One of the weapons used when attacking the beef industry is the term “factory farming,” used to paint a picture of animal suffering, excessive antibiotic and hormone use, food safety concerns and environmental damage.

August 23, 2010

1 Min Read
Checkoff Aims To Help Producers Safeguard Their Industry

One of the weapons used when attacking the beef industry is the term “factory farming." It is used to paint a picture of animal suffering, excessive antibiotic and hormone use, food-safety concerns and environmental damage. A July 2010 consumer tracking study, funded by the beef checkoff, found that the percentage of consumers who are familiar with the term “factory farming” increased from 49% to 64% in the last two years, though the number of consumers who associate cattle with factory farming has remained fairly stable since 2008.

The study also found that more than half of consumers believe the beef they buy at the supermarket is from animals raised in factory farms. Of concern, more than half of these consumers worry about the safety of the beef they buy.

“It's a frightening fact how disconnected consumers have become from the everyday workings of our farms and ranches,” says Daryl Berlier Owen, chairman of the checkoff’s Public Opinion and Issues Management group, and cow-calf/feeder from Amarillo, TX. “This report may help us learn how to present our story in a way that improves consumers' perceptions of modern beef production. Consumers need to know about the conscientious animal care and the focus on safety, to which our industry is dedicated.”

To read the entire article, link here.

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