In response to Adam Rinkleff’s letter (“Cattle yards or death camps?” Nov. 8): Mr. Rinkleff, did you grow up on a farm? Do you have any idea of the importance of the cattle industry in this country?

First, I believe that comparing cattle yards to Nazi death camps is in itself absurd. Coming from a farm, I’ve taken part in the process of de-horning cattle and see firsthand that it is necessary so as to prevent cattle from potentially goring or seriously injuring other cattle. Your reasoning of comparing human hands to cattle horns is just plain foolish.

The ludicrous ramblings of the garish examples you presented are extreme cases that rarely occur and those who are ignorant or blind enough to raise cattle this way have no business doing it. There are laws against these inhumane actions. Where did you “witness” all of this inhumane treatment of animals and in what capacity?

Being a history major, you of all people should know that food production really can’t be compared to death camps. Why do you think this?

And because some religions in foreign lands treat cattle as holy, we must also treat them as holy? I don’t think so.

The most humane approach to raising cattle is to raise them organically.

To raise certified organic beef, one must follow the USDA standards such as pasturing cattle which gives them the “certain amount of territorial space” and giving them some kind of shelter from the elements. Also, no growth hormones or genetically modified grains may be given to the animals.

If you want to whine about something, then look into the use of growth hormones and GMOs.

As for me, I look forward to the next time I can sit down and enjoy a sumptuous steak dinner.

David Rosmann

Junior

Public Service and Administration in Agriculture