Rush to Group Sow Housing Makes No Sense
Feedstuffs " December 11, 2006
In this article, Dr. Stan Curtis of the University of Illinois urges caution in adopting group sow housing. Curtis worries that these changes "would not at all be in the sows' best interests." He calls for pork producers to not "verreact to events on the political scene by throwing in the towel on crates and picking up the ill-advised and ill-fated banner for group housing." (More, PDF, 39 kb)

Commission studies effects of animal feeding operations
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association - December 1, 2006
Formed in March 2006, the National Commission on Industrial Farm Animal Production continues its two-year study of how concentrated feeding operations may impact public health, animal health and more. Kay Johnson, Executive Vice President for the Animal Agriculture Alliance, said that the group has some concerns about the commission, especially in its potential for bias. (More)

Approval of Arizona Prop 204 could spell trouble in Midwest
Brownfield Network - November 8, 2006
In this news story, reporter Peter Shinn with Brownfield Network, interviews Tom Miller, Executive Director of the Arizona Pork Council, who identifies the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) as having "an agenda to stop animal agriculture" and an agenda for consumers "to force them-to be a vegan." More importantly, Janeen Salak-Johnson, PhD, at the University of Illinois who specializes in animal welfare issues indicates that there is not enough evidence to make a change to the type of systems currently being used. Dr. Salak-Johnson warns that changing systems without enough supporting information may well compromise animal welfare. (More)

Comparison of sow welfare in the Swedish deep-bedded system and the US crated-sow system
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association - November 1, 2006
In this article, Dr. John McGlone, a professor at Texas Tech University, visited a model farm using the Swedish deep bedded housing system. McGlone found multiple animal welfare deficiencies on the farm, including injuries from fighting, poorly regulated temperature, unnecessary transport and more that were contributors to unnecessary rates of animal deaths on the farm. Though the farm looked like a model of animal welfare, its mortality rates indicated serious shortcomings. (More, PDF, 52 kb)

Give the Facts on Animal Welfare
Drovers Journal - November 2006
People are concerned about farm animals' quality of life. This is shown by donations to animal rights groups with anti-agriculture campaigns increasing 40% between 2004 and 2004. Good animal welfare can be as simple as applying good husbandry practices on a consistent basis. But, a willingness to talk about animal welfare is critical too. The box at the end of this article contains some tips for talking about animal welfare. (More, PDF, 196 kb)

HSUS agenda: A threat to animal agriculture
Feedstuffs Foodlink - October 27, 2006
The controversy surrounding singer Carrie Underwood's performance in late October at the FFA convention in Indianapolis called agriculture's attention to the anti-animal agriculture agenda of the Humane Society of the United States. In this article, Philip Lobo of the Animal Agriculture Alliance highlights a few of HSUS' anti-agriculture activities. (More)

Egg Industry Lets Science Speak
Experts Say Animal Welfare is Management Dependent, Not Systems Dependent
Feedstuffs - October 16, 2006
This article by Rod Smith, reporter for Feedstuffs, points out that a panel of independent experts indicates that animal welfare is management dependent, not systems dependent. Animal welfare is a complex matter involving many variables, said the experts. One expert, Janice Swanson, PhD, at Kansas State University, decries the actions of some activist groups which has made animal welfare a controversial and polarizing issue. Another nationally-known expert warns that without a properly-trained workforce, cage-free systems "would be adverse to the birds." (More, PDF, 883 kb)

Arizona Proposition 204 and the Importance of Communication
Loos Tales KFRM - October 11, 2006
In a show focusing on Arizona's misguided Proposition 204, which would ban gestation crates and veal stalls, on the WTVN radio program Loos Tales, Philip Lobo, Communications Director for the Animal Agriculture Alliance, emphasized the importance of taking proactive measures against those who want to eliminate modern agriculture. Lobo details the difference between the American Humane Association and the Humane Society of the United States. On this program, host Trent Loos plays a recording of HSUS President Wayne Pacelle using the term "Canine Americans" in 2004. Lobo and the group examine the exploitation of people's emotions by animal rights groups. (More, WMA, 6.7 mb)

See Cockfighting at Its Finest
Feedstuffs - October 2, 2006
In this article, Trent Loos decries the attacks on the United Egg Producers animal welfare program. Loos points out that animals in the program are housed in environmentally controlled facilities, have protection from predators, enjoy a healthy balanced diet, are under veterinary care, and are protected from avian influenza. Loos points to an examination conducted by the University of Notre Dame which concluded that neither caged systems nor cage-free systems treat chickens inhumanely. (More, PDF, 154 kb)

A Shift in Climate
PORK magazine - October 2006
In this editorial Marlys Miller, Editor of PORK magazine, examines animal rights activists' efforts to position their movement as more centrist in an effort to make their message more palatable to consumers, corporations and lawmakers. Miller also observes that Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is increasingly emphasizing legislation and lobbying as the means to achieve their goals. This shift could cause increased challenges to animal agriculture. (More, PDF, 52.7 kb)

