As summer still lingers and we move into fall, fair and expo season will be in full swing across the country. I am lucky enough to call the North Carolina State Fair my “hometown fair” and look forward to it coming around every October! It’s a great time to appreciate our community, and of course, the agricultural efforts that support it all.
Unfortunately, activist groups continue to seek out large gatherings as opportunities to garner attention for their messages against animal agriculture, and fairs and expos are no exception. We advise any upcoming events to have a plan in place and be prepared for protests or disruptions from local groups or potentially even larger ones like Direct Action Everywhere or People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).
If we’re using animals for any purpose – whether for entertainment, food or anything else – animal rights activists do not support it or believe it can be done humanely and responsibly. Targeting deeply rooted agricultural traditions, activists believe that 4-H and FFA along with fairs and livestock auctions “are teaching young people to exchange their compassion for money.” This can seem rather backwards to us that are familiar with these programs that teach kids responsibility and care for their livestock and poultry. However, it is important to keep in mind the true intent of animal rights activists – which is the end of animal agriculture entirely and does not include upholding positive animal welfare standards.
If you are involved with a livestock project, either as an exhibitor, parent, or event organizer, here are some steps to take to mitigate the impact of activist groups this fair season.
- Avoid the urge to engage. As members of the ag community, I know how passionate we all are about these programs and how strongly we want to defend them when we see them being attacked. However, every time we engage with activist content in-person or online – even if we are expressing our disagreement – we are helping it get more attention. Let the activists remain in their echo chamber and resist the impulse to comment or share. You will not change their minds and your energy is much more wisely invested in sharing positive stories about your experiences and what you’ve learned from being involved in animal agriculture.
- Understand their real intentions. Some activist groups are trying to encourage youth to give up their project animals in order to spare them from being sold in auctions. It’s important to understand that considering doing this will give them credibility and more content they can try to use against 4-H, FFA and fairs. Make sure you are having conversations with kids throughout the process of raising project animals about their important role in ensuring food security and our important responsibility to raise them ethically.
- Be prepared for online attacks. Posting anything on social media about showing livestock or animals being used for food might bring out the trolls - either on your personal page, your club/chapter’s page or your fair’s page. Have a comment policy already in place and be empowered to delete inappropriate comments and ban harassers.
The Alliance has many additional resources on understanding and preparing for activism on our website: www.animalagalliance.org. If you are dealing with a situation involving activists and could use our assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@animalagalliance.org. We’re wishing you a safe, educational and fun fair season, full of blue ribbons!
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