Many people in our society are sitting on the fence regarding the animal rights movement. Those of us who make our living in agri- culture should NUI‘ be sitting on any fences on this issue, for the problem is growing and indeed a hidden threat lies just around the corner. Part of the difficulty in deciding on how or even if, to deal with the issue, is the confusion which seems to surround the many different animal organizations. If you are like the average person today, you are probably t0tally confused about the differences between the various animal welfare organizations and those who speak loudly about animal rights. There are basic and important differences between the traditional animal welfare movement, which advocates the humane use of animals. and the much newer animal rights movement that is opposed to ANY use of animals. ANIMAL WELFARE organiâ€" zations recognize the human need Conservation Farming ’88 will be held on June 28 and 29, 1988. The latest techniques in soil and water conservation as related to farming practices, natural habitats and woodlot management will be demon~ strated and discussed. The site is at the Woodstock Research Station, Woodstock â€" ake exit #232 off Highway 401, go orth on Highway 59 until you ach County Road #17. A ZOO-acre ite has been utilized to demonstrate arious aspects including: tile rainage, erosion control structures, onservation tillage equipment, illage, windbreaks. woodlot anagement, streambank protection, ilk house septic system treatment, d manure management. included the exhibit area is a special Sharon Weitzel to use animals. Traditionally. they have worked with industries and animal users to ensure that animals do not suffer unnecessarily, when used for food or research, or any other purpose. They have broad public and scientiï¬c support of their goals of achieving a more humane treatment of animals. ANIMAL RIGHTS organiâ€" zations and advocates believe that humans have no right to ever kill or use animals. They recognize no distinction between the beneficial intervention of man, i.e. to protect endangered species etc.. and the misuses man has inflicted on the animal world. In animal rights groups, they consider that it is as morally wrong to use animals for Animal welfare vs. animal rights the good of mankind as it is to make slaves of other human beings. Animal rights opposition to the use of animals, includes not only use for meat, fur. and medical research, but they also oppmc the use of animals for the general public in zoos, for recreation. and for pets. There is one objective. . .to end all use of animals. This philosophy poses a threat to medical research, agriculturc, thc food processing industry. the for industry, conservation cl‘l‘orts. sports. and ANY other industry of occupation which uses animals. Anyone involved in the agri- cultural sector should bc deeply concerned about the animal rights movement and we sit back and do nothing at our peril. We should be able to ignore various industry difference, in order to work together on this very important issue. Our future is at stake. Sharon Weitzel is the chairman of the Southwestern Ontario Women for the Supporl of Agriculture. Conservation in farming at June seminar innovators Corner and a display featuring the historical aspects of soil conservation. Wagon and walking tours have been planned. These tours will go to various stations where knowl- edgeable people will show, demonstrate, discuss the advantages. and answer questions on techniques such as: * water and sediment control basins low level crossings restricted livestock access drop structures fish habitat enhancement tree windbreaks woodlot management stripcropping grassed waterways conservation tillage .iilfl**§* The evening of June 28 has hCL‘Il reserved especially for tours by youth or urban groups. Il' your club would like to register for one oi the evening tours, please contact your local rural organization specialist or Bev Rawn, Guelph Agriculture Ccntiu P. O. Box 1030, Guclph, NIH ï¬NI. H & C February, March I988 ll