for “permission” stems from increased interest in how animal agriculture affects health and wellness, environmental stewardship, animal welfare, worker health and safety, and more. To provide this “permission,” animal agriculture needs to share its story, which must include robust data points.

Through this collaboration, Farm Journal and NIAA will:

Explore and dive into the market conditions affecting beef, dairy and pork, such as foreign animal disease landscapes; export demand and opportunities; consumer trust; and on-farm and ranch management.
Provide a platform to explore the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to greater connectivity among traceability, information systems, animal identification and sustainability – providing examples of lessons learned and best practices.
Highlight management practices and technology from aspiration to action.
Build consensus within animal agriculture.
Benchmark annual research exploring farmers’ and ranchers’ attitudes and practices affecting traceability, information systems, animal identification and sustainability.

Over the past several years, conversations about animal identification, sustainability, traceability and information systems have occurred sporadically and, for the most part, in silos. Today, individuals and organizations from around the globe are having a constant conversation about these four areas and how they relate.

Google trends indicate the rising interest areas within animal agriculture are climate change, meat as a food and greenhouse gasses. A Google Trends search for “meat” shows on a scale of 0 to 100 with 0 signifying little interest and 100 maximum interest, “meat” interest went from 24 in January 2004 to 73 in March 2022. For comparison, “alternative protein,” scored a 18 in January 2004 and a 76 in March 2022.

Monitoring the public’s interest in alternative proteins can indicate their attitudes about animal-derived proteins as both plant and cell-cultured proteins rely on environmental stewardship and social responsibility claims to compete with animal-derived proteins. While shoppers might not significantly switch from animal-derived proteins to alternative proteins, their interest can lead to greater rules and regulations that affect animal agriculture’s social license.

Together, Farm Journal and NIAA believe animal agriculture leaders need to come together to be a leading voice in these conversations. After all, if animal agriculture does not lead conversations, it will be “on the table, not at the table.” There’s a difference.

The time is now for this more robust and meaningful conversation. Are you ready to be “at the table” or “on the table”?

Animal Rights Extremists Take Their Cause to the Courtroom

Tue, 07 Dec 2021 15:10:20 GMT

While some animal rights activist organizations rely on tactics like “undercover” video campaigns where individuals misrepresent themselves in order to get hired on farms or plants, others are much more brazen in their approach. Groups like Direct Action Everywhere (DXE) rely on strategies such as “open rescue,” where they film and/or livestream themselves entering farms or plants to steal (or “rescue” as they claim) livestock and poultry.

DXE says its “open rescues” are “seen by millions” and “force the issue of animal rights into the public consciousness.” They’ve made a name for themselves by conducting these stunts across the country – primarily in California but also in states like Utah, Iowa and North Carolina.

You might question the wisdom of choosing to broadcast yourself and announce your identity while committing a crime. Despite DXE’s fervent attempts to claim otherwise, trespassing and stealing are in fact crimes. Getting caught and facing charges are actually another part of the “open rescue” strategy. DXE activists want to go to court so they can make their arguments in support of “animal liberation” and “open rescue” in front of a broader audience, and hopefully someday get a court to decide in their favor, opening up additional opportunities for them to claim they have a legal right to enter farms and take animals – what they call the “right to rescue.”

After years of employing this tactic, DXE is finally now having its day in court after many delays and some earlier charges being dropped. In mid-November, preliminary hearings began in Sonoma County, Calif., in cases dealing with two “mass open rescues” at an egg farm and a duck farm held in conjunction with previous Animal Liberation Conferences, as well as a demonstration and “rescue” at a broiler farm.

At the end of November, a trial began in North Carolina in which DXE co-founder Wayne Hsiung faces charges for stealing a goat in 2018. In December, 13 DXE activists are set to go to trial in Merced County, Calif., for charges relating to a protest and attempt to “shut down” a poultry processing plant earlier this year. In 2022, DXE activist Matt Johnson will be going on trial in Iowa for charges relating to a campaign targeting the pork community in 2020.

During each of these trials, DXE is calling for activists to “pack the courtroom” and conduct protest activities in support of those facing charges.

It will be important for the animal agriculture community to pay attention to the outcomes of these trials and how DXE attempts to defend itself, as they could set a concerning precedent and embolden more animal rights extremists. In North Carolina, the defense filed a motion to dismiss all charges because they believe the goat that Hsiung took is a person, not property, therefore it could not have been stolen. The judge denied this motion, but there will certainly be additional attempts by DXE to find a way to obtain a legal “right to rescue.”

Regardless of the outcome of these trials, groups like DXE will be learning from the experience and adjusting their strategies accordingly, along with gaining media exposure for their cause. The Alliance will be keeping a close eye on these proceedings, and I suggest anyone interested in safeguarding the future of animal agriculture do the same.

