Editor’s note: following is a press release suppled by the Wisconsin Farmers Union.
Factory farms, and the impact they have on Wisconsin agriculture and communities, is the topic of an event planned in Oconomowoc. The free event, scheduled to take place in August, aims to educate individuals and families, according to information recently released by the Wisconsin Farmers Union. A spokesperson for the statewide union noted that the event is being sponsored by the local chapter.
According to the release: The event, co-hosted by a coalition of area farm and environmental groups, is being billed as “Wake Up Rural Wisconsin: Factory Farm Myths, Realities, and Remedies.” All are welcome to join the conversation. Snacks and youth activities will be provided. There will be an exclusive screening of the “Right to Harm” documentary with reflections by agricultural economist Dr. John Ikerd, who will also share findings from his recent research on CAFO policies and social and economic impact.
John Ikerd is professor emeritus of Agricultural Economics at the University of Missouri. Raised on a small dairy farm in southwest Missouri, he received a Ph.D. from the University of Missouri in 1970. He worked with a large meat packing company for three years and spent 30 years on the faculties of North Carolina State University, Oklahoma State University, University of Georgia, and the University of Missouri before retiring in early 2000. Dr. Ikerd spent the first half of his academic career as a livestock marketing specialist and the second half on issues related to agricultural sustainability. For more than 25 years, he has worked on addressing the effects of factory farms in more than 20 states, four Canadian provinces, the United Kingdom, and Brazil. John currently resides in Fairfield, Iowa, a town of just over 10,000 people in a county with numerous CAFOs.
More information and selected writings about CAFOs are available at http://faculty.missouri.edu/ikerdj/ or www.johnikerd.com, the release continues.
The event will run from 2 to 5 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 8, at Oconomowoc Community Center, 220 W. Ave., Oconomowoc. Seating is limited to 150 due to COVID safety precautions. Those interested can register at www.wisconsinfarmersunion.com/events.
According to the organization’s website: “Wisconsin Farmers Union, a member-driven organization, is committed to enhancing the quality of life for family farmers, rural communities, and all people through educational opportunities, cooperative endeavors, and civic engagement. Our membership is made up of people from all walks of agriculture and life. From conventional to organic, rural to urban, our members find community in an organization that empowers them to have a voice in the issues that affect them. Wisconsin Farmers Union isn’t just for farmers. We also welcome rural residents and consumers who want to participate in our programs and advocate for family farming.”
To learn more about the organization, visit the website: https://www.wisconsinfarmersunion.com.
Graphic supplied.
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