WHY MEAT MATTERS
Unless you’re a vegetarian or vegan, chances are meat is a consistent staple in your daily diet. Whether it’s bacon and eggs for breakfast, a turkey sandwich for lunch or pork chop for dinner, most Americans have some form of meat in every meal. We’re fortunate to have so many options available- it wasn’t long ago that Roosevelt promised a chicken in every pot as a way to convey economic growth meant affording luxuries like chicken. In our modern day food system however, meat has become the expectation not the luxury it once was.
But at what cost? Large-scale meat production in the US relies on CAFOs (concentrated animal feeding operations) that require massive amounts of genetically modified feed grains and low wage workers processing animals in dangerous conditions. The conception of the rural rancher grazing animals over huge swaths of land is all but gone. Rural economies have been hurt by centralized control of the meat industry. Overall, the environmental and economic toll of conventional meat production is proving to be unsustainable.
Since we’ve become accustomed to eating meat daily, it is unrealistic to expect most Americans to cut out this staple. But we do need to change the status quo of meat production and consumption to a system that regenerates rather than depletes. Local farmers and ranchers across Oregon have taken on the challenge to raise meat a different way. Rotational grazing prevents soil erosion, captures carbon, and allows biodiversity to flourish. Grass fed cattle eliminates the need for feed inputs like corn and soy; chickens, pigs and sheep are often fed excess produce grown on the same farm. Small-scale processors use humane methods and prioritize safe working conditions.
By now, you may be wondering where to buy local meat. While farmers markets and farm subscription programs (like CSA) are great options, you can also shop at local grocery stores. Find the Eastern Oregon rancher cooperative, Country Natural Beef, at New Seasons or buy sustainably produced Marion Acres chicken or Deck Family Farm heritage pork at Our Table Cooperative. Give it a try and taste the difference!
