I started a Facebook group for everything related to humanely raising pigs
I hope to get enough farmers involved to eventually build an interactive map for people to locate the closest farm to support and purchase ethically raised pork products.
Please join and contribute or enjoy discussion or pictures.
The group is in it's infancy so be patient as it grows.
Feel free to share with any interested or potentially interested individuals.
Outreach and education will help local farms and hurt factory farms bottom line.
Search FB for the group: TLC Pig Specialists
Hi Meredith,
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you have this respectable passion. It seems like you get really close to your pigs. How do you go thru with the slaughters without being insanely sad for a long time?
I was wondering this as well.
ReplyDeleteeek, if anyone tried to join from this blog please ask to join again. I'm new at this group admin thing and don't know where the member request went.
ReplyDeleteGood question. Well, the fact of the matter is people are going to eat pork. They will readily, willingly, PAY to eat pork that has essentially been raised in a living hell. That is not in anyway an exaggeration. People pay to eat meat that was raised in a horrifically unethical and abusive cycle. I really don't think anyone can doubt the stress, fear, pain, frustration, unhappiness pigs experience at factory farms to put pork on the table. People will admit its cruel, then pay for it.
ReplyDeleteMy goal is to provide a compassionately raised alternative to this factory farmed meat. through education and availability perhaps I can change some minds to exclusively eat humanely raised pork (and other meats). supply in demand. if people didn't purchase this "sad" meat from grocery stores and restaurants, they would be forced to found alternative suppliers. I don't see peperoni, I see gestation crates, fear, stress, frustration, sadness...and for what? this isn't even quality meat.
it is the drive to STOP factory farming that I am able to slaughter those pigs that are humanely raised.
it is mind over matter. it is very difficult. I don't separate breeding stock and market stock in my mind. I spend time with and love on all pigs who are interested! some breeding stock aren't that sociable, some market pigs LOVE attention. People are going to eat pork (I eat humanely raised and slaughtered pork sparingly) and I'm ok with that. what I want them to do is exclusively eat pork raised and slaughtered humanely. that means someone needs to raise these pigs. I have high standards. I love the "job" it is what I'm meant to do. some people are natural mothers...I'm a natural pig person.
I do know it was MUCH more difficult to slaughter my pigs when I only had a few. Working on the farm, I there's only so much time in the day to spend with the pigs. I had a handful that i was more attached to than others. the old spots were more friendly, the tamworths were more independent.
if someone is going to raise them i want it to be me!
it sounds odd, but if i was told my dog was only going to live for 1 year, or 8 months and not a lifetime and regardless of what i thought or where the dog was, it was going to die...I'd rather it be with me and have an awesome life and hopefully painless death than with someone else who doesn't give two shits about the animal.
also, I've experienced a lot of loss in my life. a lot. I'm grateful for the time i am able to enjoy with the pigs even knowing it will end before their natural lifespan...but again, I'd rather they have a short happy life where I'm sad than ignore it all and experience "nothing" and know that there aren't humane options available for people that are interested in eating pork.
please note: i use the term humane loosely when commenting on the farm i previously worked on. will update you all on that situation when i am able.
I'm chiming in from a different angle. I raised sheep for over 30 years and my daughter raised market lambs in 4-H for 10 years. Some of the market lambs were sold at auction (for slaughter) and one per year was processed and put in our freezer.
DeleteFrom my perspective, it is REALLY important for the people raising market animals to understand that the final outcome of market animals is food. Don't dilude yourself into thinking that there may be another outcome.
From an early age my DD knew that some of the lambs got to stay (replacement ewe lambs or rams for sales) and some went away and came back in white packages. We never shielded her from that. In fact, the lambs destined for the freezer were talked about in terms of summer BBQ's, roasts, or winter stews or tagines. Most comments were food related so there was no doubt that a particular animal was destined for the freezer.
I don't know anyone, meat animal producer or hunter, who truly enjoys the slaughter. Even my most hardened ranch friends are quiet and solemn at slaughter time. But, they are also thankful that a life lived well is now going to help their family live life well.
One of my DD's most hated questions growing up was "how can you kill your pet"? She use to get mad and say "Don't they know that some animals are for eating and some are for pets"? My answer...no they don't!! because to them ALL animals are pets.
Hope this helps.
