By Gary Joiner

Record flooding in Southeast Texas reminded me again of just what great risks farmers and ranchers will take to care for their livestock. Tragically, a Central Texas rancher recently lost his life trying to save his cattle from a rising creek that engulfed his property. The accounts of personal sacrifice and commitment are remarkable. But I’m not surprised.

Animal care is a priority for farmers, ranchers and the American food supply. It’s personal for farmers and ranchers. They care for their animals 24/7, 365 days a year.

Still, a national conversation about animal care in agriculture continues.

By Dr. Ron Gill
Professor and Extension Livestock Specialist
Texas A&M University

Walmart recently released its expectations on animal welfare for its suppliers. They are adopting the “Five Freedoms,” which has been around for many years. On the surface, this may sound crazy since most of us do not think animals have rights or “freedoms.”

Before you form an opinion, try to understand what the Five Freedoms are and what is really expected from that approach to managing animal welfare.

By Lee Brown

In the era of technology, it seems we’ve forgotten how to talk to each other and ask questions before making judgments. It’s becoming routine to see an article about today’s food supply with endless comments from folks who never took the time to ask a farmer about their food.

As a first generation rancher in Southeast Texas, I’ve faced numerous obstacles to raise my small commercial cattle herd. But no matter how difficult it may get, this business is something I have a passion for and it helps provide for my growing family.

By Justin Dauer

I’m often puzzled by the notion that livestock are abused in pursuit of the almighty dollar.

I know some of that sentiment is generated by images seen on television or the internet of animal mistreatment. Just to set the record straight, I think anyone who abuses livestock should be out of the business. I do not condone abuse of any animal for any reason. Neither do the other farmers and ranchers I know.

But I can tell you about the welfare of my livestock.

By Mike Barnett

Get your back up. Mix it up and fight those who use agriculture as a whipping boy.

That was the battle plan advocated by American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman in 2010 during his annual address to the membership in Seattle. I dubbed him the Mad Prophet of Agriculture back then.

President Stallman has mellowed a bit. And so has the tune sung by the organization and others in battling the myths and lies perpetrated about what we do.