I focus on challenging industrial agriculture, particularly CAFOs. I pretty much work full-time doing this.
Cheryl Ruble, MD, Lunch + Legislation, April 1, 2024
Ten years ago, Cheryl had a different full-time job. She was working as a physician, practicing infectious disease (her specialty) and internal medicine in a clinic setting.
Having spent summer vacations with her family in West Michigan, she bought “a beautiful slice of heaven” with a little cottage and lakefront access, in Claybanks Township near Montague. The following year, 2018, she learned that a CAFO confining 4,200 pigs was planning to move only 1.5 miles away. That night, she stayed up researching CAFOs for hours (and has never stopped!), and realized the harms they cause. With her background, she knew they posed “significant public health concerns”, that little research had been done on the public health implications, and that there was scant oversight of the industry. She challenged the CAFO permit and lost (although there were some small victories) and the CAFO moved in.
Cheryl “kept on going” mainly working on her own. She began to network and found organizations to work with, including Michiganders for a Just Farming System, Sierra Club, and Michigan Clinicians for Climate Action.
For anyone pursuing your passion, don’t try to go it alone. Find like-minded people, people who have skill sets you don’t have. Keep trying to make connections and stick your neck out there and don’t be afraid.
Cheryl Ruble, MD, Lunch + Legislation, April 1, 2024
She has been warning that the next pandemic viral strain will arise in a CAFO instead of a wet market. “It’s a matter of when, not if.” Just days ago, cows at a large industrial dairy in Montcalm County, MI, tested positive for bird flu; and a man in Texas (where the MI cows are believed to have come from) has contracted bird flu from cows.
Although Cheryl’s life has changed drastically because of her advocacy, she emphasizes that she is unusual. Anyone can advocate, and the key is to combine your passion with facts and science.
You can watch the full interview with Cheryl here.