In an interview with Kyle Clark, Manny Rutinel was repeatedly pressed to explain whether he still believes animal agriculture is a “horrific, exploitative industry,” but initially avoided directly answering the question before ultimately saying he no longer holds that view.

“Animal agriculture is a horrific, exploitative industry.”

Transcript:

Rutinel: Im not a vegan

Clark: Why are you not a vegan though anymore?

Rutinel: Because I believe that it’s important for me to enjoy the delicious products that Colorado ranchers make

Clark: Welcome to the world of meat. You told the Big Ag Antitrust Conference in 2021 “the factory farming of animals is one of the largest sources of suffering on the planet” and you also said “animal agriculture is a horrific, exploitative industry.” Feel free to take a minute on this. Do you still believe what you said? And how will that affect the way that you lead.

Rutinel: Farmers and ranchers are my friends. Ive been honored to be supported by United Farm Workers, United Food and Commercial Workers which represents the meat packers over at JBS in Greeley. I will always fight for our ranchers and farmers and right now Donald Trump and Gabe Evetts are creating terrible conditions for them with their chaotic and corrupt tariff policies.

Clark: Would you mind answering the question though whether you still believe that animal agriculture is a horrific and exploitative industry?

Rutinel: Colorado ranchers and farmers are the envy of the world. They have the best practices. The most sustainable practices. They produce the best product. I will always fight for them.

Clark: So, voters are left to try and discern whether you still believe that and you won't tell them or whether you've changed your mind. There's certainly nothing wrong with changing your mind and if you have id like to ask you why. But ill ask you again, do you still believe that animal agriculture is a horrific exploitative industry?

Rutinel: No, I think that Colorado ranchers and farmers are the envy of the world.