I consider myself to be an advocate of animal rights and an advocate of protecting the environment, which includes the entire ecosystem. I'm also a cattleman. Animals were part of the ecosystem before man. In the development of an ecosystem, species evolve and disappear. This is natural. All species' survival is at the expense of other species. It has been that way since the first one-cell organism started on this planet. However, the current rate of species extinction is alarming.

   Man is no exception, as we survive at the expense of other species. We have wild animals and domestic animals. Only 80 years ago, domestic animals provided most of the world's transportation. People and animals have a very special and close relationship. Humans, as the most highly developed species, have the responsibility to care for and protect many other species. A century ago, we all had horses and cared for them.

   Today, as cattlemen, we still have our horses, and we spend every working day taking care of our cattle. We must also care for the growing and harvesting of our crops and natural grasses. Before domestic animals, man was a hunter. Animals and man are a part of the ecosystem, and it is man's responsibility to protect that ecosystem. If any part of this system gets out of balance, then other parts suffer.

   Let's look at some of the facts about the cattle business.

   First of all, people who are in the cattle business today are in it for the way of life --- because it is not a very profitable business. Most ranchers raise livestock because they truly enjoy taking care of animals. As a small boy, I remember my mother "thawing out" newborn calves that had been born on a cold Wyoming night by putting them in warm water in the bathtub. I smile remembering by dad hauling sick sheep in the backseat of his brand new car (and what my mother had to say about that). I remember almost losing my dad when he tried to save some animals from nature's elements. We knew of ranchers that did die this way.

   What happens if these animals are not harvested? Overgrazing occurs and many species suffer. Erosion of the soil can occur and can cause many problems. Today, cattle ranching takes the most concentrated effort of managing the ecosystem of anything I know. In the West, where from 20% to 97% of the land is owned by the Federal Government, there is concern about cattle grazing. There can be too much and there can be too little. Experiments have been conducted on what happens when the cattle are removed: eventually, the feed becomes unpalatable and wildlife declines. I get upset when I am in a highly populated city and see no yards for pets to run free and exercise. I'm a big believer in "space" and "running free".

   I don't believe animals should be forced to live in a barn, a house, an apartment or even a small feedlot. I would never keep a bird in a cage. But the people who often complain about the treatment of livestock don't realize that the cowboy who takes care of them often risks his life to save an animal. Consider the harvesting of animals. Whether it is an animal, a plant, a fish or a bird, each has its place in the ecosystem, and a time on this earth. It's no different than the people who work at animal or shelters.

   These establishments find homes for domestic pets, but they also have to euthanize many of the animals that end up there. What would happen if these animal shelters and subsequent euthanasia didn't exist? The streets could be full of packs of hungry dogs and cats that could spread disease. I've been a lot of places and seen a lot of things in my lifetime, and I think most cattle are cared for better by ranchers than some domestic pets. I feel that ranchers like myself have a pretty soft heart. We spend our lives taking care of those we love --- our families and our animals. It's just that we have more animals than most folks.

   When my favorite bull, "Jet" died of old age, we buried him standing up in a deep pit. I had a bronze headstone made for him that read: "Jet" 1974 - 1985 The bull that started the Salers breed in the U.S. and changed the entire beef industry." To us, "Jet" was a part of the family - just like your dog, cat, or horse.

CERTIFIED HUMANE RAISED & HANDLED

   The Certified Humane Raised & Handled label instantly assures you that products bearing the mark have been produced from animals raised in the kind of wholesome conditions that make wholesome foods possible. Products that carry the label are certified to have come from facilities that meet precise, objective standards for farm animal treatment developed by a team of veterinarians and animal scientists. These Animal Care Standards ensure that all of our producers and processors keep their livestock in conditions that offer sufficient space, shelter, and the company of same-species animals to limit stress. In addition, the animals must receive good nutrition including ready access to fresh water and a diet that maintains full health and vigor.

   All of the Maverick Ranch Natural Pork available on the east coast displays the Certified Humane Raised & Handled label. This program helps conscientious consumers choose products from businesses like Maverick Ranch that provide humane conditions for the animals in their care.

BY-PRODUCTS OF THE CATTLE INDUSTRY

   There are over 275 products including many lifesaving pharmaceuticals which are made from byproducts of the livestock industry. Some economists estimate that the world economy would fail in 90 days if livestock byproducts were removed. Of course, you immediately think of leather shoes, clothes and purses, but have you ever wondered where 1 of the most vital pharmaceuticals, insulin, comes from? The livestock industry produces this and many others.