RMFU Convention Features Livestock Panel

The major event of the 2008 Rocky Mountain Farmers Union annual convention (Cheyenne Little America, Nov. 21-22) will be a presentation and panel discussion on the challenges of livestock production, particularly industrial meat production.

Our special guests will be Bob Martin, Executive Director of the Pew Commission on Industrial Farm Animal Production, and Professor Bernard E. Rollin, University Bioethicist at Colorado State University. Martin will give an overview of the Pew Commission’s report on industrial farm animal production, followed by remarks from Dr. Rollin, who serves on the commission. The speakers will be joined by a panel of local livestock producers.

The Pew Report, issued in spring 2008, is a comprehensive assessment of the history and future of factory-style meat production. Its findings will play a major role in the development of farm policy under the new federal administration and, more importantly, guide the evolving meat industry for years to come.

The RMFU annual convention is an opportunity to shape farm policy for the coming year. Among featured speakers will be John Etchepare, Director of the Wyoming Department of Agriculture.