Farming: TJoNEA and Bushways Slaughterhouse

[EditorBob]

On Friday, October 30, 2009, the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) and the Vermont Agency of Agriculture suspended the licenses of Bushways Slaughterhouse facility in Grand Isle, Vt.

According to a statement from Vt. Secretary of Agriculture Roger Albee:

“The Vermont Agency of Agriculture was notified by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) late Wednesday afternoon of alleged animal welfare violations at the facility. The agency immediately referred the matter to the USDA as the facility is operated and monitored under the inspection of USDA.

“USDA and the state have suspended the operation of the facility and are conducting an investigation. These allegations of inhumane handling and treatment of animals if verified, warrant prompt corrective actions to ensure they do not happen again." link

Nearly a year ago, Bushways Slaughterhouse advertised in our publication—for one issue. They have since never advertised, nor have we worked with them in any capacity. However, we have received a number of complaints, comments and accusations from individuals (none of whom are subscribers, none of whom appear to even be involved with agriculture) mischaracterizing our relationship with Bushways Slaughterhouse.

As such, it's important to point out that Farming: The Journal of Northeast Agriculture is not connected with Bushways Slaughterhouse, nor have we been for at least 10 months. It should be obvious—but apparently it requires pointing out—that we do NOT support, in any capacity, cruelty to animals. Making a connection between a tiny advertisement from over 10 months ago and this publication's stance on animal welfare is tenuous at best—at worst it's grandstanding, harassment and foolish hysterics.

Healthy animals produce best; we have always advocated, taught and illustrated that the best service to a livestock farm is caring for the animals. Our archives are full of best practices, technical information and examples of quality livestock care. We firmly believe that our readers, and most everyone in the livestock industry in the United States, share this belief and carry it out each day.

Bob M. Montgomery, Editor