Posted: 12.14.2010
The Wisconsin Pork Association is just one of the states livestock groups urging farmers of all types to scrutinize exactly who they allow on their farms.
In an interview with Pam Jahnke, Plain pork producer, Mike Wehler, says they were notified by livestock groups outside of the state about "posers". Wehler says the story was that people claiming to be veterinary consultants were offering their services to farmers under the auspices of trying to help them with on-farm audits and animal handling. In reality, Wehler says, many of these posers have connections and alliances with animal rights groups like HSUS (Humane Society of the United States).
"Pam, we've just alerted our members to be aware of any increased contacts from consultants that they don't know anything about. We're concerned that because animal rights groups now have a lobbying office in Wisconsin - they're here for a reason - and we just want to be sure our members know about increased activity on behalf of these PETA-like groups."
Wehler said the undercurrent of animal rights activity in Wisconsin has been escalating since this past summer. Wehler said that animal rights groups held private meetings with several Wisconsin farm organizations and livestock groups to basically announce their agenda.
Wehler also encouraged livestock owners to spread the message not just with other growers - but especially employees. He said sometimes when the primary operator's not around - these posers will approach employees for access. Wehler says that's how many of the animal rights groups capture covert video on farming operations that they distribute via YouTube and other media means.
"What we've seen in other states is that they may actually create situations and film them using a hidden camera. There are so many practices on the farm that consumers aren't aware of - that can be misconstrued with these under-cover portrayals."
Wehler said that the "Farmers Feed Us" effort in Wisconsin was one example of farmers uniting to get the correct information out to consumers. In November, two consumers were awarded a years worth of free groceries because they tapped into that sites information. Wehler said they're not done yet. "We're currently working on a phase two of that program, and will be launching it early next year too."
The Wisconsin Pork Association's advising any farmer that's approached by these consultants - or anyone you don't normally do business with, to react the following way:
1) Do not allow them access to your farm until you've verified their credentials.
2) Review and discuss their performance with previous employers.
3) Check all references.
4) See if there are other references to the individual or the company they represent on the internet.
Wehler says so much information is available today on search engines like google. He says that many of these "consultants" may pose as veterinarians - and may actually be certified - but further investigation shows that their web pages - facebook presence - can actually show endorsements of animal rights groups.
All farm organizations and livestock groups are asking any farmer that's been approached by these individuals to contact them immediately.
« back to news articles
