ANIMAL WELFARE:
A Priority for Farmers, Ranchers and the
American Food Supply
by Randy Krotz
Without question, the videos, images and first-hand accounts of the mistreatment of animals being raised for
food are incredibly painful to watch, and they are extremely infuriating. I’ve worked with animals all my life on
our family farm, and like so many farmers and ranchers, I experience a range of emotions when I see this type of
abuse — anger, sadness and frustration. While these pictures and videos are the rare exception and not the norm,
put simply: the bad actors who do not follow the standards of care set by experts in animal science don’t belong
in agriculture. We have zero-tolerance for this behavior.
As CEO of an alliance representing more than 90 farmer- and rancher-led organizations and agricultural partners,
I can tell you this perspective is shared by farmers and ranchers nationwide.
I work with people who have dedicated their lives to the care and well-being of animals, so nothing is more
upsetting than seeing them mistreated. For farmers and ranchers, taking care of animals being raised for food is
personal because we are responsible for their care 24/7, 365 days a year.
My interactions with farmers, ranchers and consumers reinforce the fact that there is a lot of emotion tied to the
care and well-being of animals being raised for food — as there should be. But, we cannot let our emotions get in
the way of dialogue and understanding.
A real conversation about animal welfare must include consumers, NGOs, food retailers, veterinarians, and
farmers and ranchers. When it comes to how animals are raised for food, we must work together and ask
questions, instead of casting judgment.
We all have distinct points of view on these topics and yet, we have one shared interest — making sure animals
raised for food receive proper care.
Animal welfare is fundamental to the work we do as farmers and ranchers.
It’s an ethical responsibility – for the animal and the safety of our food supply.
Randy Krotz is the fourth generation on his family’s farm and is the CEO of U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance®.
To join the discussion on how food is grown and raised and to learn more about animal welfare, visit
FoodDialogues.com and follow USFRA on Facebook and Twitter (@USFRA #FoodD).
About U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance®
U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance (USFRA®) consists of more than 90 farmer- and rancher-led organizations and
agricultural partners representing virtually all aspects of agriculture working to engage in dialogues with consumers
who have questions about how today’s food is grown and raised. USFRA is committed to continuous improvement and
supporting U.S. farmers’ and ranchers’ efforts to increase confidence and trust in today’s agriculture.
www.fooddialogues.com
www.facebook.com/USFarmersandRanchers
@USFRA with #FoodD
West Virginia Farm Bureau News 23