Food Safety and Bioterror
WTVN - September 24, 2006
In a show titled "Food Safety and Bioterror" on the WTVN radio program Town Hall Ohio, Philip Lobo, Communications Director for the Animal Agriculture Alliance, emphasized the importance of taking proactive measures against those who might perpetrate terrorist acts against agricultural and food targets. Other guests on the show were: Shari Plimpton of the Center for Innovative Food Technology and Paul Panico, Chief of the Division of Food Safety for the Ohio Department of Agriculture. (More, MP3, 8.37 MB)

Animal Agriculture in the Spotlight
Drovers Journal - August 2006
This article examines America's increasing distance from its agricultural roots and the other societal factors that are raising people's concerns about animal welfare. The article identifies idealized visions of agriculture as pitfalls that impede understanding of the food chain. Finally, the article identifies aspects of a positive response. (More, PDF, 262 kb)

Not just PETA, new animal rights groups eye Midwest
Farm World - July 7, 2006
The word GRACE conjures up pleasant images and serenity, but for livestock producers in Indiana, the term could become a dirty word. According to the Animal Agriculture Alliance (AAA) of Arlington, Va., GRACE or Global Resource Action Center for the Environment has been busy trying to ˜educate' citizens in several Indiana counties about how to sue livestock farmers. GRACE originally launched national-level campaigns such as the unsuccessful ˜meatless Monday' effort, but in recent years has started to work at the county and state level to stop individuals. (More)

Consumers in the Market for Meat with a Story
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association - July 1, 2006
Aggressive anti-agriculture campaigns have created conflict within some U.S. consumers, most of whom are generations removed from any agricultural roots and context. As the future of animal agriculture and the public's choice to consume animal protein hang in the balance, the Animal Agriculture Alliance's annual summit provides managers of companies across the food chain with resources to address animal welfare and other issues. (More)

Profile of Animal Agriculture Alliance
Feed Management - May/June 2006
This article from the May/June issue of Feed Management magazine, a leading trade magazine for the North American feed industry, profiles the Animal Agriculture Alliance as a national non-profit representing the entire food chain, standing for and promoting modern agriculture, especially in relation to animal welfare issues. (More, PDF, 169 kb)

Rural Route Program on Terrorism
Alliance Communications Director Philip Lobo discussed the terrorism threats against agriculture with agricultural broadcaster Trent Loos that aired Thursday, August 10 on the KCLY/KFRM radio program Rural Route. Lobo emphasized the importance of taking proactive measures against those who might perpetrate terrorist acts against agricultural and food targets. He praised progress from Federal authorities in investigation and prosecution, but warned of a "martyrdom effect" that might make some elements of terrorist groups more radical despite their increased risk of prosecution and jail time. Lobo also discussed the upcoming October anti-terrorism training course in Ohio and its core principles. (More, WMA, 3.3 mb)

SwineCast for July 25 2006
This interview with Communications Director Philip Lobo details the anti-terrorism training program the Alliance has partnered with the Law Enforcement Academic Research Network, Inc. (LEARN) to produce. This three-day course, to take place September 11-13 in San Diego, will focus on the threats that both international and domestic terrorists, especially animal rights extremists, pose to animal-use industries and their customers from retail outlets to restaurants to food service companies to animal research facilities. (More, WMA, 1.21 mb)

High welfare standards will be demanded
Feedstuffs - June 5, 2006
This article recounts a consulting animal nutritionist's disappointing experience working with the vegetarian Humane Society of the United States. It also shares the reasons that the nutritionist believes animal welfare groups will not help farmers adopt standards. (More, PDF, 6.25 mb)

Welfare tells 'great story'
Feedstuffs - June 5, 2006
This article examines some of Dr. Anna Johnson's work at Iowa State University and her belief that agriculture has a great story to tell about animal welfare. Johnson also believes that animal welfare is becoming increasingly visible and that farmers and ranchers need to develop science-based, audited standards. (More, PDF, 42 kb)

No Ducking the Issue
The American Spectator - May 26, 2006
This piece is the single best article on the foie gras issue written to this point. It clearly presents facts about foie gras. (More)

Support the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act
Feed and Grain Industry Watch - May 24, 2006
The Animal Enterprises Protection Act (AEPA) of 1992 was a step in the right direction, and improved with age. Notably, in 2002 fines and jail time were increased for violations, and penalties were established for damages under $10,000. But times have changed, and our legislation must evolve with those times. (More)

Animal Rights Extremist Convicted of Criminal Trespass
Pork Alert - May 19, 2006
Adam Durand, a professional animal rights activist with the extreme New York animal rights group, Compassionate Consumers, was convicted of three charges of criminal trespassing and sentenced to six months in prison, one year probation, 100 hours of community service and $1,500 in fines. He was acquitted of the felony charge of burglary. (More)

