"Swine Production -- Who is my Neighbor?"
Dioceses of Iowa and the Iowa Catholic Conference

Changing methods of swine production are raising many questions and concerns about the impacts of large-scale confinement operations on rural communities and the environment. Adverse social, environmental, and economic impacts of large scale animal feeding operations include water and air pollution, decrease property values, and potential human resistance to certain anti-biotic as a result of increased use in animal, and yet, many hog-farm workers are simply grateful for their jobs. Some Catholics find themselves with opposing viewpoints in often emotional and sometimes divisive debates about the impacts of the methods. On the other hand, many Catholics feel detached from the issue.

The four Catholic Dioceses of Iowa with the Iowa Catholic Conference and National Catholic Rural Life Conference have been conducting parish gatherings since 2001 designed to be a prayerful time respectful of the inherent dignity of all involved in and affected by swine production. Participants – ranging from family farm advocates to animal rights groups and representatives from academic research institutions to citizens’ councils – pray together and reflect on God’s word, hear viewpoints of Catholics who rely on swine production for their livelihoods and from those who are adversely affected by swine production.

Catholic social teaching used throughout the process helps sort through the environmental, economic, social, and spiritual elements of this complex issue. Participants are given the opportunity to privately discern their responses to insights gained from the gathering.

The leadership of Catholics in addressing the complex economic, social and environmental issues related to hog-farming has resulted in the enhanced perception of the Iowa Catholic Conference and the four Iowa Catholic diocese among citizen groups as major stakeholders and sources of information on this topic. “Swine Production: Who is My Neighbor?” is one example of the high-quality educational resources available, based on sound science from a variety of widely respected research universities such as Iowa State, University of Iowa, North Carolina State University, University of Minnesota, and Cornell University.

Contact Person: Tim Kautza, National Catholic Rural Life Conference at ncrlctk@mchsi.com or 515-270-2634.