Letter to the editor: Pass Measure 3 to protect animal agriculture in N.D.

This fall we have the opportunity to protect choice in agriculture with Measure 3. This measure has been brought forth by the North Dakota Feeding Families committee to safeguard modern farming and ranching practices.

Out-of-state groups whose stated goal is to eliminate animal agriculture as we know it are threatening to take a foothold in our state with out-of-state dollars, lobbying the state Legislature and creating ballot initiatives that would remove choice — both for the farmer and the consumer.

Measure 3 protects farmers and ranchers’ ability to make the best decisions in caring for the animals they raise and the crops they grow. This might entail how to house an animal or how to control weeds in their fields.

On the other hand, this measure would also protect consumers’ choices when it comes to organic vs. conventional or grass fed vs. corn fed, for example. Measure 3 would ensure more choices instead of restricting them, on both sides of the equation.

New laws trying to put agriculture in a box need to be stopped. The market will reflect the consumers’ desires, and farmers will respond to that. Ag producers in our state take great care in raising their crops and animals. We must take care of our soil in order to produce good crops, and animals must be healthy and happy in order to produce a quality end product.

It is out of respect for our resources that we raise crops and animals with the high level of care that we do, in order to feed families today, tomorrow and forever. Please vote yes on Measure 3 to protect choice in agriculture.

Chad Weckerly

Hurdsfield, N.D.

Tags: opinion, letters, agriculture