(I have seen it before, but I watched it again to refresh my memory) What do I think about it? Not very much. Like anything else, one can take the worst case examples and make a video that purports to show "industry wide practices" when for most of us in the business, it is simply not true. Obviously, these things do happen, but it's been my experience that it's not to the extent shown in the video. By that I mean, it's not how most cattle producers treat their animals. Regardless of whatthe video shows, in the US, most of the cattle raised are still raised on family farms, of less than 500 acres and fewer than 150 head per farm. (That is from the 2011 USDA ag census numbers--I had to fill one out too -"under penalty of law")
I use 2% lidocane injected in 3 places around each horn when dehorning cattle--just as a dentist does when we have dental work done--it's known as 'freezing" the immediate area surrounding the horn, but many do not simply because their vets won't write a prescription for it due to state laws prohibiting it--or because of possible liability issues stemming from improper use by drug dealers mixing it with "something else".
One of the short segments in the video showed a big mass hanging out the back of a cow. That, is a rare occurance, and it occasionally happens in all mammals including humans. It's a uterine prolapse, where, after having a calf, the uterus is pushed out the vulva by the cow when she tries to expel the afterbirth. I've never had it happen to one of mine, but I do know the procedure for putting one back in.
The "hammer looking" thing being used on the hips of pigs is a tattoo mallet. It identifies each animal with a unique number, and afaik, it is now required by USDA to be able to track the carcass from retailer back to source--back to farm. New regs (issued as of Feb 2014--effective Oct 2014) also require all beef animals sold in most states (including Texas) for slaughter or "back-to-farm" be permanently marked as well, either with brand, tattoo, or ear tag. Most people who still brand, do it with a freeze branding iron instead of a hot branding iron.
[This message has been edited by maryjane (edited 04-01-2014).]
(I have seen it before, but I watched it again to refresh my memory) What do I think about it? Not very much. Like anything else, one can take the worst case examples and make a video that purports to show "industry wide practices" when for most of us in the business, it is simply not true. Obviously, these things do happen, but it's been my experience that it's not to the extent shown in the video. By that I mean, it's not how most cattle producers treat their animals. Regardless of whatthe video shows, in the US, most of the cattle raised are still raised on family farms, of less than 500 acres and fewer than 150 head per farm. (That is from the 2011 USDA ag census numbers--I had to fill one out too -"under penalty of law")
What he said, seeing we raise all our own beef and any other animals we eat, pork, chickens, eggs everything on the farm is treated like they are pets, even get named, although you don't want to get named Normand or Fred if you are a cow, you are headed for freezer camp, Pigs named Porkchop or Bacon are also headed for freezer camp and all live in much better conditions that some people. None are abused as shown in that video and seeing that is the worst of the worst as proven by who did the video, PETA, HSUS, Chooseveg.com its just more of an advertisement than a true vision of the entire animal raising and slaughter, processed used in the majority of our meat industry in the US. you want to really see the truth, just go to a local to you family farm, dairy, or anyone else who raises their own food, you are welcome here anytime to see how our creatures are raise and butchered. You want to buy humanely raised and butchered beef and pork get it from a local farm stand or farmer. I am sure if you are that concerned about how your meat is raised for the table just ask the farmer and they would be more than happy to bring you right to their farm and show you.
Steve
------------------ Technology is great when it works, and one big pain in the ass when it doesn't
There was a thread here in OT a few years ago in which articles were pasted explaining that plants feel pain as well as recognize other sensory inputs. http://www.scientificameric...nk-daniel-chamovitz/
There was a thread here in OT a few years ago in which articles were pasted explaining that plants feel pain as well as recognize other sensory inputs. http://www.scientificameric...nk-daniel-chamovitz/
I meant to mention that, forgot, what else is new , plants are alive as well, but because they don't make noise when you cut them people don't think of them the same way as they do animals. never understood that but those HSUS and PETA people are only one sided in their views of life and pain.
Our meat consumption is already minimal and will decrease further.
You could buy your meat from a particular farmer or farmers that you know treats animals the way you'd like. What do you think about hunting wild animals for food, are the same reasons you are decreasing your farmed meat consuption applicable?
Originally posted by 2.5:You could buy your meat from a particular farmer or farmers that you know treats animals the way you'd like.
True but too much meat is not too healthy anyways so we really don't buy any.
quote
Originally posted by 2.5:
What do you think about hunting wild animals for food, are the same reasons you are decreasing your farmed meat consuption applicable?
I'm divided on that one. The life of wild animals is definitely better while I'm not so sure of the hunting skills of many people if this would be practiced on a large scale. I'd prefer professional hunters. In any case, meat from hunted wild animals wouldn't be a practical solution unless meat consumption would go back to where it used to be for most people (once or twice per week in small amounts).
[This message has been edited by yellowstone (edited 04-01-2014).]
