By Trish Choate
Texas Insider Report: WASHINGTON D.C. We would rather the government stay out of our business and we would give up any kind of government support if they would said TSCRA President Joe Parker Jr. of Byers. The Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association would not feel left out if the 2012 Farm Bill mostly ignored it fearing the Farm Bill could give activist groups which know nothing about the agriculture a chance to harm it.
While numerous special interest groups are jockeying for prime position in the multibillion dollar legislation TSCRA members want lawmakers to ditch the part of the bill specifically aimed at them the livestock section.
Its not just the government these ranchers want to keep from meddling in their business.
They fear the livestock section provides ample opening for new regulations fostered by animal rights groups such as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and the Humane Society of the United States.
Were concerned that groups like that have an agenda to put animal agriculture out of business and they will go to great lengths to do that in the farm bill said Jason Skaggs TSCRA executive director of government and public affairs.
The Humane Society of the United States declined to comment and PETA declined to discuss Farm Bill strategy.
But as you can imagine we believe that there is always room for additional legislation to protect the cows and other animals on factory farms who are confined for life to filthy cramped cages or pens until their throats are cut sometimes while still conscious PETA spokeswoman Jane Dollinger said.
Improving animal conditions will also benefit human health Dollinger said.
Our members ranchers all across Texas even into Oklahoma and other states across the country take care of their animals Skaggs said. Their animals are their pride and joy and their business.
Theyve also taken pride in setting their own standards he said.
We are the experts on how to treat our animals not the government and not some activist group he said.
Bill Hyman of the Independent Cattlemens Association of Texas said his group isnt exactly on the best terms with PETA or the Humane Society.
But ICATs stance on the Farm Bill will depend on whats in the legislation said Hyman ICAT executive director.
We support a lot thats in the livestock title now he said. As always were worried about what its going to say.
Hyman said he wouldnt be surprised if Congress didnt extend the present Farm Bill for another year.
The Farm Bill is reauthorized every four years. The 2008 Farm Bill had a price tag of nearly $300 billion. Its livestock section covered other types of livestock besides cattle as well as poultry.
Decisions made about the 2012 Farm Bill now under construction will affect not just agricultural producers but also food and fiber consumers rural communities conservation the poor who depend on nutrition programs and others.
Abilene Rep. Randy Neugebauer a member of the House Agriculture Committee said he supports efforts to prevent further regulation of agriculture.
This administration has already proposed enough ill-advised burdensome rules that if enacted would do financial harm to the industry said
Neugebauer a Republican from Lubbock.
Big Country Congressman Mac Thornberry a rancher said the federal government is already trying to tell ranchers who they can sell their cattle to when and at what prices.
We sure dont need the government telling us how to raise them too said Thornberry a Republican from Clarendon.
Texas regional reporter Trish Choate can be reached at (202) 408-2709 or choatet@shns.com.
