Big Ag Teams Up

Some of the country’s largest farm groups, including the National Corn Growers Association and the National Pork Producers Council, have formed the US Farmers and Ranchers Alliance in order to fight negative press due to multiple food recalls and animal-rights violations. Leaders say the group will likely use social media to increase popularity. Still, animal-rights activists believe a social-media campaign will not sway consumers: Paul Shapiro, senior director for HSUS’ End Factory Farming Campaign, says, “It doesn’t matter what media they’re using, defending practices most Americans consider indefensible is not a smart strategy for the ag industry.”