On this week’s AnimalAgCast, Jamie Johansen talked with Brian Klippenstein, Executive Director of Protect the Harvest, during NAFB’s Trade Talk about a controversial animal rights proposal that passed in Massachusetts, Oklahoma’s defeated Right to Farm legislation and how the animal agriculture community will fair with new Administration.

The proposal, which was spearheaded by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), prohibits certain types of confinement for laying hens, veal calves, and pigs, as well as the interstate commerce of products from those animals that have been confined in small cages. Advocacy groups like Protect the Harvest believe this proposal is unconstitutional and intend to fight the decision legally.

“What they’re trying to do is regulate heartland agriculture from the urban coasts, and it’s working. HSUS has a mission to mandate a vegan diet, they want to control what we eat, and the impacts affect consumers almost more than producers because of the way these laws drive prices up.”

Brian said that as long as we don’t end up in a big “trade tiff,” we will be in good shape with the new leadership in Washington. “The appointments he makes will matter. Some of the executive orders he will roll back will matter. His tax policies will be important. But ultimately we are excited about the idea the administration won’t be populated with people who think we are simply members of the regulated community.”

Learn more in this week’s AnimalAgCast:
AnimalAgCast with Brian Klippenstein, Protect the Harvest

View and download photos from the event here: NAFB Convention Photo Album