Even if you’re totally on board with the importance of sustainability, it can be daunting to consider what role you can play to move the needle in such a big conversation.
Although activism and activist activity certainly pose a reputational concern, biosecurity is one of the key drivers behind the importance of implementing farm security measures.
While some animal rights activist organizations rely on tactics like undercover video campaigns where individuals misrepresent themselves to get hired on farms or plants, others are much more brazen in their approach.
Animal rights extremist organizations are known for attempting to take advantage of unfortunate situations. That means farmers need to think about potential activism while coming up with crisis plans.
“Every morsel of meat we eat is slapping the tear-stained face of a hungry child.” Hannah Thompson-Weeman shares remarkable quotes from 2021 activist conferences to demonstrate what animal ag is up against.
The U.S. agriculture community tends to be proud of our role in providing families around the world with safe, affordable and nutritious food. And we have reason to be. However, not everyone shares that same sentiment.
With so much conversation around sustainable nutrition and some voices calling for everyone to ditch meat to save the planet, we all need to get more comfortable communicating about nutrition.
While in-person events have a long list of benefits, there is one downside – they allow animal rights activist organizations to attempt to gain attention for their cause by holding “disruptions” and protests.
Attempting to use the legislative process to make things more difficult for animal agriculture is far from a new tactic for animal rights activist organizations, but things seem to be heating up in this area.
While the pandemic is still a reality, the arrival of the vaccine has allowed other conversations to reignite. One of the most prominent animal ag-related conversations we foresee for this year is sustainability.
As much as 2020 has shown us being flexible is just as valuable as having plans, I still believe there is merit to taking a moment to reflect on some of the trends we’ve seen and how they may impact us moving forward.
Animal agriculture was once again a major focus for animal rights activists at the 2020 Taking Action for Animals Conference. Hannah Thompson-Weeman reports on key thoughts shared at the virtual event.
“A movement like ours is the beginning of the end of animal agriculture,” said Miyoko Schinner of Miyokos Vegan Creamery at a conference this summer. Hannah Thompson-Weeman shares what animal ag is up against.
Many animal activists have taken the current circumstances and lack of public events as an opportunity to ramp up their online efforts, including ones targeting 4-H and FFA. Here's how to help mitigate their influence.
When we think of dealing with a crisis, our immediate thoughts are usually operational. While that is absolutely essential to consider, we need to remember to include communications in our crisis planning.
While not surprising, it is infuriating to see various animal rights activist organizations attempt to take advantage of public fears surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic for their own gain, says Hannah Thompson-Weeman.
This spring has brought many unexpected challenges as the world reacts to the spread of COVID-19. In addition, animal agriculture also has to prepare for an additional challenge: a rise in online animal rights activism.
Every time a celebrity or brand comes out with an announcement we don’t agree with, it can send us running for our keyboards to type out a rant. Is this helping build bridges or making the walls even taller?
Activist groups have resolved to spread more and more misinformation about meat’s role in a healthy, balanced diet, which may lead to some fitness enthusiasts wondering if going vegan is the way to reach their goals.
It’s important for all of us in animal agriculture and meat production to make sure we are not adding to the hype of these plant-based products by disparaging them as a food choice, says Hannah Thompson-Weeman.
Sometimes you need to hear it direct from the source, says Hannah Thompson-Weeman of the Animal Agriculture Alliance. Here's a list of outlandish and startling statements from the 2019 Animal Rights National Conference.
Review your hiring process and make sure you are being very selective about who is able to come onto your farm and handle your livestock, says Animal Agriculture Alliance's Hannah Thompson-Weeman.
Any company involved in the production, processing and retailing of milk, meat and eggs has one thing in common – the potential to be targeted by extreme animal rights organizations.
County and state fairs will be in full swing very soon, giving 4-H and FFA members the opportunity to show off another year of hard work. In addition to catching up with friends and competing in the show ring, fairs allow us to connect and engage with the general public.
“Sustainability” is more than just a buzzword to farmers and ranchers. The term has many different definitions, but to the animal agriculture community, it means respecting the land and conserving resources so we can pass profitable farms on to the next generation.
