Two anti-agriculture measures will be on the Denver ballot this fall, which could have severe implications for agriculture in the entire state.
One measure would prohibit slaughterhouses in the city of Denver starting in 2026, and the other would ban fur in the city in 2025. Currently, there is only one slaughterhouse within city limits, Superior Farms. The facility accounts for 15-20% of the total lamb harvest capacity in the U.S., according to a study conducted by Colorado State University. If the measure passes, the most severe potential economic impact to the state’s economy could be a reduction of $861 million and 2,787 jobs after accounting for multiplier effects.
The fur ban would prohibit the manufacture, distribution, display, sale or trade of animal fur products in the city. The measure would therefore ban many types of cowboy hats in the city, along with the sale of many flies and fishing lures. There are campaigns opposing the measures. To find out more, visit stopthebanprotectjobs.com and handsoffmyhat.com. In related news, a measure to ban big cat hunting recently gathered enough signatures to qualify for the city’s ballot.
