A contentious ballot initiative set for November in Sonoma County, California, and coming soon to Nevada, has sparked a debate, with local ranchers raising alarms about its potential impact on agriculture.
According to local ranchers, the proposed measure would ban all family and factory farms within the county, posing a severe threat to the local farming community.
“This ballot initiative would eliminate family livestock farming that is so important in Sonoma County,” one rancher said. “There will be no eggs, chicken, dairy, cheese, lamb, and other livestock from Sonoma County in your supermarkets if this initiative passes.”
The proposed ordinance targets medium- and large-sized concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), phasing them out over time. If passed, the measure would threaten hundreds of family and multigenerational farms, with about 60 farms facing immediate closure.
Ordinance sponsors may have broader ambitions to eliminate animal agriculture.
“They aim to get rid of animal agriculture altogether, everywhere, and are using this legislation as a means to start the process of wiping out farms. This is just the beginning,” the rancher warned.
“This is an attack on our food sovereignty, our food security, and our American ranchers in the area,” he continued. “So do your job, do your part, make the phone call — get this off the ballot.”
The proposed measure has ignited a fierce debate, highlighting the tension between animal welfare advocacy and agricultural livelihoods. As the November vote approaches, both sides are rallying supporters, ensuring that the future of the Sonoma County farming landscape hangs in the balance.
If the ordinance succeeds, a similar campaign will come to Nevada under the guise of promoting green energy and combating climate change.
The Old Blog in the Desert 
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