Ethan Page
Potential Graduate
- March 2, 2009 • 2:20 pm PST
- + responses
Very recently I saw a commercial recently from TryVeg.com, and it makes livestock production seem more like livestock persecution. Advertising and marketing are powerful tools in the fight against "cruelty" to animals and such organizations are using them in an extremely effective manner. The trouble with this is that the other side of the story, namely farmers and producers rarely get the same opportunity to show their industry. The entire system of livestock production is based on speed and efficiency- taking an animal from the farm to the grocery store shelf in as little time as possible in order to maximize profits. This is why we can purchase meat at extremely low prices. This is why we can eat it at every meal if we so choose.
I've read Fast Food Nation, I've researched the subject, and I've raised sheep since I was 8 years old. I agree with certain aspects of animal welfare; humane slaughter and care being one of them. But what is the scope of "humane care"? We live in a society where the anthropomorphizing of animals is rampant. Dogs are "part of the family", everything has human feelings and emotions, and Hollywood makes farm animals talk. It seems like everyone has an opinion on whether or not our livestock are being raised humanely. But the truth is that except in a few cases, animals are cared for very well in the context of livestock farming. Remember that. Farm animals do not need the amenities that we as a society are used to. They don't need housing that is 4000 square feet. They don't need plush bedding or a certain kind of food. In fact, most are fed a complete ration that gives better nutrition than most humans get. I bet most of you didn't know that.
Beginning with Prop 2 in California, the issue of animal welfare has become something bigger. For those of you who don't know what I'm talking about, it was a proposition banning the use of confinement systems for chickens, pigs, and veal calves. Chickens are normally housed close together to maximize the amount that can be raised in a given space. Pigs, on the other hand, are normally kept in smaller pens or, when having piglets, confined in a "farrowing crate" that keeps them from turning around. I know what you're thinking. "Oh those pooooor chickens and pigs, they can't even turn around or move!". Do you want to pay $12 a dozen for eggs? How about $20 or more a pound for pork? I thought not. Keeping chickens in a cage allows their eggs to drop down and out of the way of the hens, which means more supply (and less crushing). Keeping sows in farrowing crates means that they cannot lie down on their babies and kill them, which also means more supply. Believe me, a 600 pound sow roaming free among a litter of around 15 piglets spells death for at least a few. When you actually take a look at these industries, these "cruel" systems are applied to keep them safe. Prop 2 will eliminate these things by 2015 and guessed what has happened already? California is already importing more eggs from Mexico to cover demand. Farms are closing down as they are forced to retrofit buildings and lower their population of chickens. Although a smaller industry in California, the pork industry is reeling as well.
The sad part about this is that the humane cause has more money and notoriety; many celebrities often support their causes. They are also using mass marketing very well. Just take a look at the TryVeg commercials. If I was uneducated on the subject of agriculture I'd want those cute little pigs to have as much room as possible. Screw the potential future problems in the marketplace. I have a problem with the ads in that they are trying to make you feel guilty for eating meat. It is MY choice that I eat meat. I happen to love meat. But criticizing me and trying to make me feel guilty for it is way beyond supporting your own cause. I could liken it to someone trying to push their religious beliefs on me. It is YOUR choice that you live like that, so leave me to mine.
So I ask you: look at the other side. I acknowledge that there are some producers that do not treat their animals right. But that is a very small minority. Look at the research on farrowing crates, or anything else for that matter. There are numerous articles on the economics of confinement systems. Time will tell whether or not Prop 2 succeeds and doesn't screw up the egg market. It is already being proposed in other states, and will only spread as the Humane Society and other such organizations fight for it. The only question is: who's fighting for agriculture?
.JPG)
