After a slew of book events on the east coast, I flew to Chicago, Illinois to speak at DePaul University.  Many in the audience were active in efforts to combat abusive agricultural systems, and I was certainly happy to see members of the crowd wearing Farm Sanctuary t-shirts. 

A discussion came up about a proposal to build a massive dairy operation slated to house more than 10,000 cows a few hours drive outside of Chicago. Citizens concerned about pollution and other problems associated with such an operation are fighting its construction.  The community has banded together, but they face an uphill battle and are worried that the Illinois Department of Agriculture will ignore their concerns, and approve the dairy’s construction.  It was good to see citizens working together to protect their community, and I hope they are successful.

After my talk at DePaul, I took a bus from Chicago to Madison, Wisconsin to participate in a panel discussion at a dairy industry conference.  The event opened with individuals of the University of Wisconsin marching band, and the school’s mascot, Bucky the Badger. Although dairy producers and Farm Sanctuary come from fundamentally different perspectives, I welcome the opportunity for dialogue and greatly appreciated an invitation to speak before more than 1,000 dairy industry members.  We listened to each other and agreed to respectfully disagree on a number of topics.

Thinking of the bigger picture and looking to the future, I urged the assembly to consider alternatives to milking cows, such as producing milk from plants like soy beans, nuts and grains, rather than from animals.  And, in light of the recent, widely publicized exposé of the inhumane treatment of downed dairy cows at a Chino, Calif. slaughterhouse, I challenged the group to adopt an industry-wide position condemning the marketing and slaughter of downed cattle.

Another challenge I posed to this captive audience was the widely held assumption that drinking cows’ milk helps provide dietary calcium to ward off osteoporosis (also known as ‘brittle bone disease’).  I pointed out that although a large quantity of cows’ milk is consumed in the U.S., we still manage to have higher incidences of osteoporosis than those countries that consume far less cows’ milk.

After the dairy conference, I spoke at the University of Wisconsin, Madison to an audience comprised of many individuals sympathetic to the mission and vision of Farm Sanctuary, and a couple people involved in animal agriculture.  The group was highly receptive and we had an informed, respectful dialogue.  Shortly thereafter, a Farm Sanctuary member gave me a ride to the airport for a flight to Los Angeles, and set me up with a delicious tempe salad sandwich.  She brought me fruit and a homemade vegan nut and chocolate brownie-type dessert.  It was made of three kinds of nut butters mixed with powdered sugar, and had chocolate on top, and it was simply amazing.

Gene 

After a week in New York City, I visited Princeton, NJ to speak at the Princeton University bookstore and for a book celebration organized by friends.  We enjoyed beautifully prepared, tasty vegan foods and heartwarming company.  In attendance was a USDA employee and a sustainable farming advocate, and we unanimously agreed that, despite the current situation, “the USDA doesn’t HAVE to do bad things.”

The USDA was created by Abraham Lincoln in the 1860s to serve the needs of farmers who comprised much of the population at the time, and it was known as “the people’s department.”  Unfortunately, the USDA has not lived up to this name.  At the behest of agribusiness the Agency often serves the interests of the greedy few to the detriment of the many.  The USDA has aided in the development of unsound technologies that profit a few corporations, while harming animals, farmers and consumers.  I actually hope and believe that the USDA can and should return to its original intent and serve the many.  It should actively support the production and availability of healthful foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and legumes. 

As I flew from the east coast to Chicago, the next stop on my book tour, I saw an article in the New York Times (March 9, 2008) entitled “A Global Need for Grain that Farmers Can’t Fill.”  It described how grain farmers all over the world are “producing flat out,” but still not able to meet demand.  It was another reminder of the tons of grain we squander every day feeding farm animals to produce meat, milk and eggs.

Eating grains directly is much more efficient than feeding them to animals!

Gene

I was recently in New York City for the kick off of a nationwide tour for my new book, “Farm Sanctuary: Changing Hearts and Minds about Animals and Food.”  I was inspired and energized to be among hundreds of dedicated, caring citizens who came to a celebrity-studded launch party at the Salmagundi Art Center on March 4 and also to presentations at Columbia and Fordham universities later in the week.  Participants were interested and engaged at every event.

I was also glad to find so many animal free foods, and I enjoyed amazing vegan meals at great vegan eateries.  Some restaurants also make a point to buy locally produced organic foods and support more efficient farming systems. There is clearly a burgeoning awareness about sustainability and the benefits of eating plants instead of animals throughout the Big Apple.

At one New York deli that was not vegan I heard a customer ask specifically for a vegan sandwich.  At another restaurant, a friend and I were talking about animal protection efforts when a woman at the adjoining table approached us to say she heard us talking and wanted to get more active in the cause.  More and more people are supporting farmers markets and community gardens, which are expanding in and around New York and improving the quality of life in these neighborhoods.

Many New Yorkers share their homes with cats or dogs, and they take their dogs for walks.  The dogs stop to greet each other, and help connect their human companions who take a few moments to do the same.  I imagine many human friendships start this way.  Sitting at the airport writing this, I heard excited voices and looked over to see a dog making the rounds, nuzzling people and getting pets.  Kindness and appreciation of animals is not only good for animals, but also good for us.  On a recent flight, I picked up an airline magazine, which had a hospital ad citing studies to show that spending time with animals helps to prevent, as well as heal, illnesses.

At Farm Sanctuary, we live with cows, pigs, chickens, turkeys and other animals.  They are our friends, not our food, and it is a joy to share our lives with them.  As I travel from city to city to discuss my book, I will continue sharing our animals’ stories and I will encourage people to recognize that farm animals, like all animals, deserve to be treated with respect and compassion.

I hope to see you on the road, or at one of our sanctuaries in Watkins Glen, N.Y. or Orland, Calif. this coming year. Information about the book tour is online at www.genebaur.org, and information about Farm Sanctuary is at www.farmsanctuary.org.