Oink you glad it’s Porktober? Not only is it finally starting to feel like fall with pumpkin spice everything hitting the stores, but it is also Pork Month! Farmers are dedicated to caring for their pigs so we can enjoy bacon next to our eggs every month of the year. Here are a few things to know about pig farming because bacon doesn’t magically appear on our plates (although that would be awesome!).
Currently there is a great need to bridge the communication gap regarding the truth that serves as the backbone of American animal agriculture.
My love of agriculture has helped me cultivate a pride in our food system and an interest in sharing agriculture with the public.
Explaining agricultural practices to someone not involved in agriculture can be challenging at times, but as a rule of thumb it is best to connect with your audience by finding common ground. I had an interesting conversation with my mom recently about misconceptions in agriculture where I did just that – found common ground.
I understand that science can be confusing and at times make you want to pull your hair out, but at the same time it is such an important part of life that everyone should have a basic understanding of scientific concepts.
It’s important for everyone to discover the truth for themselves about farming and other businesses that involve animals.
One of my favorite companies, Google, has a list of ten things they know to be true that drive their business.
What if someone genuinely wanted to ask a farmer, but wasn’t sure how to go about doing so?
Years ago, whenever I saw one of the undercover videos that animals rights groups release, I was sure I was watching torture to farm animals. My heart would beat like I had just finished a marathon and my eyes would sting with fury as I watched the poor animals endure so much pain. How was this kind of cruelty taking place on American farms!? I wanted an answer and I told myself I would eat a salad instead of a burger every chance I got. At least that’s what my naive self thought before I became interested in agriculture and learned the truth.
At my house, every day is Farmer’s Day, but for the rest of the world, that holiday fell on Sunday, October 12, 2014.
HB 3799
Description:
Relating to the advertising and labeling of certain meat food products.
Status: Introduced 3/7/2019
Pending
HB 1081
Relating to a study regarding the prohibition of dairy farming in certain areas of the state
Description:
Would require the Texas Animal Health Commission to conduct a study regarding the current risk level for bovine tuberculosis in certain states determined by the Commission to be infected or at high risk for bovine tuberculosis. By 9/1/2014, the Commission must submit a report of the findings to the Department of Agriculture and others listed.
Status: Effective 6/14/2013
Passed
Pass Date: 6/14/2013
HB 1643
Description:
Would add a concentrated animal feeding operations to the list of facilities that drones are prohibited from flying over.
Status: Effective 9/1/17
Passed
Pass Date: 6/15/2017
HB 1819
Relating to liability for injuring a trespassing sheep or goat
Description:
Would make a person with a fence that is insufficient who kills or wounds a head of cattle, horse, goat or sheep liable to the owner of the animal for damages.
Status: Effective 9/1/2013
Passed
Pass Date: 6/14/2013
HB 334
Relating to the establishment of the Texas Livestock Care Standards Advisory Committee
Description:
Would establish a 16-member Texas Livestock Care Standards Advisory Committee. The committee would be required to research and develop standards governing livestock and poultry care, food safety, local food availability, food affordability, and best farm management practices for animal well-being.
Status: Introduced 11/19/2010; Died in Committee
Failed
SJR 22
Right to hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife amendment
Description:
Would amend Aricle 1, Section 34 of the Texas Constitution to include that people have the right to hunt, fish and harvest wildlife, including the use of traditioal methods, subject to laws and regulations to conserve and manage wildlife and preserve the future of hunting and fishing. Would also state that hunting and fishing are preferred methods of managing and controlling wildlife.
Status: Enrolled 5/20/2015; Died in Chamber
Failed