So here’s my perspective: If it is not truly free range, grass fed, or anything else that prioritizes the health of animals sold for consumption, we don’t need it. Animals deserve to live a life that benefits them and satisfies their natural needs for as long as possible.
As I have traveled Iowa I have become increasingly aware that my views of animal agriculture don’t match the market needs for meat production. In my perfect world all animal farmers would have the ability to let their animals be free range, but in the US food market, demand just won’t make room for farmers to have that ability. Instead farmers have to house and feed thousands of animals at a time. To make it easier for the farmer and to increase profitability and productivity, they keep animals in large housing that has cages for the animals to stay. They make enough room for the animal to lay down and sometimes if the farmer is really fancy they’ll have spaces large for the animal to turn around. They keep food and water and one place for animal so refills are quick and easy.
One unique privilege of the United States is that food prices are ridiculously cheap compared to other countries. One reason that is able to happen is because of the production. The drive to meet the demand for meat inhibits meat producers to offer the best care and attention that best benefits the animal. For some commercial meat production farmers can have up to 3,000 pigs, and even that can be considered smaller compared to others.
When I think of proposals to satisfy the want I have for better practices for meat productions I immediately think of smaller livestock farms. One theme I seems o be coming back to over and over is small farms. I have been most invested in farms that use minimal space to make the most change. But even I know that in animal agriculture small farming is just not possible. Meat has become a staple in the American diet, and meat is super accessible to most people in the country. It would be unfair to just rewrite the food economy and eliminate the mass production of meat.
If we can’t change the food market then what can we do? Value small farms! Small farms have the ability to give the best life to animals going to market. The animals are more likely to be free range, have a diet best suited to what they would find in nature, and have a better relationship with the farmer who owns them. So, go to local market, local butcher, or even straight to the local small town farm, and get the fresh meat. Invest in these farmers so they can know they have a good relationship with the community they work for. Ask to see the animals and how they are being raised. This is let’s the consumer have a better understanding of what they are eating and how it is moving from farm to table. Ask about the health of the animals and how their health could effect yours. Small communities run best when they work together. Don’t just be neighbor to the person next door, be a neighbor to the whole town. Build trust and accountability. That is the best way to ensure freshest and healthiest local food.