The Socially Responsible Agricultural Project (SRAP): An Anti-Agriculture Agenda

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.

Origins and Expansion

SRAP began as a small local group targeting modern farms, originally under the umbrella of the Global Resource Action Center for the Environment (GRACE). Co-founder William Weida, an economics professor with no agricultural background, described the group’s funding as coming from “anonymous” sources. Over time, SRAP expanded nationally, becoming a well-funded, secretive, and aggressive player against family farms.

Under leadership from figures such as Kendra Kimbirauskas, Terry Spence, and Danielle Diamond, SRAP has inserted itself into lawsuits against beef, pork, and dairy operations nationwide. Their goal is not to protect communities but to dismantle animal agriculture.

Radical Ideology Behind a Humane Façade

Like many animal rights groups, SRAP cloaks its mission in appealing language about “protecting family farms” and “preserving natural resources.” However, their ultimate objective is clear: to end animal agriculture. They leverage emotional rhetoric, misleading data, and grassroots front groups to gain support and donations while pushing an extremist anti-farming agenda.

Leadership and Ties to Extremist Groups

The ideology of SRAP is evident through its past and present leadership, many of whom have direct ties to radical organizations:

- John Ikerd (Board of Directors, Missouri): Regular speaker at HSUS events; co-authored reports commissioned by the UN promoting anti-CAFO rhetoric. Publicly stated that CAFOs—not activist groups—are the “greatest threat” to animal agriculture.

- William Weida (Co-founder, Colorado): Connected to GRACE and World Watch Institute, collaborating with HSUS leaders like Miyun Park (formerly of PETA and HSUS).

- Don Stull (Board of Directors, Kansas): Long-time leader at the Organization for Competitive Markets (OCM), which received HSUS legal aid.

- Terry Spence (Executive Director, Missouri): Linked to GRACE and animal rights propaganda films like The Meatrix.

- Danielle Diamond (Director of Field Operations, Illinois): Partnered with HSUS, ASPCA, and ALDF to oppose agricultural legislation; co-founder of ICCAW, notorious for harassing Illinois hog farmers.

- Kendra Kimbirauskas (Former CEO, Oregon): Former Sierra Club activist, featured speaker at Lewis & Clark Law School’s animal law conference—a known training hub for animal rights attorneys.

- Lynn Henning (Field Representative, Michigan): Sierra Club activist involved in numerous lawsuits against dairy farmers, recognized by PETA.

- Karen Hudson (Regional Representative, Illinois): Serial founder of anti-agriculture groups, allied with HSUS and Sierra Club to push anti-CAFO regulation.

- Chris Peterson (Regional Representative, Iowa): HSUS Ag Advisory Council member, accused of misrepresenting modern farming practices in public forums.

- Diane Rosenburg (Consultant, Iowa): Executive Director of Jefferson County Farmers and Neighbors (JFAN), working alongside HSUS allies.

- Joe Maxwell (Missouri): Perhaps the most influential figure, Maxwell has held senior positions at HSUS and its legislative arm, HLF. He later became Executive Director of OCM and founded Family Farm Action, whose advisors include radical activists equating modern farming with slavery.

Tactics and Campaigns

SRAP’s methods are formulaic:

- Target permit filings. They monitor EPA permits and swoop in to rally opposition whenever a facility applies for expansion.

- Exploit communities. They organize “educational meetings” that push animal rights propaganda, often forming front groups with names like Save Our Smith Valley or Lone Jack Neighbors for Responsible Agriculture.

- File nuisance lawsuits. These lawsuits pit neighbors against farmers, creating division in rural towns.

- Amplify misinformation. SRAP relies on outdated and discredited reports, such as Livestock’s Long Shadow, debunked by UC Davis Professor Frank Mitloehner.

Examples of their campaigns include:

- Anti-farming campaigns in 162 communities across 29 states (2018).

- Co-hosting propaganda events with the ASPCA and Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future.

- Backing nuisance lawsuits against Smith Valley Dairy and North Carolina hog farmers.

- Leading opposition against Valley Oaks Steak Company’s expansion with help from PETA and HSUS.

Strategic Partnerships with Animal Rights Groups

SRAP does not act alone. Its collaborations include:

- HSUS / HLF: Longstanding ties through leadership and lawsuits; their “Three R’s” philosophy—Reduce, Refine, Replace—makes their anti-meat agenda clear.

- ASPCA: Sponsors SRAP’s “Factory Farming Summit” and promotes anti-agriculture campaigns.

- Sierra Club: Provides activists, awards, and infrastructure for SRAP’s campaigns.

- Less = More Coalition (Michigan): A Sierra Club offshoot joined by HSUS and SRAP.

These connections reveal a coordinated network working to dismantle animal agriculture, big or small.

The Real Impact on Farmers

While SRAP claims to fight “corporate farming,” their lawsuits and campaigns actually target family farmers and ranchers—neighbors within the community. For example, in North Carolina, SRAP-backed lawsuits went after contract growers, not foreign corporations. This reality is deliberately omitted in their rhetoric.

The result: divided communities, family livelihoods destroyed, and family farms left vulnerable to extremist agendas.

Conclusion: Stay Informed, Stay United

SRAP and its allies represent a well-funded, coordinated threat to animal agriculture. Their tactics—misinformation, lawsuits, and emotional manipulation—are designed to erode public trust in farming and ranching. Farmers, ranchers, and industry leaders must remain informed, united, and proactive in exposing these groups and defending agriculture.

Together, our voices are strong. By standing united, we can protect our farms, families, and the future of American agriculture.