(Lara’s note – I wrote this blog post for Agriculture.com and am reprinting it here with the permission of the Meredith Corporation.)
I have a teeny little confession to make.
I think I’m burned out on writing about all the misconceptions and mistruths about agriculture. Those of you who know me well know that I’ve spent a good number of years sharing information about poultry farming, specifically, and agriculture, generally. It’s been and continues to be a passion of mine. I blog about it here, and occasionally via Agriculture.com, AskTheFarmers.com and AgChat.org.
But right now, I’m tired. And frankly, a little pissed off.
The continued attacks on animal agriculture from animal activist groups keep coming.
Case in point: Did you think the activists would be happy switching every major retailer and foodservice company to cage-free eggs? I didn’t either. Now they’re saying cage-free isn’t good enough (New York Times).
Huh. Imagine that.
Let me guess. Completely eliminating egg production would be best.
Winner winner chicken dinner.
Only who wins? Certainly not the farmers and their families I know, who love what they do and work 24-7 to care for their birds, provide a high quality protein for consumers, and make a living for their families.
Certainly not consumers like me. I like eggs. I like animal protein. I don’t want an activist organization to dictate what I purchase in the supermarket or at a restaurant. And I’m quite sure I’m not the only one who feels this way.
The activists would say the hens win. But …. call me silly, but what would we do with all those hens if we didn’t need or want their eggs? I believe God has a purpose for all animals and hens lay eggs, one of the world’s most perfect and versatile forms of protein.
Enough already.
(By the way, that New York Times article I linked to above? The animal activist group clearly stated they didn’t have permission to be on the farm where they were videotaping cage-free production. And guess what? They don’t think that’s illegal. A spokesman told the New York Times “the group had not broken any laws because they had suspected animal cruelty and that gave them a right to enter the property.” Excuse me? How is this organization above the laws of the land?)
Let me be clear. I do NOT condone animal cruelty. Farmers and their employees must treat their animals with respect and great care – and most do. That is a non-negotiable for me.
Another non-negotiable? Choice when it comes to my food decisions. I know vegans and vegetarians and meat eaters … whatever you choose for yourself is fine by me. I just wish a small group of activist hell bent on ending meat consumption (and make no mistake – that’s what they want) would stop trying to make those choices for me.
Lara