I'm divided on that one. The life of wild animals is definitely better while I'm not so sure of the hunting skills of many people if this would be practiced on a large scale. I'd prefer professional hunters. In any case, meat from hunted wild animals wouldn't be a practical solution unless meat consumption would go back to where it used to be for most people (once or twice per week in small amounts).
I dont mean as a solution to any problem. Just in general. I understand about read meat and our health, but I didnt think that was what you posted the video about.
[This message has been edited by 2.5 (edited 04-01-2014).]
Regarding the thread subject, I think if everyone knew just how the food they eat is made, they might eat less. And IMO, that in itself could help solve (or at least alleviate) a whole spectrum of problems plaguing our society.
What you eat is up to you. I'll continue to eat steak, thanks.
Do you own pets? If so, what would you say if your dog (in case that's what you have) would have it's testicles ripped out and it's tail cut off, without anesthesia? Be stunned (with more or less success) and then hung upside down and have it's throat slit and then bathed in scalding water, possibly still alive? What about being filleted alive, as fish often are? Or have it's puppies killed right after birth either by clubbing them, stomping on them or suffocating them in a plastic bag? What about throwing puppies in a meat grinder, alive?
Here's another "nice" vid, this time with dogs (but where's the difference?):
[This message has been edited by yellowstone (edited 04-01-2014).]
But it is quite clear I am a predator. And carnivorous.
Of course we are (omnivorous, actually). The point here is how we treat these animals before they die to become our food. Should it be the least expensive way, with all the consequences that brings?
Regarding the thread subject, I think if everyone knew just how the food they eat is made, they might eat less. And IMO, that in itself could help solve (or at least alleviate) a whole spectrum of problems plaguing our society.
Of course we are (omnivorous, actually). The point here is how we treat these animals before they die to become our food. Should it be the least expensive way, with all the consequences that brings?
I despise cruelty in any form. But I still use baited mousetraps and bug poison. I am enigma.
Do you own pets? If so, what would you say if your dog (in case that's what you have) would have it's testicles ripped out and it's tail cut off, without anesthesia? Be stunned (with more or less success) and then hung upside down and have it's throat slit and then bathed in scalding water, possibly still alive? What about being filleted alive, as fish often are? Or have it's puppies killed right after birth either by clubbing them, stomping on them or suffocating them in a plastic bag? What about throwing puppies in a meat grinder, alive?
Here's another "nice" vid, this time with dogs (but where's the difference?):
Emotional argument...
I agree that the animals we use for food should be humanely treated as far as possible. I'm still going to eat steak.
Do you own pets? If so, what would you say if your dog (in case that's what you have) would have it's testicles ripped out and it's tail cut off, without anesthesia? Be stunned (with more or less success) and then hung upside down and have it's throat slit and then bathed in scalding water, possibly still alive? What about being filleted alive, as fish often are? Or have it's puppies killed right after birth either by clubbing them, stomping on them or suffocating them in a plastic bag? What about throwing puppies in a meat grinder, alive?
Here's another "nice" vid, this time with dogs (but where's the difference?):
Again another extreme example of the worst case scenario and not only that, but in China as well, makes me feel so much better about all the things I say about China and the things they make for money and how well they do things compared to us in the US.
To each his own, Cliff forum owner, doesn't like Lobster because they cook the animal alive. Melanie and Amanda love it, personally I prefer a good steak. I think it is like rubber, it tastes good but chews like rubber, except for the claws those are quite good. And one reason Red Lobster, the restaurant actually pulled out of Maine, we know what a Maine lobster looks and tastes like. they sell Caribbean lobsters with very tiny claws and tell you they are Maine lobster.
Steve
[This message has been edited by 84fiero123 (edited 04-01-2014).]
If shellfish is rubbery, generally the cause is being ovecooked. Both shrimp and crawfish also become "chewy" if boiled too long. So will clams and to a lesser extent-oysters.
[This message has been edited by maryjane (edited 04-01-2014).]
If shellfish is rubbery, generally the cause is being ovecooked. Both shrimp and crawfish also become "chewy" if boiled too long. So will clams and to a lesser extent-oysters.
With lobster, I believe cutting it raw in to bite size pieces and dumping it into a bowl of hot butter for 5 minutes could be enough cooking. I should try it sometime.
But yeah, overcooking seafood is the number 1 mistake.
Regarding the thread subject, I think if everyone knew just how the food they eat is made, they might eat less. And IMO, that in itself could help solve (or at least alleviate) a whole spectrum of problems plaguing our society.
Regarding the thread subject, I think if everyone knew just how the food they eat is made, they might eat less. And IMO, that in itself could help solve (or at least alleviate) a whole spectrum of problems plaguing our society.
quote
Originally posted by 2.5:
(Mcdonalds, hot dogs, spam)
Not just that type of processed meat either.. If, you saw 2 nearly identical steaks or roasts in the meat counter, and one said "This steak is from a steer that was fed chicken poop and feathers" and the other did not say that--which one would you choose?
Mark it on your calendar. I agree with ya Yellowstone.
I'm limiting my meat intake, and doing what I can to eat food that is not mass produced. (Tyson's anything etc.)
