Addressing Issues in Animal Agriculture

The Ag and Animal Science Conference was held in Willmar, Minnesota on September 25. Industry stakeholders gathered to discuss pressing issues within animal agriculture. During one of the ‘storytelling’ sessions, Riverview, LLP Educational and Community Relations Coordinator Natasha Mortenson provided insight on how the dairy industry is navigating a tough economy. “Obviously dairy farmers need to make money and we’ve actually been able to grow in this down market. Farmers are looking for a market for their corn and alfalfa, as well as wanting the manure.” Minnesota Turkey Communications and Assistant Executive Direct Lara Durben participated in a panel discussion about the ‘Value and Impact of Agriculture.’ In the poultry industry, Durben says one misconception is how farmers raise the birds. “We know that added hormones in poultry are illegal across the U.S. Also, there’s a misunderstanding with raising birds in cages, which is not true.”