This November, Denver voters will be asked to ban slaughterhouses in the City of Denver.
What many may not realize is that there is only one USDA-inspected slaughterhouse in Denver that processes lamb locally. Under the guise of animal welfare, this ballot initiative targets that one employee-owned business and would eliminate the jobs of the 160 hardworking employees, potentially leading to a significant economic downturn in the area.
In my 24-year career with the Colorado Wool Growers Association, I have had the opportunity to visit slaughterhouses and see firsthand the humane harvesting practices for both sheep and cattle.
Livestock, poultry, and fish are harvested to provide essential nutrients in our diets (only 4% of the U.S. population are vegetarians). Our obligation to humanity and the planet is to ensure that animals are treated humanely from birth to death, that we are good stewards of the land, and to sustain and improve our environment. Best management practices for animal welfare and land management are the foundation for raising healthy livestock that enter the supply chain for consumers.
This facility in Denver specifically sought out the expertise of Dr. Temple Grandin, the world-renowned animal welfare expert, autism advocate, and professor of animal science at Colorado State University to ensure the processing facility meets the highest standards in animal care. Her groundbreaking work in the area of humane animal treatment is a daily practice at the Superior Farms facility in Denver.
Over the next several months, you will hear some overheated rhetoric from the proponents of this ban who want to end livestock production in Colorado (at least, that’s what they had on their website a few months ago). As you sort through the arguments, ask yourself, “Is dismantling our local food supply chain and forcing consumers to rely on imported meat a good decision?” U.S. dependency on foreign countries for essential products undermines our nation’s independence.
We live in uncertain times, and U.S. food security should be a top priority for our nation. Superior Farms is crucial in providing wholesome USDA-inspected protein to local and regional grocery stores, restaurants, and other food service providers.
Last month, the Regional Economic Development Institute at Colorado State University published a study on the potential impacts of the slaughterhouse ban. According to the study, this ban would eliminate over $800 million in economic activity and 2,787 jobs. I would add that it would also hurt the environment by forcing grocery stores to import lamb products from overseas while unnecessarily driving up food costs to consumers.
Should a vocal minority be able to disrupt the food supply chain, drive up food costs, and create additional hardships for families already struggling to buy groceries? Should 160 employee-owners be forced to give up good-paying jobs with health care and retirement benefits? Please vote no on the proposed slaughterhouse ban.
Bonnie Brown-Eddy is the executive director of the Colorado Wool Growers Association.
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