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I don't like a lot of reality TV programs, but I have to admit I have been watching "The Fabulous Beekman Boys" on Planet Green. Recently, they showed an episode where Josh and Brent slaughter their two pigs. Actually, they couldn't do it themselves, so they had other people come to the farm to do it. Their philosophy about raising animals for food is very similar to ours- the pigs lead a happy, healthy life and were allowed to be pigs while they were alive. They were killed humanely on site as to not stress them out by removing them from their home. So, being a fan of the show, I decided to check out their website. This is where I was shocked.
What frustrates me is how many people commented on how disgusted they were by the pigs being killed (this wasn't the shocking part) and suggested that Josh and Brent should buy their meat in a grocery store (this was the shocking part)! It is just obvious that people are too disconnected from their food. How do they think that going to grocery store is better??
1) Guess what? It was still a living creature even if it was purchased as meat at a grocery store. So, these people have still encouraged that an animal be killed for food- they just didn't have to witness it.
2) That animal was most likely raised on a feedlot in miserable, filthy, and crowded conditions. Because of the filth and crowding, it was probably fed antibiotics as well. Don't forget the corn to fatten them up!! (Most animals would not choose to eat corn- it is not a natural diet for them)
3) The animals that survive this factory farm (yes, many die prematurely) are then stressed out as they are loaded up onto a truck and taken to a slaughter house. These terrified animals are then killed in filth.
4) You have less selection when buying meat in a supermarket. For example, all of the chickens are Cornish Cross since they are the most economical, fastest growing bird. You don't have the choice of getting a Jersey Giant or Orpington (which are slower growing, but tastier birds). If it weren't for small farms, many breeds of animals would disappear!
Therefore, buying meat in a grocery store may make someone feel better since they did not witness these things first hand; however, they need to be aware that it happens. By buying meat this way, they are in fact encouraging these practices to continue. This makes them just as guilty of animal cruelty as the companies raising and selling the meat!
What frustrates me is how many people commented on how disgusted they were by the pigs being killed (this wasn't the shocking part) and suggested that Josh and Brent should buy their meat in a grocery store (this was the shocking part)! It is just obvious that people are too disconnected from their food. How do they think that going to grocery store is better??
1) Guess what? It was still a living creature even if it was purchased as meat at a grocery store. So, these people have still encouraged that an animal be killed for food- they just didn't have to witness it.
2) That animal was most likely raised on a feedlot in miserable, filthy, and crowded conditions. Because of the filth and crowding, it was probably fed antibiotics as well. Don't forget the corn to fatten them up!! (Most animals would not choose to eat corn- it is not a natural diet for them)
3) The animals that survive this factory farm (yes, many die prematurely) are then stressed out as they are loaded up onto a truck and taken to a slaughter house. These terrified animals are then killed in filth.
4) You have less selection when buying meat in a supermarket. For example, all of the chickens are Cornish Cross since they are the most economical, fastest growing bird. You don't have the choice of getting a Jersey Giant or Orpington (which are slower growing, but tastier birds). If it weren't for small farms, many breeds of animals would disappear!
Therefore, buying meat in a grocery store may make someone feel better since they did not witness these things first hand; however, they need to be aware that it happens. By buying meat this way, they are in fact encouraging these practices to continue. This makes them just as guilty of animal cruelty as the companies raising and selling the meat!
Americans in general have absolutely no idea how their food get to the table. 'Food' just comes in pretty colored boxes and under cellophane to them. Its so sad!
ReplyDeleteI grew my first meat chickens (freedom rangers) last year too, and the taste is unbelievable. We will be doing more this year.
Unfortunately you are so right. Even worse is the fact that many people WANT to stay uninformed. Too many people have told me they "don't want to know where their food comes from"! It makes them too uncomfortable to hear the facts, yet they are perfectly comfortable eating it (and feeding it to their families).
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your chickens and enjoy (guilt free)!