Stop the fallout

By Trent Loos

As the fallout continues from the largest U.S. Department of Agriculture beef recall in history, I find it interesting to read and contemplate the future of meat consumption in this country based on the comments our urban neighbors have posted on media websites after reading the news of the recall. Sadly, our competition, those with an anti-meat agenda, have done a very good job of positioning the story and using it to garner support for their fund-raising campaigns and legislative initiatives.

While there is no excuse for the reprehensible actions of the packing plant employees that were caught on the video released by the Humane Society of the United States, there are many who are using it to their benefit.

First, of course, there is the issue of "caring about animals," yet waiting to release the video until it would have the greatest effect on ballot initiatives in California. If seeking the better treatment of animals were actually the mission of the HSUS in its videotaping endeavor, why did the group hang on to the tape so long before going to the proper authorities? Simple--because the humane care of animals is not its mission, it is the vehicle for fundraising. The group's real mission is, by its own admission, the complete abolition of animal agriculture.

The issue of the media and their continued sensationalism is the second point of contention. How or why is a case of animal abuse, such as this one, directly related to contamination of the meat supply for school children? It isn't. This case is about animal abuse, period.

Finally, if you've never been online to read one of these stories and, more importantly, the blogged comments made in response to the article, I urge you to do so. You will be shocked, enraged and speechless at the stupidity that is perpetuated in large volumes by the people in our own country.

Here are just a few of the comments on the beef recall article that appeared in the Chicago Tribune from our city cousins who have deemed themselves experts in the production of beef:

"Kamikani" from Hawaii writes, "After viewing snippets of the undercover video, I have committed myself to being a vegan. I cannot comprehend eating an animal that had to suffer such cruel and horrific treatment so that I can eat a burger. No freaking way! Boca burgers are not bad! I think we should give those two guys the same treatment. I hope they get jail time!"

"Julie" from Chicago, had a lot of comments to post including this one, "Another reason to go vegetarian. This is sick, but I have long known this is the norm and not an exception in the meat industry. Anyone that thinks otherwise is denying it and justifying the fact that they eat meat."

"Edd" agrees by posting this sentiment about our industry, "NEWSFLASH: The USDA is POWERLESS to do anything to the beef industry! They cannot enforce a recall--meatpacking companies are not required to do this, nor are they required to test their beef products. The cattle industry regulates itself, no thanks to the Bush Administration."

So while we are sitting here getting hot under the collar because these idiots are maligning our industry, who is telling our side of the story? Fortunately, there are a couple of bloggers who may be actual food producers who have commented and proudly, there are excellent postings from three of our National Beef Ambassadors, who aren't afraid to include their names. Check this out:

Jennifer Rassler of State College, Pa., posted, "As a dairy farmer, I am shocked and appalled by the treatment of the cattle in this plant. We devote our lives to the care of these animals, ensuring that they are comfortable and well provided for throughout their lives. We expect the same level of care to continue after they leave our farms. In the same way, we take every precaution to ensure the safety of the beef we produce. Safety measures in place on our farms and throughout the production system go very far to ensure that the beef you buy as a consumer is safe and wholesome."

Amanda Rankin writes, "As a fifth generation cattle rancher, I am appalled by the treatment of cattle at Hallmark/Westland. The cattle industry has worked hard to develop safety standards to provide consumers with the safest product possible and to treat our cattle humanely. Hallmark definitely was not following these standards and should be disgraced by their actions. It is frustrating that one person can side step the system and devastate consumer's confidence in beef. My family takes excellent care of our cattle at our ranch and we expect the packers to do the same. American cattle ranchers will continue to work hard to provide you with safe and wholesome beef. I will be enjoying beef for lunch today and I hope you do too!"

Finally, Caitlin Williams of Arizona posted one more letter of support for the industry she is passionate about, "As a beef producer myself, I have to say that I am shocked and appalled by the treatment that these animals received. Living on a ranch where cattle are born, raised and fed, I know that every waking hour of every day that we spend is devoted to these animals to ensure the best care possible. They are not only our life but our livelihood and we take pride in ensuring their care is nothing but the best and I know I speak for all of our fellow cattle producers when I say this. Furthermore, with the personal experience of working in several USDA inspected processing facilities, I also know and can attest to the fact that these practices found in this video are not moral, correct or a standard of practice within meat plants. Again, we ensure that the care of our animals is the same from the pasture to the plate throughout the process and that is nothing but the best for the animals. I am outraged to think that the proper care of our animals was not taken when they arrived at this facility. It is our expectation that our cattle continue to receive the highest quality care and attention when they leave our farms and ranches, simply because we care about the welfare of the animals and consumers who will benefit from the safe beef we produce."

So where are your letters of support for the industry you believe in? Of the 269 posts to this article so far, there are less than 20 that are supportive of the beef industry. And not only that, the negative posts are blaming beef producers and not just the two packing plant employees responsible for this abuse in their effort to jump on the HSUS bandwagon and get us all converted to their vegan way of life. Get busy. Sharpen those typing skills. Back your statements with both conviction and facts and get out there and tell our story!

Kudos to the National Beef Ambassador program, its leadership, its supporters and the awesome set of young people that are a part of it. Keep up the good work!

Editor's note: Trent Loos is a sixth generation United States farmer, host of the daily radio show, Loos Tales, and founder of Faces of Agriculture, a non-profit organization putting the human element back into the production of food. Get more information at www.FacesOfAg.com, or e-mail Trent at trent@loostales.com.

2/25/08
1 Star WK\7-B

Date: 2/21/08

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