Large animals like cows generate a lot of waste. The majority of grain-fed livestock in the U.S. live in huge feedlots. Their waste seeps into the groundwater, finds its way into the rivers, and pollutes the waterways. Grass-fed livestock do not produce waste, they produce fertilizer for the fields and pastures in which they graze freely and happily. Grass-fed grazing techniques can take carbon out of the air and contribute to carbon sequestration.
Also, since WWII, our industrial food system has become reliant on cheap oil. The biggest culprit of fossil fuel usage in industrial farming is artificial fertilizers and pesticides which are necessary to produce the - already subsidized - feed that our animals eat. Oil is also required to transport feed and animals, as well as fuel the confinement house. The current instability in the Middle East is making the meat industry very watchful.
Alternatively, grass-fed livestock farms take advantage of natural cycles. The animals feed themselves on grass and distribute their manure - fertilizing the pasture as they go. Rather than fossil fuels, they need only rain and sun to make this system work. Grain needs lots of oil to be produced. Grass needs only sun and rain.
You make a compelling case, Devora. Thanks for talking with me. It's been an education!
***
KOL Foods www.kolfoods.com: Feel good about the meat you eat
All photo credits: Robert Joppa
*Glatt is a strict standard of kosher meat.
Also, since WWII, our industrial food system has become reliant on cheap oil. The biggest culprit of fossil fuel usage in industrial farming is artificial fertilizers and pesticides which are necessary to produce the - already subsidized - feed that our animals eat. Oil is also required to transport feed and animals, as well as fuel the confinement house. The current instability in the Middle East is making the meat industry very watchful.
Alternatively, grass-fed livestock farms take advantage of natural cycles. The animals feed themselves on grass and distribute their manure - fertilizing the pasture as they go. Rather than fossil fuels, they need only rain and sun to make this system work. Grain needs lots of oil to be produced. Grass needs only sun and rain.
You make a compelling case, Devora. Thanks for talking with me. It's been an education!
KOL Foods www.kolfoods.com: Feel good about the meat you eat
All photo credits: Robert Joppa
*Glatt is a strict standard of kosher meat.
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