Source: Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE, 5/10/16


The Humane Society of the United States announced after establishing 11 state agriculture advisory councils over the past four years, HSUS has formed its own National Agriculture Advisory Council.

According to HSUS, the council is comprised of family farmers and agriculturalists that practice and promote higher animal welfare standards within their operations.

Council members include Kevin Fulton of Nebraska, Chris Petersen of Iowa, Mike Callicrate of Colorado, Pete Eshelman of Indiana, Paul Muegge of Oklahoma, Carrie Balkcom of Colorado, Will Harris of Georgia and Joe Logan of Ohio.

The HSUS stated that it advocates reducing or replacing consumption of animal products, and refining diets by choosing products from sources that adhere to higher animal welfare standards.

Animal Agriculture Alliance
"It is not surprising to see HSUS continue to find ways to mislead consumers, restaurants and retailers and the media about its true intentions — taking milk, meat and eggs off of our plates,” said Animal Agriculture Alliance President and CEO Kay Johnson Smith, in an emailed statement. “HSUS' efforts are nothing more than a front to appear engaged with farmers and ranchers. Anyone considering aligning themselves with HSUS or any other animal rights activist organizations needs to dig deeper than what these groups say in talking points or on their websites — something the Alliance can help you to do.

“While today HSUS may be acting like the ally of the producers on this council, the tides will no doubt turn as the organization moves on to target other production methods — a lesson some brands have learned in trying to appease it.

“We would encourage everyone to support the credible groups that work hard every day to safeguard animal well-being, including Alliance member organizations like the American Humane Association, national commodity groups and many others who have developed guidelines — relying on third-party experts, veterinarians and animal scientists — for producers to follow,” said Smith.

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