Farmers right to raise livestock

Intro:	Missouri lawmakers say they want to protect the states number one economic industry and the rights of farmers.
RunTime:	0:44
OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: A couple of rural lawmakers are supporting a proposed constitutional amendment to protect farmers rights to engage in modern farming and ranching practices.

The resolution would outlaw any law that would infringe on farmers rights to use technology in production.

Former representative Tom Loehner supports the measure and says the livestock industry is essential to the state.

Actuality:	LOEHNER.WAV
Run Time:	00:05
Description: "You can do without a boat, you can do without a car and you can do without a lot of other things, but you can't do without food."

The Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation opposes the plan and says the language of the amendment would allow animal cruelty.

For the resolution to become an amendment it must first pass the legislature and then be approved by the voters.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Ke'yanna Johnson

Intro:	While lawmakers support a proposed amendment that would always allow farmers and ranchers to use modern practices, an animal rights group signals opposition.
RunTime:	0:43
OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: Two Missouri representatives are sponsoring a proposed constitutional amendment to protect a farmers right to raise livestock.

But an animal rights organization signaled opposition. Bob Baker Executive Director of Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation says the initial language of the resolution would have allowed animal fighting, but also says he does not support the current language either.

Actuality:	BAKER1.WAV
Run Time:	00:12
Description: "And our original concern was that it would actually do some harm and most of that has been taken away, but we still have some minor concerns about it and we're still researching it."

The bills supporters say agriculture is the top economic industry in the state.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Ke'yanna Johnson

Intro:	Two Rural lawmakers say they've proposed a constitutional amendment to protect the rights of farmers.
RunTime:	0:30
OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: The resolution would allow farmers and ranchers to use modern practices.

Former representative Tom Loehner says agriculture is essential in Missouri's economic stability.

Actuality:	LOEHNER3.WAV
Run Time:	00:10
Description: "The agriculture industry in Missouri is the number one economic engine in the state of Missouri. That means it generates the most income of revenue in the state than any other industry in the state."

The Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation says the language of the amendment is vague and would allow animal cruelty.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Ke'yanna Johnson