Ammonite, I am not a farmer, but come from good farming stock and retain strong links. On these types of forums (not that I regularly get much time on them, as I also run a business with 12 staff, am married with 2 young kids and volunteer where I can) - I try to ensure that there is a balanced viewpoint from what I understand and can research. There are too many armchair activists that propose all sorts of wonderful things, that are often completely impractical. However to be fair many people would not know the impraticalities as they have no experience in the areas. Yabby I have a lot of respect for because he is consistent, knowlegable and practical, often saying that it would nice for something to be a certain way, but that its just not, so get on with it.

I understand squeamishness with watching some animal husbandry practices, but again people need to look at the practical realities. I used to help with lamb-marking every year, which included muelsing without numbing. Its not nice, but the alternative is worse. Farmers are generally aware of the pain inflicted on their animals and seek to minimise it. However sometimes the costs are prohibitive, and a cost/benefit decision needs to be reached. However inhumane slaughter is inflicting pain for no benefit to the animal at all (muelsing is designed to stop fly-strike, neutering is designed to reduce injury between animals etc). Given that I grew up with such practices and am able to look at both sides of the argument, I feel that I have an obligation to ensure that there is discussion of all aspects. Many farmers are able to articulate their reasonings, and many are not (and many dont want to, why should they - they dont tell you how to run your business or do your job). Those of us that are willing and able need to stand up and be counted.

Country Gal

As long as we continue to communicate and respect each other, we can hold difference of opinion. But when we are continually subjected to ad hominem attack whether we are right or totally wrong ends any hope of progress. We can all be passionate, but that does not excuse the behaviour of people like Yabby - I know he does the same to others, I'm not the only one, but this means I often don't even bother to read what he is saying - he may well have the answers to life, the universe and everything. Who can tell amongst all the garbage?

Ammonite, we've been through all this before, years ago, when
you were posting under another nick. I'll tell you now what I told
you then, just don't read my posts, if you are such a sensitive
little petal.

Yabby,

Didn’t I see you calling someone a hypocrite a while back or did I imagine it.? Reading back in your OLO posts. I am pretty sure you had a good time teasing the girls about killing on the average farm.I agree a bullet is kinder. Also you seemed to have shifted your game. I could have sworn you used to cry to reopen plants here..

Agree on 12 plants not pre stunning and i was wondering given your so well informed does that include MLA?
http://www.afic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/ma4-30-39.pdf

Ah, looky here AFIC accreditation Um.... That must be what MLA are upset about ah Yabbs. Do call Mr Palmer -that Royal Commission cant be too far off ah.Let’s face it- those inquires as how some got on the board just won’t go away.
So MLA think they can snub their noses at RSPCA laws and recommendations by befriending my old..

Hi Dickybird,

*step in' on 'other cultural slaughtering', perhaps a stronger surveillance on abattoir practices might be deemed appropriate*
Couldn’t agree more.

Noisy Scrub Bird,
*but it is not for me to 'step in' on 'other cultural slaughtering', perhaps a stronger surveillance on abattoir practices might be deemed appropriate.*

I think everybody has the right to protect Animals from undue cruelty and support RSPCA to lobby the Governments for proper Animal Welfare laws.

Ammonite,

*As long as we continue to communicate and respect each other, we can hold difference of opinion*

Ammonite, always the wise one.

I came I peace and would like to leave in peace. Post here from time to time FYI for the Dickbirds & other little bird from time to time- then disappear .

CG u might like this re getting back to your title- its a good read
http://www.austbeef.com.au/
Things are no longer the way our fathers farmed. We all stick up for the farmers as we recall- memories of wonderful men and women- our idles.
Fact is there are few left. As Rob Moore x director of ABA said recently WE ARE NOT FARMERS!! got that right.
TBC

continued

They are determined to only have one supplier.
Driven by strong relationships with live export agents and shipping agents they ban anybody from putting any other red meat alternatives to “”their”” people. So smart – but are they- $3 bucks a kilo they get . Can you imagine what the Saudi buyers would pay in the hand.


CG Sorry if this bugs you but I need to post this for others – I understand you don’t get the connection between Halal accreditation and Indonesia but others do the good news is I go now-
This is goodbye good luck because i think my posting here is upsetting some. That wasn’t my intention and we are busy beefing up with others.I came I peace and would like to leave in peace.

Media Release

HKM Calls on Mr Patel to clarify his position on Pre stunning 22.6.2011

HKM Halal Kind Meats Animal Welfare Organizations President Wendy Lewthwaite has Called upon Ikebal Patel to ""clarify"" his position on pre stunning of Halal Slaughter.
Wendy says for the past nine years working with Mr Patel on Animal Welfare and even sharing a joint letter head Mt Patel has always maintained his support for pre stunning.

Contact
Wendy Lewthwaite 0755392369

It is unfortunate that a knee-jerk reaction by the government to pressures by minority groups have shut down a major source of income for the cattle farmers. According to media reports the consumption of meat in Australia is slowly reducing and the meat industry is heavily dependent on exports. It has been reported that cattle producing nations are desperate to break into the asian market and they would be more than willing to step in at this stage with a disastrous affect on the Australian meat industry.Is the government intending to subsidise the farmers for their losses until they can regain stability?