Have ‘Ag-Gag Laws’ Gone too Far?

Jul 13, 2012

Animal Activists Assault on Agriculture Triggers Gag Laws

The food system is an intimate experience that touches everyone’s lives and it’s important to understand how your food is produced. But lawmakers in the US have introduced new measures to protect the ‘privacy’ of farms. The introduction of ‘ag-gag laws’ prohibits photographing or videotaping on farms without the owners consent. Over 20 states have proposed ag-gag laws with the first ones popping up in the early 1990’s. US farmers have had their fair share of animal activist groups target their operations, trying to use any piece of evidence as ‘proof’ that farmers mistreat their animals.

It’s unfortunate that this law had to be created in the first place. Farmers don’t have anything to hide – they care about the animals and are stewards of the land. The rise of ‘radical’ animal activist groups trespassing on farmer’s properties and attempting to gather evidence to support their cause has prompted lawmakers to- put -a -stop to the constant assault on agriculture.

But in rare cases there are cruelties that do happen that tarnish the name for agriculture and in those rare cases when cruelties do happen- it should be exposed. Ag-gag laws are harmful to agriculture because it makes the law look like there is something to hide when really the law is about protecting farm owners from activists who try and trespass on their property. There now exists two extreme sides of the spectrum the – radical animal activists and ag-gag laws. Do ag-ag laws really achieve the purpose that they were originally intended to do?

Video: Agriculture Secretary Rollins Speaks at American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim

One of the highlights at the 2026 American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim, California, was an address by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. During her remarks, she thanked America’s farmers and ranchers and said the Trump Administration is fully aware that food security is national security.

She also acknowledged the challenging times in Farm Country with low commodity prices and high input costs and said that’s why the President stepped in to help with the recent Bridge Assistance Program.

Montana Farm Bureau Federation Executive Vice President Scott Kulbeck says that Farm Bureau members are appreciative of the help and looks forward to working with the American Farm Bureau Federation and its presence in Washington, DC to keep farmers and ranchers in business.

Secretary Rollins said the Trump Administration is also committed to helping ranchers build back America’s cattle herd while also providing more high-quality U.S. beef at the meat case for consumers.

And she also announced more assistance for specialty crop producers who only received a fraction of the $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA).

It’s important to note that producers who qualify for Farmer Bridge Assistance can expect the Farm Service Agency to start issuing payments in late February. For more information, farmers and ranchers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center.