|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Pork producer favors McCain’s views |
|
|
|
Our country is getting ready to make some huge decisions on Nov. 4. From the president to the congressmen to the governor and all the way to the local positions, there are strongly contested races that are being run.
As a livestock producer here in Indiana, it seems to me that there are at least three key issues that I will consider when I make my presidential choice.
I believe voters need to look at the presidential candidate platforms with regards to confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs) and livestock production. Since most people don’t want to raise pigs, milk cows or gather eggs in their own backyard, CAFO’s are necessary to carefully and professionally supply meat, milk and eggs.
The McCain platform recognizes the need for safe, homegrown food production and encourages international trade to help the economy. The Obama platform has stated that CAFO’s are out of control and need strict suffocating regulation. Livestock production already has a zero discharge policy. We don’t need a platform that is disconnected to us and has a bad attitude about us.
Another issue for me is who the people are that surround a candidate. Sen. McCain has called on experienced agriculture policy people like Jim Moseley from central Indiana to help craft the strategies for the future. It has been reported that Sen. Obama gets some of his agriculture advise from groups like the U.S. Humane Society and Farm Sanctuary.
I know many people long for the days when farming was like Grandma and Grandpa’s place, but today farming is large and professional, and the policy makers must be ready to deal with the reality of growing food to feed 300 million people.
The last thing I am examining is who will see our livestock industry as an asset for America and not a liability.
We read about the faulty food safety record of China and other countries. American food safety is the best in the world - bar none.
We cannot rely on other countries for our food the way we have come to rely on others for our oil. Perhaps we can eventually give up driving our cars, but we won’t survive very long giving up our food.
I believe Sen. McCain understands that. He has not threatened our food suppliers with more regulations the way the Obama policy has.
I believe all these issues must be considered by livestock producers before they vote. Regardless of the outcome, every meal will depend on the winner’s attitude and decisions towards America’s farmers.
Malcolm Dekryger
Jasper County, Ind. pork producer |
| 10/29/2008 |
|
|
|
|
