States rolling back legislation on cage-free eggs
Egg prices have soared recently, leaving many consumers wondering why. While avian influenza plays a role, animal housing mandates—like California’s Proposition 12—are also driving up costs.
A lesson in what happens when ballot initiatives restrict consumer choice
When I visit the grocery store, I am awed by the choices available to shoppers – from fresh to frozen produce, canned or processed goods catered toward unique dietary preferences (e.g., low sodium, sugar-free) to various cuts of meat or dairy foods from animals raised in various farm settings. Choice is a wonderful thing, but what happens when that choice is removed by state or local laws?
Animal Welfare or Animal Rights? What’s the difference?
Have you ever wondered about how your food gets to your plate? Have you noticed the labels on meat packages or egg cartons stating, “raised humanely” or “cage-free”? You may have even seen measures on your ballot about how animals in your state should be raised for food. Whether you know it or not, we are all involved in animal welfare, but there may be some confusion about what that term means.
Sheep Production in the United States
How often do you see sheep in your everyday life? Whether you are on a long road trip or commuting to work, you may be familiar with passing cattle and horses when driving through rural America. When was the last time you remember passing a flock of sheep, though? Find out more about sheep production in the United States!
How are rodeo animals treated?
Rodeo is important to the preservation of western heritage in the United States and has over 40 million dedicated fans that attend events in person and watch on television. If you’ve ever seen or been to a rodeo, you might be wondering, “How are rodeo animals treated?” Let’s find out!
Great Egg-Spectations for American Egg Farmers
Despite what animal rights activists may tell you, today’s standard of animal health and welfare for egg farmers isn’t just good, it’s egg-cellent! Let’s “crack open” the advantages between the three hen housing types used by a majority of the egg community today: conventional caged housing, enriched colony housing, and “cage-free” aviary housing.
How Animal Agriculture is Working to Protect Public Health
It’s a common tactic for animal rights extremists to attempt to take advantage of unfortunate situations faced by the animal agriculture community. This includes the devastating spread of avian influenza among poultry flocks right now. Extremist groups are adamantly working to twist the narrative by spreading misinformation that this is a public health concern. Per usual, there’s a lot more to the story than these groups would like you to believe.
The (Not So Dirty) Truth Behind Pig Housing
Modern pig housing is carefully designed to keep animal health and welfare in mind. With so many customized options, how do farmers choose the best fit for their operation?
WHY I’M THANKFUL FOR AGRICULTURE
As Thanksgiving is just around the corner, I have been reflecting on what I am thankful for. I am thankful for agriculture.
Do Cows Really Have Four Stomachs?
Cows and other ruminants have one stomach with four compartments: the rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum.