How many of us really know where our food comes from? Up until just a few years ago, I admit to having almost no idea about how the food I purchased in the grocery store was produced and harvested, or where it came from. While I have never been a big consumer of meat products (I simply don't enjoy cooking it) I have likely purchased beef and chicken products that were sourced from factory farms: vast, industrial plants that 'manufacture' meat for the masses, much of it used in fast-food production. Today, I make very careful choices about what meat I buy and where I buy it from. Living with someone who is vegetarian, my partner Tomas, has also raised my awareness about meat production and animal farming.
When a friend of mine sent me this link to Martha speaking about her support of
Farm Sanctuary, an organization that works to prevent cruelty to farm animals and raise awareness about how society views and treats these animals, I knew I had to share it here. Be warned that some of the footage contained in the video is disturbing, but please take a moment to listen to Martha speak about the subject and to think about the framework of the farming infrastructure in North America. Please also visit
Farm Sanctuary to learn more about their organization and do what you can to prevent the wholesale cruelty of over 9-billion animals that are 'processed' on these farms each year.
It is a very powerful video. I admit that I don't always think that much when buying meat, but I will start to in future. Although I wouldn't consider using anything other than a free range egg, I haven't thought that about the conditions for the animals when purchasing meat. I will from now on. Thank you Andrew for highlighting this message.
ReplyDeleteThe treatment of the animals, in addition to being cruel, has adverse effects on our health as well. I don't want the meat I consume to be pumped full of antibiotics and growth hormones, which are used because of the grotesque overcrowding and filthy conditions. I'm glad you took it to heart, Pru. The best thing to do is to get meat from a local butcher, or at least ask the grocery butcher where the meat comes from. I'm sure the situation isn't quite as dire in Britain.
ReplyDeleteThank you Andrew for sharing this video! Factory farming is really cruel and sad. I admire Martha so much for doing this! She is truly a good and caring person.
ReplyDeleteIt reminds us of Genesis 2:15--"Jehovah God taketh the man, and causeth him to rest in the garden of Eden, to serve it, and to keep it." No, we do not need to hug trees. No we do not need to go into debt buying strictly organic and sustainable. Short of operating your own farm it is best to think before and while shopping. http://pointeviven.blogspot.com/2012/05/martha-says-no-to-factory-farming.html
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