I am so excited to see the agricultural community rallying behind standalone - but standing tall – Domino’s Pizza as it told the entire world it will not bend to the Humane Society of the United States’ (HSUS) extremist requests, as it tries to convince businesses not to support pork producers who use gestation stalls for sows or eggs from egg producers who use cages for their hens.

I wrote about this a couple of weeks ago when this news came out, and I urged you to let Domino’s know you appreciate their stance. I wasn’t the only one who wrote about it; apparently there was a firestorm across the ag nation, and social media outlets blew up last week in support of Domino’s pizza.

By the time you are reading this, agriculture will have rallied behind Dominos with the Ag Pizza Party. The idea was to ask everyone to participate in having Domino’s Pizza this past weekend, May 19-20. That was a pretty easy request for me; I could have pizza every day of the week.

So many times we are asked to boycott for a cause or to take up a figurative weapon against the enemy, but this time we were asked to affirm those who were doing right and standing firm … and I have to wonder which approach is the most beneficial.

Unfortunately, while we supported Domino’s in supporting us, another restaurant has bowed to the requests of HSUS. The Denny’s chain has announced it will work with its pork suppliers to eliminate the use of gestation stalls.

A Denny’s official, who is quoted in a news release issued by HSUS, says Denny’s will endeavor to purchase products from companies that provide gestation crate-free pork. Music to the ears of HSUS, as they grin and turn in search of more prey.

They remind me of a prowling lion looking for someone to devour. That “someone” is the livestock industry.

HSUS found resistance in some states when they wanted to “work with us” on animal welfare issues, so what do they do at the first sign of “ag solidarity?” They huddle up and come up with another play to run. And they have the money and resources to wield a mighty big sword.

According to HSUS, Denny’s has been working closely with HSUS for five years and it thinks it is being a responsible corporate citizen by adopting this strong position on animal welfare. Now I’m wondering how many of those in charge at Denny’s have majored in swine production, have owned or successfully managed a swine operation or have even watched a sow farrow. Or do they even know what the term “farrow” means?

It’s kind of like the poster I saw on Facebook last week where the quote was: “So you don’t actually own any livestock? Please tell me how to treat them humanely.”

The ag nation needs to resist this and stand firm in what we know is right and true – the freedom to raise livestock in a way that is best for the animals and the industry. How many times do we have to go over the fact that when you are in the livestock producing business to make a living, you are in the business of animal husbandry – which means you are going to take care of your animals?

I think I’m blue in the face now. And I know I’m preaching to the choir, but the choir needs to continue to be diligent in speaking up at every opportunity, and dare I say that same old tired command: Tell your story.

Honestly, if you don’t speak up, the false information will perpetuate and you will find yourself swirling the drain. Don’t be a victim; be a conqueror.

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of Farm World. Readers with questions or comments for Melissa Hart may write to her in care of this publication.