Focusing on the Farm Bill

Image: Scott Bayer, USDA “The farm bill is an omnibus, multiyear law that governs an array of agricultural and food programs. It provides an opportunity for policymakers to comprehensively and periodically address agricultural and food issues.”[i] This massive piece of … Continued

Lunch + Legislation with Adam Mason, ASPCA Senior Manager of Farm Animal Welfare and Environmental Policy

It’s our job [in the animal welfare movement] to make sure this bill is good for animals. Adam Mason The ASPCA’s Policy Platform, released in January 2023, is a good source of information to familiarize yourself with the 2023 Farm … Continued

The Farm Bill and Animals: Challenge and Opportunity

Every five years or so, Congress debates and passes a Farm Bill that will steer the course of farm, food, rural, nutrition, and agricultural policies in this country for half a decade. If you live in the United States, the … Continued

So … What’s the Rush?

We’ve scratched our heads and asked this question several times over years of following the Michigan Legislature; but lately we’ve seen more and more of this tactic. Those of you who work on legislative matters know that things can happen … Continued

Regulating Rescues: Making a Good Idea Better

SB 174 takes on an important and controversial topic in Michigan animal welfare and advocacy circles. Currently, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development regulates “brick and mortar” shelters, and has developed some standards. These shelters are required to … Continued