Don't let a bad pork producer ruin it for everyone.

I don't know if you've heard about PETA's latest stunt, but they recently released video of abuse on a swine operation in Iowa.

First of all, just because there are a few bad apples in the bunch doesn't mean all of America's pork producers are doing the same thing. I know producers to be rational, responsible caretakers of their animals. Why would a producer want to hurt an animal they need to make a living? Pigs are these people's livelihood. Also, the farm where the abuse occured is a family-owned operation, and has been for 30 years.

PETA began their investigation on this hog operation in June. They JUST released the video about abuse this month. If PETA is trying to protect animals from abuse, why did they wait three-plus months before coming the the "rescue" of the animals? It's because they really don't care about the animals. They are just trying to stir things up and make some more money from memberships.

Please read both sides of the story. Not all pork producers abuse their animals. For example, just because some people do drugs, it doesn't mean everyone does. Just because some people chew tobacco it doesn't mean everyone does. And just because some people are vegan, it doesn't mean everyone wants to become vegan.

I'm all about freedom of speech and having the right to do what you want. However, when groups like PETA spread lies and aren't truly helping any animals, it's not worth it. Don't believe everything you hear.

America's pork producers are going to great lengths to make sure animals are being treated fairly. They have programs for operations like Pork Quality Assurance Plus and Transport Quality Assurance. They also have a new responsible pork initiatve to gain public trust.

If you have more questions, visit the National Pork Board Web site at www.pork.org or ask me and I will try to get you to the right place to find answers. Check out the Pork Checkoff's YouTube videos. Listen to podcasts. Read blogs.

Don't let a few Negative Nancy's ruin your hunger for ham, pork chops, bacon or hot dogs. Read the other side of the story. Please.