Written by Mike Deering, Executive Vice President, Missouri Cattlemen’s Association and submitted by the Bates County Cattlemen’s Association.
By using dramatic scare tactics, HSUS and its paid snakes are causing people to question who really benefits from Amendment 1. Let’s debunk their arguments found on their new website which is www.noteNOon1.com. Don’t get me wrong, I do not want to increase their site traffic, but I really do believe I is important to know what your enemies are saying.
Myth #1: China’s Right to Farm
“Amendment 1 hands over Missouri’s control of our farm land to major foreign corporations. Food safety, the environment animal welfare, and local control are pushed aside so foreign companies get their way.”
This one is so far out there, it is hard to even address, which I am sure is by design. The Farming Rights Amendment has nothing at all to do with foreign ownership. Laws are already in place that address foreign ownership. Amendment 1 simply guarantees us the right to farm and ranch in this state. If someone from China owns land in Missouri legally, then this Amendment would protect their rights as already defined by law. Amendment 1 does not open Missouri up to foreign entities whatsoever. This amendment does not change any laws and does not strip away local control. Amendment 1 will not invalidate county ordinances because counties derive their authority from the state constitution and established state laws.
Myth #2: Factory Farms
“Amendment 1 does not protect Missouri’s traditional farms. It will strip Missourians of their rights and weaken laws against puppy mills and factory farms.”
I’ve been to farms or ranches in 43 of the 50 states and in 17 different countries and I have yet to see a factory farm. This terminology is used to confuse and manipulate those who are removed from production agriculture. This term is also used to inappropriately describe concentrated animal feeding operations (AFOS). The Farming Rights Amendment protects all farmers and ranchers. It protects the ranchers with 10 cows, it protects the feedlot owner with 1,000 head and everything in-between. It protects all farmers and ranchers.
Myth #3: Big Corporations like Monsanto
“Monsanto will win with a yes on Amendment 1, while small farmers are held hostage by big money corporations.”
When I read this one, I instantly thought of the old sitcom Diff’rent Strokes when Arnold said, “What’chu talkin’ ‘bout, Willis.” This argument is catchy and will sell with some people. However, anyone with any clue of basic mathematics should be able to see through it. Monsanto is a multibillion dollar business. Companies like Monsanto have the resources at their disposal to challenge anyone who tries to infringe on their rights to operate. Family farmers and ranchers of any size do not have those resources. Monsanto will benefit from this amendment, primarily because it will help keep their customers (family farmers) in business.
In the big picture, the Farm Rights Amendment really does four things:
1. Save Missouri jobs and defend the hardworking farm families that drive our state economy.
2. Protect Missouri’s family farms from out-of-state animal-rights groups that have targeted Missouri agriculture in the past.
3. Protect family farmers as they do not have the resources to mount legal challenges or relocate their farms like corporations can.
4. Protect consumer choice at the grocery store and helps to keep food affordable by keeping farmers and ranchers of all kinds (organic, traditional, grass-fed, grain-fed) and sizes in business.
On August 5, 2014, when you walk in the ballot box, the question you will see on the ballot is quite simple. It asks, “Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to ensure that the right of Missouri citizens to engage in agricultural production and ranching practices shall not be infringed?”
That’s a question, I can answer without hesitation. I vote yes to protect the stabilizing force of the Missouri’s economy. I vote yes to preserve a way of life that is in my blood so deep I get goose bumps just thinking about it. I vote yes to give the next generation of farmers and ranchers a fighting chance. Together, we will cast a yes vote for Amendment 1. Now, it is on all of us to get our friends, neighbors and strangers to stand with us.
Thursday, July 17, 2014
Vote YES on Amendment 1
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