USDA’s “feral invasive species” claim effectively threatening to shut down Bakers Green Acres farm in Michigan

From Heather Callaghan at the Activist Post:

“Our farm is basically embargoed. We can raise all the pigs we want, but can not move them out to our market. That cuts off cash flow, effectively starving the farm financially and the pigs practically.”

Bakers Green Acres made the news last spring as the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) went on a mission to eradicate heritage pigs, calling them a feral invasive species. This move would wipe out the entire small-scale farm whose animals pose no threat to typical hog species. New blockages from multiple government agencies are making it impossible to run the farm.

Mark and Jill Acres of Marion, MI decided to fight the Invasive Species Order but have not been allowed to have a hearing, and it’s been a year. So, after feeding all the Russian boar and Mangalitsa pigs ($200-300 per day) to keep them alive while in limbo, they decided to take them to slaughter.  Isn’t that what the State wanted – wouldn’t that make them happy?

But when they went to take some to the USDA slaughterhouse, they were blocked right before Christmas by an issue from the USDA who is supporting the DNR move….”

More on the Activist Post.

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One response to “USDA’s “feral invasive species” claim effectively threatening to shut down Bakers Green Acres farm in Michigan

  1. It’s crazy that this guy can’t even slaughter these animals. There must be other farmers in a similar situation. It certainly doesn’t seem personal, but rather it’s just irrational. Farmer’s deserve a little respect–unfortunately they are usually pushed around by the government and huge corporations.

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