Voice of Experience
Earlier this month HSUS CEO Wayne Pacelle announced he was running for a seat on the board of directors of Tyson Foods. Tyson Foods is one of the last major food companies to holdout to HSUS pressure in its animal rights campaign to stop the use of gestation crates for sows. Tyson competitors Hormel and Smithfield Foods have already caved to HSUS pressure. Pacelle says he will be a “fresh voice” on the Tyson board and his input will be good for the company. Representatives for Tyson Foods said they were handling the nomination according to the law and the company’s by-laws, and that Tyson is “committed to humane animal treatment and expects the same from the family farmers who supply them with hogs, chickens, and cattle”. Perhaps turnabout is fair play. Is it time for a family farmer or two to run for a seat on the HSUS board of directors and bring an experienced voice of animal agriculture to the HSUS business model? This person could help fellow HSUS directors decide what is real and what is political hype, prejudice, or just plain ignorance when it comes to animal ag practices. I’m liking it. Volunteers, anyone?