UPDATE: The North Carolina trial concluded on Dec. 6. Wayne Hsiung was convicted on felony charges of breaking and entering and larceny. He was sentenced to two years of probation.

Read More from Hannah Thompson-Weeman:

Things Animal Rights Activists Say: 2021 Edition

Food Systems Under Scrutiny at UN Food Systems Pre-Summit

Nutrition: The Next Activist Battleground?

Court Rejects Meat Institute’s Prop 12 Appeal

Mon, 28 Dec 2020 16:00:32 GMT

The North American Meat Institute’s challenge to California’s Proposition 12 has been rejected for a second time.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit rejected the Meat Institute’s challenge to California’s 2018 ballot initiative that imposes new standards for animal housing. The Court’s Dec. 23 decision confirms an initial decision in October. After the October decision, the Meat Institute appealed for the challenge to be heard by the full panel of judges, but the panel “unanimously voted to deny appellant’s petition for panel rehearing.”

California voters approved the Prevention of Cruelty to Farm Animals Act with 63% of the vote. The law creates minimum requirements to provide more space for veal calves, breeding pigs, and egg-laying hens. By 2020, the law requires farmers to give egg-laying hens at least one foot of floor space, and to completely eliminate cages by 2022. Farmers must now give veal calves 43 square feet and sows 24 feet of space.

Challenges by the Meat Institute and others, however, centered around the fact the law applies to out-of-state producers of meat and eggs who want to sell products in California. Both the federal Department of Justice and 20 states joined the Meat Institute’s challenge, arguing the law will contribute to higher food prices for consumers.

“Prop 12 is unconstitutional and not only hurts consumers with higher prices for pork, veal and eggs, it is costly for the federal government’s programs designed to help those facing hunger, including the Emergency Food Assistance Program and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program,” said the Meat Institute’s President/CEO Julie Anna Potts.

Related stories:

Court Upholds California’s Proposition 12

What’s Next for Animal Activism in 2021 and What Can We Do About It?

Fri, 18 Dec 2020 21:14:41 GMT

By Hannah Thompson-Weeman, Animal Agriculture Alliance

2020 has taken me so off guard that I am a little hesitant to even attempt to look into my crystal ball and make predictions for 2021. A year ago, I certainly would not have guessed that events and travel would come to a halt in March or that phrases like “mask up” or “social distancing” would be part of our daily conversations. As much as the past year has shown us that being flexible and adaptable is just as valuable as having thorough predictions and plans, I still believe there is merit to taking a moment to reflect on some of the trends we’ve seen this past year and consider how they may impact us moving forward.

The Animal Ag Alliance has remained focused on monitoring animal rights activism this year, and activist groups have not skipped a beat in their efforts to damage the reputation of animal agriculture. Some organizations believe the COVID-19 pandemic is the “tipping point” they need for their messages to go mainstream, and that concept combined with activists trying to take advantage of a new incoming administration means that 2021 could be an even more intense year for activism.

I think we should all be preparing for a few continued trends:

• Activist messaging involving public health and animal agriculture. Activist groups have long claimed that animal agriculture is a threat to public health and the COVID-19 pandemic has added fuel to that fire (despite there not really being any merit to attempting to tie the current outbreak to food production). Unfortunately, this narrative seems to be gaining steam with calls to “reform the food system” to prevent future pandemics. I think we are going to see more and more references to farms as “breeding grounds” for future disease outbreaks and should be focused on debunking that narrative.

• Renewed focus on sustainability. Conversations about the environmental impact of animal agriculture took a backseat for much of 2020, but in the past few months that discussion is heating back up. Restaurant chains like Panera and Chipotle have announced new labeling programs to communicate the environmental footprint of their menu options and we’re starting to hear more about the UN Food Systems Summit coming up in 2021 with an action track focused on “shifting to sustainable consumption patterns.” The animal agriculture community will need to make sure we’re continuing to communicate about our sustainability efforts as we settle into the “new normal.”

• Large-scale protests and demonstrations, including at private homes. Activist groups seem to be upping the ante in terms of protests this year, likely believing that they need to be more and more extreme to get attention. We’ve seen continued protests (despite restrictions on gatherings) everywhere from farms and plants to public health offices, with some involving trespassing and interfering with daily operations. Animal rights activist organizations have also held several protests at the private homes of animal agriculture company and organization leaders, which is a troubling new trend. These continued incidents illustrate that we cannot let farm security slip down our priority list in 2021.

Despite whatever challenges 2021 may bring, know that the Alliance team is here and has your back. Happy New Year!

Read more from Hannah Thompson-Weeman:

Things Animal Rights Activists Say: 2020 Edition

Activists Set Sights on 4-H and FFA Despite Fewer Fairs

Communication Strategy is Critical Part of Crisis Planning