As I research and explore this so-called "war" that animal rights activists have declared against animal agriculture, I ran across an interesting article in the California Farmer titled,
"Even Animal Activists Should Be Thanking Farmers," written by Josh Flint. When people thank farmers and ranchers for the work they do, Flint examines the true meaning behind this sentiment, even declaring that HSUS CEO Wayne Pacelle should send his appreciation to farmers and ranchers. This is a different twist on the debate, and I think it's one worth sharing. Check it out.
I would like to say thank you for my free time and the ability to explore a career in journalism. Too often folks get hung up on the hum ho "thank you for my food" message without realizing what that means. In Noel Kingsbury's new book Hybrid: The History of Science and Plant Breeding, the farmer's contribution is spelled out in a concise manner. According to the book, it takes 20 square kilometers (4,942 acres) to support one hunter/gatherer. If the same land area were farmed, it would support 6,000 people.
This means the farmer's contribution to society has allowed us the time to pursue other career options. Yes, even you, Wayne Pacelle. As the CEO of the Humane Society of the United States, Pacelle spends his days trying to abolish animal agriculture. Even as he spends his time in this manner, he should be thanking farmers that he's able to do so. If he had to find his own berries and leaves, not much time would be left for working against the so-called "factory farms."
To read the entire article, link here. To enter the Cowboy Christmas Photography Contest, link here.
BEEF Daily Quick Fact: More than 30% of farm operators are women. (Source: 2007 Ag Census)
