If you are at all involved in the livestock or rodeo industries you probably know that the Rodeo Houston and Livestock show has been going on since Feb. 27 and will go through March 18, 2018. This event has been around since 1932.

The event's mission statement is as follows: "The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ promotes agriculture by hosting an annual, family-friendly experience that educates and entertains the public, supports Texas youth, showcases Western heritage and provides year-round educational support within the community." Since this event began it has committed more than $450 million to the youth of Texas.

Now, since the rodeo and livestock show have started I have seen multiple things where people are protesting the event. On two accounts, I have seen where one person was specifically protesting the livestock show, and the other was protesting the rodeo. Coming from a part in the agriculture industry, and being involved in rodeo, and around it my entire life I have a different view point. I'm going to do my best to educate you, because as an agriculturalist that is one of the many jobs that I hold.

Dear Vegan Activists,

First of all I would like to say thank you. Thank you for showing me that there is a gap in knowledge between the rancher, and the public eye.

Second of all, personally I would like to say that you just don't get it. You don't understand what we as ranchers do, the way we treat our livestock, and why we choose to live the life that we live.

You protest the mistreatment of the livestock, but do you actually know how those animals are really treated? In one particular video, I have seen the various rodeo events discussed. You say that these animals are mistreated. You try to list facts to prove your statements, however, you are wrong.

Those bulls and horse particularly are taken excellent care of. That livestock that you think is being treated poorly goes home to heated stalls, with clean water, fresh bedding, and plenty of food. They are seen by veterinarians regularly to make sure they are in tip top shape. Then again most of them are worth more than you and I's yearly income combined.

The average price of a bucking bull is $100,000+, bucking horses are around $50,000, and a good all around barrel or rope horse is gonna cost you a pretty penny. I promise we don't invest that much money in our livestock to just let them get treated poorly.

You also discussed how the animals are taken away in "slaughter trucks." Those trucks you are seeing aren't slaughter trucks at all, they are livestock transporters. They aren't cram packed, they are meant to be as stressless as possible for the animals.

So, until you do some in depth research I would urge you to not bash an industry you don't know anything about. If you choose to be a vegan that is your own choice and more power to you. Please stop causing more trouble for those of us for just choosing to live our lives differently than you, when you are just misinformed.