Driving through California I got to drive past their "Happy Cows" in feed lots that go on for miles. The whole area was depressing, and inhumane IMO. They have the same thing in Texas of course, but California advertizes their Cows getting almost movie star treatment, when the reality is that they are standing knee deep in their own crap, packed into a group so tightly that they cannot move, waiting for food to come down a conveyer. Then we wonder how on earth diseases spread so quickly.
Feedlots are a pretty depressing place, but the animals are only there for a comparatively short period of time--30-60 days. Their next stop is the kill floor.
[This message has been edited by maryjane (edited 04-02-2014).]
Feedlots are a pretty depressing place, but the animals are only there for a comparatively short period of time--30-60 days. Their next stop is the kill floor.
Not at our place, they get an entire acre or more for 2 cows to graze and feed grain every day.
but then we eat our own, never buy store bought meat and rarely sell any although we do give a lot away to friends, bacon mostly, but even that is limited because we only raise so much for ourselves. the mass production of beef and pork has caused a lot of this BS in regards to the videos posted. corporate farming is what you see for the most part under the cellophane at the grocery store. You want to buy well feed and treated meats, go to the local farmers market and buy it there, they make their living off their animals and treat them a lot better than any of those videos posted.
Say what you like, post all the extreme videos you want, they are the extreme examples of bad farming by corporate farmers. you want to see how a real farmer raises their animals, go to Dons or my place or any other local farmers place. that all I got to say on this subject, but I am sure Melanie will post if she ever remembers her password.
Steve
[This message has been edited by 84fiero123 (edited 04-02-2014).]
the mass production of beef and pork has caused a lot of this BS in regards to the videos posted. corporate farming is what you see for the most part under the cellophane at the grocery store. You want to buy well feed and treated meats, go to the local farmers market and buy it there, they make their living off their animals and treat them a lot better than any of those videos posted.
Say what you like, post all the extreme videos you want, they are the extreme examples of bad farming by corporate farmers
No one ever said anything to the contrary and I agree with you. However, from under the cellophane at the supermarket is where most people get their meat these days. And the cheaper the better. This is what's causing the images in the video and this is where the problem is.
No one ever said anything to the contrary and I agree with you. However, from under the cellophane at the supermarket is where most people get their meat these days. And the cheaper the better. This is what's causing the images in the video and this is where the problem is.
I wonder how much our population has increased in that same time period?
I bet that chart would look a lot like this one.
Ayup
76.09 million in 1900 313.91 million in 2012
now turn that into a chart and I bet it looks a lot like yours
And how much has our beef herd decreased? (smallest in 60 years according to USDA) But the chart is for "meat" not just beef. The decrease at the far right side of the chart is mirroring the current recession. Meat consumprion per capita would be more telling over the course of the same time period.
Please define "corporate farms".
quote
Originally posted by 84fiero123:
I wonder how much our population has increased in that same time period?
I bet that chart would look a lot like this one.
Ayup
76.09 million in 1900 313.91 million in 2012
now turn that into a chart and I bet it looks a lot like yours
And how much has our beef herd decreased? (smallest in 60 years according to USDA) But the chart is for "meat" not just beef. The decrease at the far right side of the chart is mirroring the current recession. Meat consumprion per capita would be more telling over the course of the same time period.
Farms are expensive to operate; input costs may include farm machinery, crop insurance, fertilizers, irrigation, pesticides, fuel, and seeds.
One major difference between independent farming and corporate farming is that a corporate farmer is usually a contracted employee, rather than the owner of the farm.
Although 14% of total food production comes from the two percent of all farms in the United States that are owned by corporations or other non-family entities, 50% of food production comes from the biggest two percent of all farms. In 1900, it came from 17% of all farms.[2]
Effects ascribed to corporate farming[edit]
Agriculture is an industry which provides significant economies of scale to large producers. Some of those include Archers Daniels Midland, Monsanto, Tyson and Del Monte. Bonanza farms were significant in the history of farming in the United States. Some crops are usually farmed in large plantations with many employees, to get those economies.
but then we eat our own, never buy store bought meat and rarely sell any although we do give a lot away to friends, bacon mostly, but even that is limited because we only raise so much for ourselves. the mass production of beef and pork has caused a lot of this BS in regards to the videos posted. corporate farming is what you see for the most part under the cellophane at the grocery store. You want to buy well feed and treated meats, go to the local farmers market and buy it there, they make their living off their animals and treat them a lot better than any of those videos posted.
Say what you like, post all the extreme videos you want, they are the extreme examples of bad farming by corporate farmers. you want to see how a real farmer raises their animals, go to Dons or my place or any other local farmers place. that all I got to say on this subject, but I am sure Melanie will post if she ever remembers her password.
Steve
Yes, I and most farmers/ranchers treat our animals well, but your post is quite misleading to those who don't know how the majority of the meat in this country is produced--especially/specifically---- beef.
[This message has been edited by maryjane (edited 04-02-2014).]