The Humane Society of the United States Forms National Agriculture Advisory Council

May 6, 2016 The Humane Society of the United States Forms National Agriculture Advisory Council After making tremendous strides with the establishment of 11 state agriculture advisory councils over the past four years, The Humane Society of the United States announced the formation of its National Agriculture Advisory Council. The council is comprised of family farmers and agriculturalists who practice and promote higher animal welfare standards within their operations. Kevin Fulton, Nebraska farmer and chairman of the council said: “I am proud to serve alongside the distinguished farmers and ranchers for The HSUS’ National Agriculture Advisory Council. These individuals are proven leaders who represent the face of humane and sustainable agriculture in this country. We are fully committed to working with The HSUS to improve the welfare of farm animals in a way that benefits not only the animals, but the family farmer, the consumer and our environment.” Marty Irby, senior director of rural outreach and equine protection at The HSUS said: “The establishment of our National Agriculture Advisory Council is a tremendous accomplishment for the welfare of farm animals, the promotion of humane and sustainable farming practices and for the economic vitality and future of rural America. We are grateful for the support, encouragement and willingness to serve from each of these dedicated farmers and ranchers who promote and adhere to higher animal welfare standards as alternatives to factory farming practices.” Council members include Kevin Fulton of Nebraska, Chris Petersen of Iowa, Mike Callicrate of Colorado, Pete Eshelman of Indiana, Paul Muegge of Oklahoma, Carrie Balkcom of Colorado, Will Harris of Georgia and Joe Logan of Ohio. The formation of the council follows the release of The HSUS’ president and CEO, Wayne Pacelle’s latest book, The Humane Economy: How Innovators and Consumers are Transforming the Lives of Animals, which delves into the revolution in American business and public policy that is changing how we treat animals and conduct commerce. The book includes an in-depth discussion of how consumer demand for farm animal welfare improvements is transforming the animal agriculture model. The HSUS advocates compassionate eating – or the Three Rs: “reducing” or “replacing” consumption of animal products, and “refining” our diets by choosing products from sources that adhere to higher animal welfare standards.