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Indiana Livestock and Forage Symposium

Governor Daniels remarks

Last month Governor Mitch Daniels spoke to the first ever Indiana Livestock and Forage Symposium. Not only did Governor Daniels defend his passion for agriculture, but he also earned high praise from Dr. Wes Jamison, a nationally known expert on the animal rights movement from the University of Florida, for his pro-agriculture stance.

In case you missed it, you can learn more about the Governor’s comments and you can listen to Dr. Jamison’s praise of Governor Daniels.

Click here to listen to remarks by Governor Daniels.

In Defense of Indiana Agriculture
02/15/2008
by Gary Truitt
Hoosier Ag Today

The Indiana Beef, Dairy, and Forage organizations came together on Friday for the first ever Indiana Livestock and Forage Symposium. Governor Mitch Daniels kicked off the two day conference on the east side of Indianapolis with remarks recounting the growth the Indiana livestock and dairy sectors have seen since he took office. The Governor then pledged to continue to be a solid defender of Indiana agriculture, “In Indiana we are not ambivalent, we are not hesitant; more success in all sectors of agriculture is in our States best interest.” The Governor admitted his support of agriculture has put him in some tough positions.

He told the story about giving a speech at Anderson University where he was asked by a woman, how he could support agriculture with all the environmental damage agriculture caused. “Don’t ask me to apologize for $13 soybeans or $5 corn or increased cattle numbers in the state,” he told the woman. He went on and explained that growth in the ag sector benefits the Indiana economy, and said, “I don’t now of a farmer who is not an environmentalist. Farmers are the last people who would take risks with their land.” He told the woman, “Because your subdivision was built next to a farm does not make them the nuisance.” This last remark elicited cheers from the crowd.

The Governor’s remarks were followed by Dr. Wes Jamison, a nationally known expert on the animal rights movement. He reminded the producers just how lucky they are to have a pro-agriculture Governor. He said he had never been to a farm meeting where, first the Governor showed up, and second, the Governor passionately defended agriculture. Click here to listen to Dr. Jamison’s comments.

This conference was the first time the dairy, beef, and forage organizations had come together for a single meeting. It seemed to be a success and is likely to be repeated next year.