Wendy's recently announced they will give preferential buying to its pork and chicken suppliers who improve systems for humane animal welfare. Currently, at least 10% of Wendy’s pork products are from hogs not raised in gestation stalls. The goal is to reach 20% by the end of 2008.

It's time farmers advertise the facts and let our consumers know the reasons behind our farming practices. Gestation stalls are provided for the safety and welfare of sows. The gestation stall protects a sow from being injured by "bully" sows. It also keeps sows from being stepped on while resting. Sows housed in stalls do not have to fight for their food or water. There is no concern of whether the bully is preventing other sows from gaining proper nourishment. Farmers are also able to monitor the sows health better in stalls.

Activist groups try to persuade our consumers that our farming techniques are wrong by saying our animals are not cared for properly. These groups are driving agriculture out of the United States, and other countries are opening their doors to our markets. We are playing into their hands by remaining silent. It’s time we start telling our story and educating our consumers. There is a reason behind every farming method, it’s time we let our consumers know WHY we use modern technology on our farms.