Perceptions of beef cattle producers preparedness when dealing with animal activist events

The purpose of the study is to identify beef cattle producers? current knowledge level of animal activism and measure the perceived level of an animal activism risk to the operation. This convenience sample consisted of beef cattle producers in attendance at the Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course held on August 6-8, 2012, and members of the Angus Journal e-list.

Results confirmed that respondents found it fairly likely that an animal activist attack could happen in the United States and that it could likely happen in their home state. Respondents found it less likely that an attack could happen to their operation, but in the instance of an attack, they are to be prepared. Respondents identified two aspects of their operation as susceptible threats: tampering with gates and locks and theft/misuse. Although beef cattle producers recognize the importance of safe guarding their operation against potential threats, most are not implementing the precautions necessary to do so.

As far as the preferred source of information about activist threats, respondents were fairly likely to contact law enforcement, the Internet, farm magazines, their Extension agent, and their veterinarian. Most of the producers had never attended an animal activism workshop but did say they would attend one at least once. As a majority, the respondents had not invested time or money to reduce loss of production due to animal activism and did not have access to educational material to answer questions they might have about animal activism. The preferred delivery method of future animal activism educational materials should be offered to beef cattle producers in the evenings. The best method of educating respondents proved to be dinner meetings. Books, computer software and audio disks were the least popular methods of education.