Humane Society Under Investigation for Misuse of Funds
Watt Poultry Global E-News - April 17, 2006
This article from the April 17, Watt Poultry Global E-news covers Louisiana Attorney General Charles Foti's inquiry into allegations involving funds raised for pet/owner reunions by Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). The Attorney General's Office is asking the HSUS for an accounting of all funds HSUS raised for the purpose of pet rescue and reunion with pet owners in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. (More)

Animal Rights Activists Trying New Tactics
Animal Agriculture Alliance (Alliance) Executive Vice President Kay Johnson discussed animal rights activists and their latest tactics including legislative initiatives and ballot initiatives in a live interview on AgriTalk from the Alliance's Fifth Annual Stakeholders Summit. She emphasized the importance of America's farmers and ranchers communicating with their customers, legislators and other food chain stakeholders about their programs to ensure animal welfare. These were some of the key topics addressed at the international meeting that included representatives from every part of food chain. The Fifth Annual Stakeholders Summit was held March 20-22, 2006 in Arlington, Virginia. (More, WMA, 2.37 MB)

Leadership in Animal Welfare and Environment Is Important
Dennis Treacy, Vice President of Public Affairs for Smithfield Foods, the largest pork producer in the world, discussed the company taking a leadership role in animal welfare and environmental management in a live interview on AgriTalk conducted from the Animal Agriculture Alliance's Fifth Annual Stakeholders Summit. Speaking about why animal welfare is important to the company Treacy explained, "The company that grows the best and healthiest animals is the company that is going to succeed."

Treacy also discussed questions on the prudent use of antibiotics in animals. He was a featured speaker at the Animal Agriculture Alliance's Fifth Annual Stakeholders Summit held March 20-22, 2006 in Arlington, Virginia. (More, WMA, 3.32 MB)

Radio Interview On Animal Welfare Threats, Terrorism
In an interview that aired Friday, March 24, Alliance Communications Director Philip Lobo discussed the threats posed to animal welfare posed by potential legal changes. He also focused on animal welfare research, a new model for anticipating and preventing crises from occurring, and agriculture's ongoing need to be concerned about terrorism. All these topics were addressed at the Fifth Annual Stakeholders Summit. (More, MP3, 4.02 MB)

Expect More Oversight of Animal Welfare
The Kiplinger Agriculture Letter - April 13, 2006
The front page of The Kiplinger Agriculture Letter April 13, 2006 edition dedicated itself to issues covered at the Animal Agriculture Alliance's Fifth Annual Stakeholders Summit held March 20-22, 2006 in Arlington, Virginia. Issues covered include oversight on animal welfare from both government and industry despite steady advances in husbandry and factors driving this movement including activists, consumers and international guidelines being developed. (More, PDF, 54 kb)

Brasher: Morality debate coming on farm livestock
Des Moines Register - April 2, 2006
This article from the April 2, Des Moines Register forecasts a morality debate coming to animal agriculture. The position was introduced by Dr. Wes Jamison, Director of the Agricultural Stewardship Center at Dordt College at the Animal Agriculture Alliance's Fifth Annual Stakeholders Summit held March 20-22, 2006 in Arlington, Virginia. (More)

Money Talks
Pork - March 2006
Animal rights groups running anti-agriculture campaigns are getting huge funding increases. Meanwhile, other initiatives with big backers are just getting started. Marlys Miller, Editor of PORK magazine, discusses the state of affairs. (More, PDF, 879 kb)

Primatologist Jane Goodall Urges Humans to Revise Their Diets
Voice of America - December 6, 2005
In her review of Harvest for Hope: A Guide to Mindful Eating, Nancy Beardsley explores Jane Goodall's assertion that food consumed in the Western world negatively affects health, the global environment and animal welfare. Alliance Communications Director Philip Lobo offers a more mainstream perspective. (More, Listen to the Real Audio File)

Anti-Terrorism Course Interview
SwineCast - December 1, 2005
In an interview that aired Thursday, Dec. 1, Alliance Communications Director Philip Lobo discusses a number of industry concerns and the upcoming anti-terrorism course January 9-11, 2006 in San Antonio, Texas. Please note: The first half of the program is about the new farm bill, the second half contains the interview. (More, MP3)

Flu Fuels Humane Society's 'Bird's Eye View' Agenda
Congressional Quarterly - November 14, 2005
As the specter of an avian flu pandemic looms, the Bush administration has a $7.1 billion plan to stockpile the antiviral drug Tamiflu and institute new health exams for international travelers. But the Humane Society of the United States is aggressively lobbying for a host of other measures. Alliance Communications Director Philip Lobo says that HSUS' agenda has gotten ahead of the facts. (More)