The editor:
I would like to write in regards to the article that was published in the Morehead news titled, "Don't Support Factory Farm Raised Animals." In fact, it is a great time to say "YES" to pork. The origin of H1N1 IS NOT from a farm of any kind. In fact, there has been no scientific evidence that supports exactly what the origins are of H1N1. I think everyone would like to take a look at the "science" that traces H1N1 to an outbreak in 1998. That would be quite interesting since as of 5/8/2009 at 8:46 p.m. CST, the World Health Organization is cited as saying that H1N1 is a new virus that we have never seen before. Now how could we trace the virus back to an outbreak in 1998 if it has never been seen before?
Unfortunately, anti-agriculture/livestock organizations such as HSUS are preying on the fears of the world at a time when we should all be assisting to help one another with this pandemic. They are attempting to use the misnaming of the H1N1 virus to promote the destruction of the livestock industry. I have actually had the opportunity to visit with Dr. Michael Greger who has told me "he believes that we should raise our meat in petri dishes."
On another note, today's modern swine facilities and the occupants (swine) are probably the some of the most well cared for in this country. When it is 105 degrees outside, do you prefer to be in a climate controlled environment? Interestingly enough, so do swine!! Swine are unable to sweat to be able to adjust their body temperature. Therefore, buildings that have automatic coolers that also have a floor to keep the mud/manure away are very welcomed by the hog. Not to mention the fact, that the inside of these buildings are cleaner than any outdoor raised animal has ever seen. Animals, unlike humans, do not tend to use a designated restroom. Wherever they are at that time, is where they let it loose. The modern confinement facilities allow for the feces to drop through the floor and to be FLUSHED in a timely fashion.
Something else that many do not realize is that while people think that they are attacking large corporations with their "anti-factory farm agenda", that they are really attacking the American Family Farmer. FAMILIES are the owners of many of the facilities and in many cases the animals that are inside the buildings. It is FAMILIES who make the investment in land, facilities, equipment, labor, etc. that aid in their operation not to mention numerous other costs. Unfortunately, many of them are having to spend what little money they are making or loosing to fight for their way of life from anti-agricultural agendas and reports such as the one that you recently published.
Thank you for your time, and remember as people continue to attack agriculture they are also attacking the abundant safe food supply that we currently have access to.
Clint Prange
Via email
