We live on a farm. I love our animals. We raise goats, sheep, chickens, pigs and a sweet llama named Tina. The two pigs we have right now are Heritage breed Guinea Hogs, of which there are less than 600 registered in the United States. We’re raising them to breed. They’re pastured pigs who get to roam around all day, rooting for food and enjoying scraps from our table. This was our girl pig, Merry, a few days after we got her and we haltered her to take her on a walk of the property:
When I came across THIS gut-wrenching video of an undercover investigation of Walmart’s pork supplier, “Seaboard Farms,” I literally was sick to my stomach. I actually couldn’t even make it through the whole video, and had to stop it when they got to the part where they were brutally castrating the male piglets.
This stuff outrages me. I understand that not everyone has access to pastured pork. As a matter of fact, it is hard to come by. But I would rather not eat pork for the rest of my life than to support something this awful. And I know this isn’t confined to pork. CAFO’s (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations) are notorious for ill-treating animals. Yes, I eat meat. But I support the ethical treatment of animals while they are on this earth. I believe the good Lord entrusted these animals to us, and I just can’t support a company who crams their animals into little cages, so small they can’t even turn around, living in their own feces and being pumped full of antibiotics to keep them from getting infections. No thank you.
Does this upset you as much as it does me? Go HERE to voice your opinion!
Edited to add: Here are a couple great resources for humanely-raised meats: Eatwild.com and US Wellness Meats. It is expensive, though. If you have access to a local farmer or can split a cow with friends, that’s a great option. Still more expensive than buying conventionally-grown meat from the grocery store, but my personal opinion is it’s better to eat a little less meat and make it good quality if possible. But, we make changes where we can and don’t get hung up on it if you can’t. I just think we should just be educated about where our meat is coming from.
P.S. I realize this is a one-sided view of things–and I’m sure the farms have their side as well. So, take from this what you like–and do with it what you want!
XLMIC says
I couldn’t click the video link. After seeing how turkeys and chickens are commercially raised, I think I know what to expect and the mere thought makes me want to cry. Thanks so much for helping expose the inhumane ways animals are brutally bred and ‘raised’ for our consumption. I wish people would get how wrong this is.
Danielle Legg says
I am often on the farm playing with some of my best friends, Gloria and I play like kids, Bob and I run through the field, and I adore sitting in the lush green grass sharing all my secrets and dreams with Daphne and Velma. My best friends are animals. I commend you for sharing this video, and for suggesting that people seek out small family farms vs. buying at a grocery store. I’ll admit, it was hard for me to read the words “splitting a cow” and “humanely raised meat” however, because regardless of how the animal is raised, he or she dies. Eating a plant based diet is actually quite easy, and if you can find a local farmer, even easier! (and more delicious!)I’m happy to share resources with you, maybe you could even have a Meat Free Monday recipe page. If you’re interested please let me know! I’d love to have a conversation about some great plant based ideas.