From Wildfires to UFOs: Farm Folklore is Filled with Conspiracy Theories

Ohhh here we go folks! There’s just something about the allure of a conspiracy theory that seems to tap into the parts of us that enjoy some gossip combined with a good scary story every now and then.

There was a joke told by a popular comedian, Ron Funches on the show “Morning Routine” in 2020, that sticks with me as I write this.

Doing stand-up in front of the crowd, Funches starts with, “How do you not believe in any conspiracy theories?! I understand not all of them, not most of them, but you don’t believe in ANY conspiracy theories?”

He says with an incredulous tone. “You just think the government’s just batting a thousand, and telling us the WHOLE truth? That’s a strong stance to take!”

Here’s some thoughts on why conspiracy theories captivate humans, and a few that have appeared in the agricultural space over the years.

According to my research, conspiracy theories do have a long history of influencing public opinion and policy.

These stories and their narratives often propose secret, malevolent forces behind significant events. While they might seem like the domain of the paranoid, surprisingly, over half of Americans believe in at least one conspiracy theory. These theories thrive by offering simple explanations for complex issues, often tapping into fears and distrust of authority.

Belief in conspiracies is often tied to how we process information. Motivated reasoning, a psychological tendency, leads us to favor information that confirms our existing beliefs while dismissing contradictory evidence. This, combined with the allure of simple, dramatic narratives, makes conspiracy theories appealing to many.

(Keep in mind, a good scary story around the campfire is one thing, but understanding these factors above is crucial in combating the spread of misinformation and fostering critical thinking in important real-life scenarios).

So, what happens when you type the phrase “farming conspiracies” into Google? See below.

GMO Conspiracy Theories

Conspiracy theories about genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have persisted for years, often centering on the idea that large corporations, particularly Monsanto, are intentionally misleading the public about the safety and benefits of GMOs.

These theories suggest companies have suppressed evidence of harmful effects, manipulated government agencies, and even engineered food shortages to promote GMO adoption. Such claims often ignore the rigorous scientific evaluation and regulatory processes GMOs undergo before market approval.

Despite widespread scientific consensus supporting the safety of GMOs, conspiracy theories continue to circulate. These unfounded beliefs are often fueled by fear and mistrust of large corporations and government institutions. It’s essential to rely on credible scientific information and avoid spreading misinformation when evaluating the topic of GMOs.

The Bill Gates Bug Conspiracy

Online discussions about climate change, food systems, and alternative proteins often take an unexpected turn.

A common narrative insists Bill Gates is plotting to eliminate beef and replace it with insects. The idea that one of the world’s richest men is orchestrating a global shift to bug-based diets has gained significant traction, especially in certain internet circles.

This conspiracy emerged as investments in alternative proteins surged, with Gates as a major player. His support for companies like Memphis Meats, coupled with growing concerns about food security and climate change, created a perfect storm for misinformation.

The idea that Gates is somehow controlling the world’s food supply is just one of many unfounded theories about him, often rooted in distrust of powerful figures and institutions. Media coverage linking topics like population growth, climate change, and alternative proteins has inadvertently contributed to the persistence of this myth.

Bird Flu

As avian flu outbreaks have rolled through the farming community multiple times over the last decade, a wave of misinformation has emerged, claiming the outbreak is a hoax or a government conspiracy. These theories, fueled by distrust in institutions and a thirst for alternative narratives, have spread rapidly online.

From baseless accusations of 5G involvement to claims of a deliberate plot to drive up food prices, these conspiracy theories ignore the overwhelming scientific consensus.

While the virus poses minimal risk to humans, it has had a devastating impact on the poultry industry, leading to mass culling and economic hardship. As farmers grapple with the real consequences of the outbreak, it is crucial to rely on credible information and support those affected by this crisis.

Wildfires and Conspiracy Theories

Canada has its share of recent conspiracies around outdoor space as well. The devastating Jasper wildfire ignited not only flames but also a blaze of conspiracy theories.

As the disaster unfolded, familiar narratives about government arson, climate change denial, and technological manipulation circulated online. This echoes a broader pattern in Alberta, where a significant portion of the population views environmental issues through a lens of distrust.

Beliefs about climate change as a hoax and wildfires as deliberate acts are prevalent in the province, amplified by misinformation and a lack of trust in institutions.

The wildfire crisis provided fertile ground for these theories to flourish, with social media playing a crucial role in spreading decontextualized images and misleading narratives. To counter this, improving information literacy is essential to help people discern credible sources and resist the allure of conspiracy theories.

Speaking of Burning Things …

In 2022, a fire broke out at a Perdue Farms soybean facility in Virginia. The incident fueled unfounded online conspiracy theories attempting to link multiple fires at agricultural facilities that year to a suggested coordinated attack on the U.S. food supply.

This led some to claim that the U.S. government was trying to create an artificial famine.

These theories gained traction online, with social media users sharing lists and maps of alleged suspicious fires at food processing plants.

However, experts and data contradict these claims. While industrial fires are undoubtedly concerning, they are relatively common occurrences and do not indicate a deliberate plot to disrupt the food supply.

The surge in attention to these incidents appears to be driven by fear and misinformation rather than evidence.

The Cattle Mutilation Mystery

In the 1970s, a wave of panic swept through the American ranching community. Cattle were turning up mysteriously mutilated, sparking wild rumors of alien involvement, satanic cults, and even government conspiracies.

These bizarre incidents, often involving precise surgical-like removal of body parts, fueled public fear and distrust of authorities. However, historian Michael J. Goleman offers a more mundane explanation.

Goleman suggests in his article the hysteria was rooted in the challenging economic conditions faced by ranchers at the time. High inflation, government policies, and environmental regulations created a perfect storm of financial hardship.

When faced with strange and unsettling animal deaths, the existing climate of mistrust amplified fears of government malfeasance.

While some cases remain unexplained, the majority of these so-called mutilations were likely the work of scavengers, misidentified by those unfamiliar with their behavior. The cattle mutilation mystery ultimately serves as a cautionary tale about the power of fear, misinformation and a loss of faith in institutions. And … it gets creepier.

Skinwalker Ranch: A Haunting History

The remote expanse of land in northeastern Utah known as Skinwalker Ranch has a chilling reputation. Once owned by the Sherman family, it became notorious after they reported inexplicable occurrences: UFO sightings, mutilated cattle and eerie crop circles.

Their terrifying experiences prompted a sale to billionaire Robert Bigelow, who poured resources into investigating the paranormal claims. Despite intense scrutiny and technological advancements, concrete evidence of the supernatural remained elusive.

The ranch’s history of strange phenomena stretches far beyond the Shermans. The Uinta Basin, where the property resides, is a hotbed of paranormal activity, earning the nickname “UFO Alley.”

From early European explorers to Native American tribes, tales of unusual lights and inexplicable events have persisted for centuries. Whether these stories are rooted in truth, mass hysteria, or something more sinister remains a tantalizing mystery.

This brings an end to this little mini-series of mine (if you missed the other two, you can go back and find them on the Lancaster Farming website by typing my name in the search bar), and I’ve enjoyed this little dip into the fantastical with you!

Next up — a series on the subcultures within the agricultural community; there’s more than you might think!