My thoughts on debt after watching Food Inc.

[mama2James]

I'm under the impression that the smaller family farms that we pass by driving down rural roads are the ones who's products we buy at the farmers market, not the supermarket. These farmers may or may not supplement their family's income with a "regular job". The small, old fashioned farms are truly out there, and they can make a living, if we support them. Their products cost more though, and sometimes it's very hard to pay the extra money for a steak from an animal that ate grass and had room to graze, when to the naked eye it looks just like the grocery store steak that cost a fraction of the price. The mass marketed food industry wants us to believe that there is no real difference between the two products, and that all food animals live basically the same kind of life before slaughter. The only farms most of us have seen are the small family ones, because those who run the factory farms don't want us to see them.

[imagine]

I'm under the impression that the smaller family farms that we pass by driving down rural roads are the ones who's products we buy at the farmers market, not the supermarket. These farmers may or may not supplement their family's income with a "regular job". The small, old fashioned farms are truly out there, and they can make a living, if we support them. Their products cost more though, and sometimes it's very hard to pay the extra money for a steak from an animal that ate grass and had room to graze, when to the naked eye it looks just like the grocery store steak that cost a fraction of the price. The mass marketed food industry wants us to believe that there is no real difference between the two products, and that all food animals live basically the same kind of life before slaughter. The only farms most of us have seen are the small family ones, because those who run the factory farms don't want us to see them.

Where I live meat can not be sold at a farmers market (eggs can be sold but only seasonally) So if I want a farm direct cow, or chicken or pig I have go to the farmer and buy it from them. Then have it processed (butchered) at the local butcher.

I also do believe that some of the cows on that you see driving by do end up in the supermarket.

Some sell there cows to big meat plants (like Tyson etc) One can do that on non contract. So that cow would be one of the 100 in your ground beef or a nice piece of steak.

Some sell their cows at auction and who knows were those end up. Depends on the buyers plans I'm sure some go directly to plate and some end up in the grocery store.

One cattle farmer I know of is proud to announce that the cows that grow up on his farm do end up in the supermarket. He sells this to a small meat plant that Laura's Lean meats ( natural meats) a national company that is sold in stores.

Farmers sell were they can make money. So yes, I believe that you can vote with your money. And that might be at the supermarket.

[imagine]

I also did some research on factory farms for cattle. It appears that cattle do not lend themselves well to mass farming/factory farming (like the chicken in Food Inc) Many cows are born on pasture and stay there most if not all of their life. The factory part that was shown in the movie was the feed lot. Where a cow is sent to for a few days to a couple of months to fatten up before being sold. The farmer pays for the "room and board" of the cow. Some farmers prefer not to pay for this and skip this stage. Grass is cheaper where I live so this is more common here as many farmers believe/find here that it is cheaper to bring the cows to the food (grass/pasture) then to bring the food (generally bought food) to the cows.

Just my two cents worth from some research I have been doing.

[imagine]

Isn't it great when a documentary gets you thinking about what was presented?

I want to take this time to thank everyone for their thoughts on this topic as different ideas, thoughts, and experiences are great to have when you are thinking though topics.

So Thank You! I just want to hug you all

(don't think just because I thanked you all That I'm done thinking on this subject or that I'm hoping this thread will end. I'm enjoying the discussion and will continue to do so)

[mama2James]

I have read the same as you found about the feedlots where the cows are "finished" on grain to fatten up before slaughter. Your right about them not being raised there, as far as I've learned. I have also read that even though they spend a limited time there, it is enough to make them ill before slaughter. They are not meant to eat corn and grains, nevermind the antibiotics and other chemicals. They eventually get sick from eating anything other than grass and hay. It's really good to hear that the farmers in your area keep many of the cows on pasture up until slaughter. Better for the cows, better for the people who eat the meat, and I would assume the farmers could ask a better price for the meat since it is "grass finished".
I also agree with you that we can vote with our dollars at the grocery store, definitely. I was able to find out on my local supermarket chain's website that their Nature's Place natural line of beef comes from a family farm right here in Maine. So, if I am not able to find farmer's market beef, I buy theirs.

[Preston]

Their products cost more though, and sometimes it's very hard to pay the extra money for a steak from an animal that ate grass and had room to graze, when to the naked eye it looks just like the grocery store steak that cost a fraction of the price.

Do those products REALLY cost more?

Money stays local and it is spent by those in your community which benefits directly. It is also cheaper down the line as your are better nourished and in better health. This can lower medical bills.

This documentary has caused me to look at the origins of EVERYTHING I buy.

I now buy 'earth friendly' and green natural products. I clean things with vinegar instead of chemicals. I can actually pronounce the ingredients in the soap I use.

The most surprising part of this whole journey is the fact that the costs of living have gone down. We actually eat less because what we do eat fills us better because it is nutritionally balanced.

[imagine]

I have read the same as you found about the feedlots where the cows are "finished" on grain to fatten up before slaughter. Your right about them not being raised there, as far as I've learned. I have also read that even though they spend a limited time there, it is enough to make them ill before slaughter. They are not meant to eat corn and grains, nevermind the antibiotics and other chemicals. They eventually get sick from eating anything other than grass and hay. It's really good to hear that the farmers in your area keep many of the cows on pasture up until slaughter. Better for the cows, better for the people who eat the meat, and I would assume the farmers could ask a better price for the meat since it is "grass finished".
I also agree with you that we can vote with our dollars at the grocery store, definitely. I was able to find out on my local supermarket chain's website that their Nature's Place natural line of beef comes from a family farm right here in Maine. So, if I am not able to find farmer's market beef, I buy theirs.

I have heard the same things about grain at the feed lot and the cows.
Grain feed cows bring in more money at meat plants as they pay for the "quality" of the meat ( prime, select, choice) and the "corn fed and stand still" cows have that fat ( marbling) and tenderness that many have come to desire in steaks.

Grass finished cows do take a higher price in the local market and the natural beef markets.

I'm glad you found some at your grocery store.

[imagine]

Do those products REALLY cost more?

Money stays local and it is spent by those in your community which benefits directly. It is also cheaper down the line as your are better nourished and in better health. This can lower medical bills.

This documentary has caused me to look at the origins of EVERYTHING I buy.

I now buy 'earth friendly' and green natural products. I clean things with vinegar instead of chemicals. I can actually pronounce the ingredients in the soap I use.

The most surprising part of this whole journey is the fact that the costs of living have gone down. We actually eat less because what we do eat fills us better because it is nutritionally balanced.

Oh this brings up another question I had from Food Inc.

Is junk food cheaper than healthy food? Look for the spin off thread here
Is healthy food more expensive than junk food