Wimmera growers have encouraged animal activists to learn more about farming practices, and to be open to hearing viewpoints other than their own.
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On Monday, protesters occupied the intersection of Swanston and Flinders streets in Melbourne, drove trucks and let down the tyres to block entrances to abattoirs in Victoria and NSW, as well as allegedly unlawfully entering a Queensland dairy farm.
The organiser of the protests was Aussie Farms - a group that says it is "dedicated to ending commercialised animal abuse and exploitation in Australian animal agriculture facilities". Monday's action coincided with the first anniversary of its anti-farming film, Dominion.
Ross Johns, who has a mixed cropping and sheep farm west of Warracknabeal, refuted claims from protesters that the agriculture industry wasn't transparent enough about its practices.
"Anyone is most welcome to come out to my operation and have a look around, and I've done that with many people," he said.
"I'd want to talk to the activists first. I think people who have a fixed position, it doesn't matter what you show them - that position won't change.
"I like to think these people would be open-minded to the efficient and ethical production methods we use in Australia. Farmers' main aim is to treat animals as well as you possibly can, because otherwise they don't perform."
Grain Producers Australia chairman Andrew Weidemann, of Rupanyup, said the agriculture industry was "under siege".
"I don't think these activists understand we can't grow enough food for the world without the tools we currently have," he said.
"The reality is there are a lot of people in the world and they want to eat red meat, white meat, vegetables and grains. They (activists) also don't seem to understand that when they walk onto a farm, they could be transferring diseases, weeds and pests from their shoes and clothes."
Victorian Farmers Federation president David Jochinke, of Murra Warra, said he was relieved the demonstrations were mostly peaceful, and that he hadn't heard reports of activist activity in the Wimmera.
"For those who choose to eat products from animals, they can be assured that Australian farmers care for their animals and strive to achieve world's best practice when it comes to many standards of production including animal health and welfare," Mr Jochinke said.
Alexander Darling
Alexander has been a member of the Wimmera Mail-Times' editorial team since December 2018, covering politics, business and property among other rounds. He is a passionate St.Kilda and rock and roll fan, and has previously worked as a radio reporter in Port Macquarie and Gosford, NSW.
Alexander has been a member of the Wimmera Mail-Times' editorial team since December 2018, covering politics, business and property among other rounds. He is a passionate St.Kilda and rock and roll fan, and has previously worked as a radio reporter in Port Macquarie and Gosford, NSW.
