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Farms + Factories
correction and long-lasting change demand great effort
Light has been shed on how horrifically we've been treating 90%+ of our food animals. Modern industrial farming is a relatively new phenomenon. In the late 1800's, farmers began to fence in their livestock, and in the 1920's, chickens were the first animals to be farmed as a commodity, raised inside in large numbers for egg production and slaughter. In the 70's, this changed dramatically as pigs, cows, turkeys, and fish were added.
Today, these animal factories are global (CAFOs: Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations). In addition, although smart soil health and growing methods are currently put into practice (and work well), we stick to conventional ways to create food for hungry humans. From antibiotic resistance and hormones to synthetic fertilizers and toxic pesticides, there's much to repair. Turns out, this current reality needs our rapt attention.
ON THIS PAGE:
A Love Letter to Farmers + Ranchers / You're Welcome, McDonald's / Chemicals + Pesticides / Farm + Ranch Families / Big Hearts + Big Brains = Big Solutions / Meet Badass Farmers + Ranchers
A Love Letter to Farmers + Ranchers
How can we support farmers and ranchers who want to shift towards effective and sustainable methods, ethical practices, and growing plants? It's time to educate ourselves about the plight of farming and ranching, and support alternatives which create a win for all. First, let's ALL listen more with our Big Heart and Big Brain wide open. In my experience, intelligent change starts with a conversation... usually at a kitchen table. I'll bring the plant-powered snacks!
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You're Welcome, McDonald's
(subsidies + industrial mono-crops)
Farming is a complex business with many moving parts. Here, industrial corn and soy production are highlighted. In a nutshell: government subsidies from taxpayers are given to farmers to grow GMO corn and GMO soy no-rotation-mono-crops. These crops become high-fructose corn syrup for soft drinks, soy oil for french fries, and animal feed which turn into cheeseburgers, chicken nuggets, pork ribs, turkey bacon, and egg sandos. Big Food and Beverage can then sell products cheaply and rack up prolific profits, while adding the magic bliss point factor of salt-sugar-fat, which fuels the global obesity and disease pandemic. PepsiCo, Coca Cola, Tyson, Purdue, Cargill, JBS, National Beef, KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, Burger King ad nauseam.
Chemicals + Pesticides
(wrecking havoc)
Due to overpopulation, scientists have focused on creating food abundance to feed the masses. Since the 1930's and 1940's, synthetic fertilizers and pesticides have wrecked havoc on our food, bodies, and planet. There are sustainable and organic solutions, and as the population continues to exponentially explode, this feels like a crazy catch-22. Syngenta, Bayer, BASF, Dow, FMC, Adama...
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Farm + Ranch Families
(vs corporate power)
Pressure on the farm and ranch economy is due to policies designed to favor corporations. Over time, diverse local and regional foodsheds have been methodically erased as corporate power in the food system exploded. Farmers and ranchers are affected by unfair pricing and purchasing policies, shifting consumer demands, kids who won't work in the family business, and a changing climate.
"It always seems impossible until it's done."
- Nelson Mandela, Former President of South Africa (died 2013)- Albert Szent-Györgyi, Hungarian
Big Hearts + Big Brains = Big Solutions
In my research on supporting farmers and ranchers to transition towards growing plants, it's a bit unusual to find plant-based and vegan advocates who speak about ALL sides of the story. Truth is, too many multi-generational farmers and ranchers are swept up in the Big Agriculture circus, too. Check out Miyoko's Creamery Dairy Farm Transition Program. Action Heroes with tangible solutions rock.
