We have all watched HSUS and other groups opposed to modern animal agriculture production push for tighter regulations in states where agriculutre may not be a main industry. They have had success in most of the states with the passage of Prop 2 in California this past election being the most devastating to date in terms of what it will do to the layer industry in California as well as the hog and veal industries. We have all wondered when they would try to hit a midwest state.
I can’t say if Indiana is going to be their next state, but in the last few months, HSUS has opened an office in Bloomington, Indiana, home of Indiana University, one of the non-ag universities in Indiana. I just heard yesterday that HSUS has a lobbying day planned at our state house on February 10th. They are claiming that their agenda will be in regards to dogs and cats, but I would be willing to bet that livestock will be somewhere on the agenda.
I don’t know what the future holds for Indiana or for other states, but it just reminds me that we must all continue to work together to take a hands on, personal approach to educating our legislators and neighbors. Our future may be in their hands.