Recently, I participated in an online video discussion with an Animal Welfare class from an eastern U.S. university. The purpose of the class was to give class attendees a farmer’s perspective on pig issues related to animal welfare. There were two of us, myself and another farmer from Indiana. We were given a few questions ahead of time, but we also answered questions directly from the class about pig farming. By the end of the class period, it was apparent there was a definite flavor of animal rights views within the classroom. Later, as I pondered about the class discussion, I thought very hard about the animal right’s perspective and agenda. I really wanted to “see” animal welfare issues through their eyes.
I struggled.
I think what is most frustrating for farmers is how do we communicate our experiences so others also feel and see the same experiences.
Whether we admit it or not, research tells us as people want to hear negative news stories. Think about it. What types of stories are covered in the news, both traditional TV news and Internet news? Our human nature wants to click on these stories, read the gory or appalling details about these “terrible” stories. Some days you wonder what is becoming of our world. I have to admit, it can be really, really annoying at times. And because bad news stories help media ratings, many positive voices and stories are not heard. Well, I want to change that and share with you a pig story untold.