Frustration can lead to progress, if we let it.

I received an e-mail from a dairy science student at Michigan State University alerting me of the PETA forum that would be taking place on campus. She attached an editorial that was printed in the campus newspaper, written by Bruce Friedrich, vice president for policy and government affairs at People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA.

The editorial obviously struck a nerve with me as it taunted the Agricultural leadership at MSU to come to the forum, calling them timid, afraid and indefensible because of their lack of participation. I am not sure how goading goes over with the dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, but it doesn’t sit well with me.
So, I decided to practice what I preach and I immediately fired off the following e-mail to the PETA leadership:

Dear PETA Folks:
I sure wish I could be there at my old college campus in the room where I took Economics 101 while earning my degrees in Animal Science and Agricultural Communications. You would think with a dual degree such as that I would’ve learned to talk to the animals, but alas, I’ve only learned how to make a living producing the most wholesome food for human consumption: Milk.

As a dairy farmer in southern Michigan and a freelance writer for several international agricultural publications, I have the pure joy of getting paid for doing what I love to do. Not everyone can say that, but my husband and I can. On our small family farm we enjoy taking care of our herd of Registered Holsteins, producing high quality milk and raising four children along the way.

Life as a dairy producer is not always an easy one. We have faced and will continue to face unbelievable challenges, but none is more frustrating than dealing with folks whose purpose is to seek, kill and destroy our vocation.

Go ahead, Mr. Friedrich, storm the college campuses, leaving your mark on young, impressionable minds. Write articulate editorials, persuading people to listen to your rhetoric. Spread your propaganda with seemingly unstoppable passion.

Just remember one thing: You will never come up against a group of industrialists with as much tenacity, determination and passion as the American farmer. Combine those qualities with an overwhelming optimism and ingenuity and you have the makings of a group so powerful no weapon formed against it will prosper.
Enjoy your time at good ol’ MSU and while you go to bed tonight on a full stomach ... you’re welcome.

Sincerely,
Melissa Hart
Dairy Farmer
I am not under the influence that PETA will be abolished because of my letter, but I do put my hope in the influence of an entire industry that will speak out!

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of Farm World. Readers with questions or comments for Melissa Hart may write to her in care of this publication.