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?
Everybody’s grocery store experience is different. As we tend to stroll the aisles and grab our go-to staples, questions often begin to appear. How did my turkey burgers, ground beef, and other animal proteins get to these very shelves? What is the process from farm to table?
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
Antibiotics have become a hot-button topic in both the agriculture industry and medical field. Antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria continue to cause problems for both humans and animals, and many people are understandably concerned about antibiotic usage in farm animals.
Worker health and safety is a critical aspect of protecting our national food security and keeping grocery store shelves stocked with our favorite food items.
I never expected to judge on a senior college team, much less meat judging. I knew what it was but I had never thought about doing it.
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