Jenn
Hi Meredith,
ReplyDeleteThank you for explaining that. I am unsure how I would do with pigs. I generally get VERY attached to animals in my care and I wonder if I would be mentally upset for a very long time to be a part of killing animals I loved like family? And yet, I totally agree about factory farms and the sad meat that we routinely eat and pay for. THOSE animals are not in my care and while it makes me sad, I don't have flashbacks to loving moments with those animals. I know. I know. I am the hypocritical person you are talking about. I know this and I know I want to be strong enough to be a part of the solution. I am asking you this now because I just bought 2 acres of land with a very small, old home. There are no HOAs or POAs, so I can have my huge garden and some animals, finally. I am going to start with 3 laying hens so I can have humane eggs and NOT have to kill them. I want to see how I do with it, but I am enamored by pigs and have a great open space by an out building that if I fenced properly, I could have a few pigs (after I learn more about how to care for them, of course! I wouldn't just get animals and then figure it out...) - but pigs seem like I could fall in love with them like dogs....and then, I may find myself with a few more mouths to feed FOREVER, if I can go through with it. Anyway, this is a long winded way to say thank you for your explanation. It makes sense and I want to be that person too...
It would be difficult, very difficult but totally worth it. Having a few is hard and you will totally get attached...but it is SO.worth it! I can.help with fencing ideas if you want to shoot me an aerial picture of the place. Congrats in the property! Chickens, a garden, and pigs and you'll be in heaven!
ReplyDeleteActually after getting to know the pigs you will swear by raising them yourself. You will not imagine being able to purchase factory farmed pork again.
They till your garden space! You could rotate them around the 2 acres and have them fertilize and clear up the space if need be. I am so excited for you!
Where are you located?
I'm such a softie that I still mourn an animal I had in college and that animal died of natural causes. (Im almost 40...) Imagine me trying to decide to kill my own animals. My dogs now, for example, are everything to me and live better than many people. But the bigger picture is the right thing to do....and I totally believe in it. The home is near Charlotte, NC. Its a lot of woods right now (prob 1 acre of it), but also some cleared land too (the other acre combined with a huge pond....) There is an AWFUL above ground pool that I must disappear as soon as I close on the house and that will free up a ton of space on the cleared land part. The woods are nice shade, but not too thick so there is some promise back there too. I would love your ideas when it all comes together. If it turns out I can't kill the pigs, I may need someone to just come do it for me at least at first?. Do you kill them yourself? If not, are you standing right there when it happens? Is it ok to cry? A "real" farmer would roll his/her eyes at me, I bet. Maybe I need to be a part of a humane slaughter of pigs that are NOT mine to see how I feel?! I totally agree its better for them to have a wonderful amazing life with me - even if short - just so me, my friends and family are that many less people eating pork from pigs living a shit life. I'm just struggling to harden up to the idea of killing my "pets."
ReplyDeleteAnon,
DeleteDon't beat yourself up. Many people who are new to processing animals are squimmish at first, mostly because they don't know the process. And, like I said in my other post even my most hardened friends sometimes have trouble.
I have butchered my own lambs and chickens for years, but honestly almost fainted when I processed rabbits with a friend. I don't do them anymore. And, if helps you, even my butcherer can't handle doing pigs. His partner does them and he does the lambs and steers.
Now I send out most of my large animals to be processed because I don't have the facilities anymore. You can also have someone come to your place and slaughter them.
I think it would be great to find someone who is butchering and ask if you can watch. I think you'll find it's not as bad as you have conjured up in your mind.
I saw my first lamb slaughtered when I was 9. I was scared to death, but when the Basque shepherd turned the lamb over, slit its throat and it just quietly slid to the ground I couldn't help but think "is that it?". It's honestly not that bad IF you have a skilled person doing it.
Be strong darling, a moments discomfort is worth the fabulous meat you will get in return.
Jenn
I'd just like to add to this discussion that while I am aware I will never have the land (or even if I did, I could never personally slaughter animals I'd raised) I would absolutely pay extra for meat/eggs I knew came from humanely raised/harvested animals. And I am not, by any stretch of the imagination, a rich individual. But people like you, Meredith, have opened my eyes to what it means to be a conscientious consumer, and I would love to buy a share in a (REAL) CSA that followed your example!
ReplyDeleteI'm in agreement with anon 12:55. I also could not kill an animal I raised because I would get too attached. This is why I cannot understand why a certain blogger could make a joke about crying over an onion but not her slaughtered lamb.
