I called Wendy's and the representative I spoke with was amazing. Wendy's was very appreciative of our support and said they were glad to hear from farmers. Wendy's was hoping someone would speak out about the positive steps farmers are taking to protect and care for our animals and explain to the public we house our animals indoors for their protection. Please take a moment to thank Wendy's for not caving into HSUS and the misconceptions they create. Remind Wendy's to support the farmers and ranchers who grow the food they sell.

Could you explain this issues in some more detail? I would tend to agree that HSUS's ultimate goal is for everyone to become vegans, but are there no merits to their arguments against battery cages? Some more information would be helpful and much appreciated.

Kei: Modern production methods used by family farmers are being attacked by groups like PETA, HSUS, the Sierra Club and the list goes on and on. Modern technology on livestock farms protect farm animals from the harsh elements of the weather, from predator attacks, and not to mention from being attacked by each other. These modern facilities are climate controlled to ensure our livestock are comfortable all the time. Plus, these modern facilities are environmentally friendly and allow farmers to raise their livestock in a humane environment. The activist groups spread many misconceptions about modern agriculture to destroy the agriculture industry. Farmers feed more people today on fewer acres than ever before in our history. If these groups sway our society and demand agriculture take a step backward, we will be forced to raise fewer farm animals, resulting in less meat on the grocery store shelves. This is one step closer to their goal of having a "meat free" society. What other industry is forced to live in the stone ages and not use modern technology? Does the automobile industry, grocery industry, or manufacturing industry have to live by these standards? Agriculture should not be punished for using the same technology and science that is afforded all other industries in this country .

Thanks for responding! Actually, I was thinking more along the lines of the nuts and bolts here. It seems as though the HSUS is targeting farrowing crates and battery cages right now. On the one side, we have the animal rights lobby. They argue that these methods are inhumane; and while their ultimate goal may be to eliminate all meat, dairy and egg production, that is not the matter at hand right now. On the other side, you have agricultural and business interests that argue the line that you just presented. Both of these stands are more general statements of an ideological position than a consideration of the merits or drawbacks of the confinement systems. So, speaking as a future rancher/farmer, how would you specifically refute HSUS's claims?