The Humane Farming Association: Cloaked Extremism Behind a Friendly Name

A version of this article was previously published. Most of the information provided still holds true today. Western Justice is sharing to help reveal the manner in which extremist groups operate, their ties to and cooperation with other extremist groups, and the continued threat they pose to our lifestyles and livelihoods.

A Misleading Identity

The Humane Farming Association (HFA) presents itself as a farm industry group, but a closer look reveals its true nature as an animal extremist organization. Their choice to exclude the word animal from their name seems intentional, designed to mask their real agenda. Their website header includes the phrase "Campaign Against Factory Farming." It is a common ploy of extremist groups to negatively portray large-scale modern agriculture operations through deceptive labeling.

HFA promotes an “us versus them” mentality, vilifying farming styles they disagree with rather than working with agricultural experts. Their so-called protection campaigns, including a national boycott of veal, demonstrate hostility toward animal agriculture as a whole rather than constructive engagement toward improving animal welfare. Since their founding in 1985, they claim to have recruited more than 300,000 members.

Suwanna Ranch – Sanctuary or Strategy?

Like many extremist organizations, HFA operates its own sanctuary, Suwanna Ranch, which they describe as the world’s largest farm animal refuge. Framed as an altruistic rescue facility, it doubles as a propaganda tool, reinforcing their narrative against large-scale modern farming practices that work to humanely and efficiently feed the world.

At Odds With Fellow Extremists

Interestingly, HFA often clashes with other animal extremist groups such as Humane World for Animals (formerly Humane Society of the United States). While sharing the same ideologies, HFA criticizes HWA for not going far enough on extremist legislation, even accusing them of betrayal. Yet despite such in-fighting, HFA’s opposition to mainstream animal agriculture is unwavering.

Twisting the Truth About Modern Farming

HFA actively misleads the public by framing modern farming practices as cruel. They employ anthropomorphic, emotionally charged terminology like “imprisonment” and “abuse” to describe standard, humane, science-based livestock husbandry. Such rhetoric mirrors that of other extremist groups, aiming to provoke outrage rather than foster understanding.

In reality, large modern farms prioritize animal welfare as central to their operations. Supported by veterinarians, researchers, and other animal specialists, these farms rely on proven animal science and husbandry practices to ensure animals live healthy, well-cared-for lives. Moreover, large-scale farming helps lead the agriculture world in environmental stewardship, all while keeping food safe, affordable, and accessible.

Disinformation Campaigns

HFA thrives on disinformation. During their veal boycott campaign, they spread false claims about calves being kept in perpetual darkness, denied water, and fed drug-laced feed. Their director, Bradley Miller, even pushed these distortions on national television, including The Oprah Winfrey Show.

They funded an undercover investigator to produce the HBO documentary Death on a Factory Farm, which sought to portray Ohio farmers as abusive. Nearly all charges brought against those farmers were dismissed in court, undermining the credibility of HFA’s claims. Similarly, they oppose horse processing without offering solutions for the nearly 100,000 unwanted horses exported annually for processing in Mexico and Canada.

Targeting the Next Generation

HFA also directs its messaging at children. Their “humane education” programs and activity books frame farm animals as “sentient beings” while downplaying the reality and necessity of agriculture. Their online store sells campaign materials designed for use in classrooms, aiming to further embed extremist ideology in educational settings.

Political Activism Over Practical Solutions

HFA has played a key role in pushing extremist ballot initiatives and legislation. For example, they supported Massachusetts Question 3, which imposed restrictive animal housing regulations. When Senate Bill 2603 was later introduced to address looming food shortages, HFA condemned the compromise as a “betrayal,” even at the cost of higher food prices and reduced access for consumers. This reveals a preference for rigid ideology over feeding families.

The Players Behind HFA

HFA’s leadership keeps a low profile. Few staff members are visible on professional networks, yet their backgrounds often connect them to other extremist organizations like Farm Sanctuary, World Animal Protection, and the Animal Welfare Institute. HFA’s ties to Los Angeles politics—through figures like Paul Krekorian, former general counsel and HSUS Legislator of the Year—link them to broader extremist networks pushing ordinances against fur, rodeos, and even pony rides.

Conclusion: Extremism Disguised as Advocacy

At first glance, HFA may appear less radical than other groups. However, their record reveals the same agenda: undermining modern animal agriculture through disinformation, emotional appeals, and political pressure. While they sometimes spar with fellow extremists, their end goals remain aligned—an agriculture system divorced from science, efficiency, and the realities of feeding a global population.