MARLBOROUGH, Mass. — Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation members are set to take their livestock to the Boston Common on June 6 to discuss H.B. 441, an act to promote the care and well-being of livestock and H.B. 3323/S.B. 1584, an act to establish estate tax valuation for farms.
During the event, which is known as Livestock on the Common, the public will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with farm-raised livestock, including lambs, goats and cows. In addition, the event will be used to raise awareness about agricultural policy, such as H.B. 441, which would create a livestock care and standards board in Massachusetts made up of farmers, local humane organizations, vet organizations and relevant state agencies. When put into place, this panel will be tasked with coming to consensus on issues related to livestock care.
“Farmers and vets have years of formal and informal training on how to care and raise livestock,” said MFBF President Ed Davidian, who farms in Northborough. “We would like to see this board give these groups a voice to discuss livestock matters and come to consensus with other concerned parties, like state agencies and local humane organizations. As such, we are using this event as platform to discuss this board and more with our legislators.”
During Livestock on the Common, the public, legislators and media will be encouraged to ask the farmers about issues ranging from humane treatment of livestock to genetically modified organisms and how food is produced.
“We want this event to be informative for everyone involved,” said MFBF Young Farmer and Rancher Committee Chair Heidi Cooper, who farms in Rochdale and event organizer. “Livestock on the Common is about more than taking a photo with our livestock, it’s about giving the public in downtown Boston a place to meet and talk with farmers. What other venue in downtown Boston gives you that opportunity?”
The event will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Boston Common, with a speaking program scheduled to run from noon until 12:20 p.m. For more information about Livestock on the Common, including arranging interviews, background information and more, please contact MFBF’s office at 508-481-4766 or info@mfbf.net.
— Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation
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