California Women for Agriculture recognizes that the health and welfare of farm animals is of foremost concern to agricultural producers. Economic return to producers is dependent upon good husbandry practices. We support the following policy:

1) Education of consumers, students, and the agricultural industry about current animal agriculture production practices.

2) Scientific research to improve farm animal production with results directed toward improved animal care practices, increased efficiency of production and reduced impact on the environment.

3) Farm animals consume feedstuffs and by-products that are produced by other sectors of the agricultural community. Commonly fed by-products include: cottonseed hulls, cottonseed meal, citrus pulp, almond hulls, molasses, sugar beet pulp, carrots, potatoes, and other fresh vegetables. Animals are cared for on a daily basis.

4) As these well cared for animals are prepared for human consumption, they must meet industry and government quality assurance standards. In addition, all animals must be free of drug residues to prevent any risk to the consumer. The end result is healthy, well fed, well cared for animals that provide consumers with a nutritious and safe food supply.

Farm animals provide consumers with more than just food and fiber; people use many goods that are derived from animal by-products: leather goods, candles, sporting equipment, china, floor wax, detergents, photography film, rubber tires, asphalt, crayons, chewing gum, insulin, coating materials used on vitamins and medicines, lanolin, down and feather products.