halal chicken abattoirs simply have the stunner removed from the slaughter line. I didnt see any one knocking them on the head and attempting to render them unconscious in any other manner before their throats were cut. Please explain ...

PF, I'm sorry, usually I am in sympathy with a good deal of what you have to say. But to say we are "doing animals a favour" by eating them is fatuous. If you did away with all your artificial breeding and insemination and left these animals alone, it seems unlikely that the animals you speak of would become plagues and the blight on the countryside you describe.
I just find something obscene about breeding baby animals just to cut their throats before they even get to grow up. Nor am I blinded by sensational reports as you seem to believe. You cannot tell me that the way terrified animals are rounded up, crammed onto trucks,and delivered to the tender mercies of slaughterhouse workers does not constitute very real suffering. However, I recognize that that is my personal opinion only (if shared by a few) and that none of it is going to change in my lifetime. Sometimes I get a little whimsical and think wouldn't it be great if there is a "judgment day" after all, and all these people come face to face with the millions of animals they have caused to be slaughtered.
Handouts? Drought relief, flood relief, reduced taxes on certain vehicles, Centrelink payments... need I go on?
But live exporters get the best of all in taxpayer handouts, with the waiving of AQIS fees by the Federal Government which then charges local "processors" (don't you love the euphemism for "slaughterers"?) massive amounts for AQIS services. Their activities are also shielded from public scrutiny by the Government's "Commercial in Confidence" provisions, a privilege not accorded to your average business. What is the motivation behind all this? Cultural cringe?
Nicky

I grow pigs for human consumption. If people didnt eat pigs, then I wouldnt grow pigs .. quite simple really Nicky.

As for artificial insemination, artificial breeding, hand outs, centrelink payments .. you have no idea what you are talking about, neither do I for that matter and I am a farmer.

Hi PF
I think it would be great if everyone just grew vegetables, grains etc., but again that is a personal opinion. Speaking of those, what do you think about the new CoP? It really means nothing for the pigs, does it? There was an ABC Rural News report last week in which a NSW farmer openly admitted his sow stalls were not compliant with the OLD code. But what happens? Nothing.
Your other comments suggest what I have suspected all along - you are an honest farmer who does the right thing by the taxpayer!
Cheers!
Nicky
Don't you hate it when you can only do two posts in 24 hours?

Not really Nicky, its 4 :)

I am very disappointed with the new code of practice. All that will change is an extra 20cm required for the length of sow stalls and supposedly, they are only to spend 6 weeks in them, but who is going to police that?
Of course there is to be allowance for deviation from this requirement based on the welfare of the sow would you believe! So if the farmer thinks she is stressed, bullied, at risk in anyway, he will be allowed to keep her in longer - nothing changes there really, those determined to use them will.

The sad part is, APL claim it as a victory against the very people that keep their businesses alive.

I dont think the COP will matter in the end. If people refuse to by meat from intensive farms that will be the end of them. Its already happening. We are the only piggery left in what was a large pig growing area and we are free range!

Nicky its 4 posts PF is correct.

Sorry Nicky

I think you might get your wish one day Nicky. I have a saying- its Cow Karma.

I know the great judgement day is on its way and it will come in the way of ships and planes with such savage rage within the people we have supplied animals to.

The sheer hate towards the people who turned their backs on these poor creatures will be 'within' our enermy.

I also think that `if and when` the lord comes back it will be also because he can no longer contain his anger at the way people have treated his creatures that he left in our trust.

After having said that I dont think it was a good plan and they should have more protection.

Now back to business. We all know who each other really is. I have always been honest to everybody as to my ID
We all know I support more Halal Plants and making Australia the Halal meat Supply to the world.
I know Nicky You dont approve of that. Tell you a little secret- nor do I , but I am going to do it because its for the animals and there is NO other way to stop live exports.

For twenty years Animal Groups have protested about live exports.
In that time it has grown stronger and stronger- and its going to grow a lot more.
You have to ask yourself how much you really want to make changes for the better for the animals. Then ask yourself what can we do.

If your really putting animals first and want to stop them from being sent on ships alive you will help me to introduce ME people to Australian farmers.

PF. To be honest with you I feel you are pretty happy with your farm and position in life and just post as a hobby.
Either way I agree with Nicky.
You sound like a good farmer and thanks! for all your helpful comments.