HSUS, Missouri farmers to square off at rally

Representatives of the Humane Society of the United States have set their sights on Jefferson City. They will stage a rally Wednesday on the grounds of Missouri’s Capitol to express their displeasure for a new bill passed last week by the state’s legislature. The bill, SB 113, would modify the provisions set forth in the state’s HSUS-backed Proposition B. Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon must sign the bill for it to become law.

Meanwhile, the Missouri Farmers Care organization is urging their supporters to show up for the rally in support of the bill and to encourage Gov. Nixon to sign the Senate Bill 113 into law. The group is a joint effort by “Missouri’s farming and agriculture community to stand together for the men and women who provide the food and jobs on which our community depends,” according to the group’s website. The rally takes place Wednesday, April 20th, at 5:00 PM.

Last week, the Missouri House finalized passage of SB 113, which modifies Proposition B by increasing regulatory enforcements, cracking down on unlicensed breeders and improving standards for animal shelters. SB 113 also removes controversial loopholes within Proposition B that farming experts believed would have opened up Missouri farmers to attacks from animal rights groups.

The Missouri Farmers Care organization explained why it backs SB 113. “The Governor’s proposal, in conjunction with Senate Bill 113, will repair the damage caused by Proposition B,” said Don Nikodim, chairman of Missouri Farmers Care. “We applaud Governor Nixon for working with Missouri farmers and animal welfare experts to develop a Missouri solution on this Missouri issue, without the interference from radical national groups.”

“Governor Nixon sent a strong message that Proposition B was a fatally flawed proposal that had to be fixed,” Nikodim added. “We’re proud Governor Nixon is standing with farmers against radical animal rights groups, like HSUS and PETA, who want to destroy animal agriculture in Missouri and around the nation.”

Missouri’s livestock groups also encourage their members to show up for the rally in support of the bill. “We want as many Missouri pork producers as possible to show up for the rally to show their support for Governor Nixon to sign the bill into law,” says Diane Slater, director of communications, Missouri Pork Association. “We’re hoping for 1,000 people to show up in support of Missouri’s agricultural community.”

To avoid traffic congestion, the Missouri Farmers Care group says that buses will run from the commuter parking lot at the Jefferson City Airport just north of the Missouri River bridge and from the lot of Missouri Farm Bureau starting at 4:00 PM.

 

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Go Pork Producers ! Its time we go to Battle Against HSUS

It is sad that U.S. farmers after 300 years of producing food for this blessed nation have to spent more and more time and money fighting a small percentage of our population with extreme and unorthodox views about livestock production. We live in a fast changing world today with new liabilities and expectations from our fellow citizens. I believe the American Pork Producer has accomplished much the last 10-15 years addressing the concerns of the American consumer. It is important that all of Missouri's farm and ag community stand together against any extreme views. If you don't stand together these groups will divide you and attack you individually. Indiana has now had three annual 'Indiana Livestock, Forage and Grain Forums. These Forums have served to unit all the the various farms and ag related businesses in Indiana. Indiana has many certification programs that tell our fellow Hoosiers we know how to be good stewards and are holding each other accountable. Keep up the good work there in Missouri and continue supporting each other. As we celebrate the most important event in all of History this weekend I pray that you will all except God's awesome plan to redeem us back into His family. Hallelujah! praise be to God!