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The hidden cost of Tim Walz’s farm-friendly image: unveiling the ugly behind it
/Adobe Stock]
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has captured the hearts of many with his wholesome, farm-friendly image; viral photos of him cuddling piglets at the Minnesota State Fair and bottle-feeding calves have painted him as a genuine advocate for rural life and agriculture; his charisma and approachable demeanor exude the “Minnesota nice” charm that the Democratic Party hopes will appeal to voters in the Midwest and Rust Belt states
However, beneath these endearing snapshots lies a more complex and troubling reality; while Walz showcases affection for farm animals, his political record reveals a history of support for large-scale industrial agriculture, commonly known as factory farming; this support has significant implications for animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and public health in Minnesota and beyond
The piglet nestled in Walz’s arms at the state fair represents an industry marred by inhumane practices; the majority of pigs in the U.S. are raised in factory farms where they endure cramped conditions, confined to gestation crates barely larger than their bodies; painful procedures like tail docking and teeth clipping are performed without anesthesia, and the pigs are eventually slaughtered using methods that can cause immense suffering
