Proposition 2

On November 8th, 2008, history was made.  A new president was elected, rights were granted, and denied.  Much to everyone's surprise, animals were granted a cage free life on the farm.  What does this mean for the future of farming?  Is the barnyard finally going to move out of the stockyard and into the pasture?

Proposition 2 forbids veal crates, battery cages, sow crates and requires veal, chickens, and pregnant pigs to be given enough space to turn around, lie down, stand up, and fully extend their limbs.  Proposition 2 will go into effect in the year 2015.  This is supposed to allow farmers enough time to make adjustments on their farms to abide by the law.  This is seen as good and bad news.

Farmers more often than not answer to a large corporation that demands that they meet the bottom line rather than attend to the stressed livestock.  The concern is that the meat, egg, and dairy industries will be outsourced to avoid an increase in cost per animal and keep the farming practices focused on the bottom line rather than healthy animals and better quality products.

The transport costs of livestock would deter such actions on one level.  The national market is substantial enough that it influences the meat industry's decisions.

It is uncertain as to what Proposition 2 will cost the the US in the long run, but the benefits of having healthier animals and stricter farming practices are a step in the right direction.

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