'MIDLANDS FARMERS FEAR FALLOUT FROM FILM, ACTIVISTS'

(Des Moines Register) -- The Des Moines Register reports that farmers are being targeted more frequently by activists and artists for "agricultural practices they say harm animals and the environment. ... Farmers worry that the notoriety will lead to new regulations and costs." Dan Thomson, a professor of veterinary medicine at Kansas State University, says: "These people aren't interested in animal abuse. They're interested in ending animal agriculture." He notes that groups like the "Humane Society of the United States and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, 'play emotionally on the bond between humans and animals'" and "has had some success in passing initiatives in California and other states where farm interests have less political influence." See the story at <http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20100106/BUSINESS01/1060360/1030/Farmers-fear-fallout-from-film-activists>