ReplyDeleteI do pay extra for humanely raised animals, and I am not wealthy either. I just eat less meat.
Thanks again, Meredith, for your insight.
I searched FB for this group, but could not find anything. Could you post a direct link Meredith?
ReplyDeleteOkay, so this is random, but Meredith, I think you would be a phenomenal residential home inspector. Yes, random and out there, but hear me out. I know it has nothing to do with farms and pigs, BUT - you have an incredible attention to detail, you want things to be done right, you care about principle, you communicate facts, data, and experience well (per your personality type!). You wouldn't be tied to a desk all day long. You can take as many or as few houses in a week or day as you want to make $$ b/c in some states they get paid by the square footage per home, not salary. You would have time for your own farm. You would make enough money to buy your farm and you would have health insurance. You could make a difference in an area in which things needs to be done right for home buyers. You don't mind getting dirty and you are good at finding and pointing out problems. AND- you can do it in any state you want if you pass their exams and such. I don't know why this popped into my mind today, but as I was getting my soon to be 2 acres and small ranch home inspected, I thought how good you would be at doing that job. So few women in the industry too. In my state, its a 150+ hour course and shadow training - not too bad. IJust sayin!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI've thought about it but the job postings always seemed scammy to me but they must be legit. You know the "must have a car, printer, and camera" and some weird payment structure. I did work previously do all commercial and residential inspections while working with a town. Not for code but on the zoning side. That type of work is really appealing I'll look into it again. Thanks for the encouragement.
DeleteYeah, I was thinking more just taking the course approved for your state and getting your license for whatever state you live in or want to go live in - then getting a job with a private company. Realtors use these private companies everyday with their clients buying homes. Maybe I am too idealistic? I just think you would be good at it. Dunno if you would like it. Anyway, good luck with everything.
ReplyDeleteI would enjoy any active not 9 to 5 job where I could work as much or little as I wanted. Good idea! I'm looking into it.
DeleteOne of my nephews is a home inspector in Case., he does very very well.
ReplyDeleteThat was supposed to say California, but this stupid tablet changed it and won't let me abbreviate.
DeleteWell if he can figure it out I can too!
DeleteI think you would be a fine inspector, Meredith, whether for homes or farms. You have good watchdog skills and you are not afraid to speak up when you see something wrong.
ReplyDeleteI agree that working for a private company is the way to go.
Anyway, good luck with whichever path you choose.
Meredith - You are truly a heroine in your own story. Not by dressing in costume and living a fantasy life, but by trying to make the world a better place. I applaud your endeavors on the ethical treatment of animals. Go for it, girl!
ReplyDeleteWell (shhhhh) the farm I was working at is being investigated for criminal animal cruelty. All the information and evidence I have worked on compiling is (should be) submitted to the commonwealth's attorney office this week.
DeleteI have limited faith, if any, in the county animal control officers, in part because the is owner of the farm.hosts events and training for them in the mansion on the property. They sent their most junior officer out over the summer who was a complete dud. They recently sent the chief deputy officer and the junior guy out and who I've been working with. Based on what They shared they didn't even touch a pig...no one knows anything about pigs. From a distance a pig covered in pig lice will look normal. How can you gauge an animals condition without approaching and evaluating it?
Working with them but have my doubts I'm again being given the run around in the name of politics (Google Sandy Lerner farm owner).
This lead officer "seriously strongly" encouraged I apply for an.animal control officer position based on my deliverables...which I did.
Had an interview Monday and got an email.yesterday they picked another individual based on education and experience (that's on my resume...why even bother with an.interview if I don't qualify?) I feel like it's psychological warfare....that and they know I doubt their ethics based on recent experiences.
Its all.just so.unfortunate.
For the pigs that have and are suffering...and for me. I feel.my life's on a stand still until I get justice and exposure for the pigs and hopefully stop.pig production on that farm.
I just don't feel like I'm doing everything I can....and When I do anything it's through tears and nausea over the horrific negligence.
I tried so hard to fix things internally and have been disappointed at the road blocks in the organizations I've spoken to. If the pigs were dogs people would be in jail. If Sandy Lerner wasn't worth 200 million she would be in jail.
Meredith, I think one of the saddest facts about farming is that its such a good ol' boy network, with many of the regulators and gatekeepers on personal, close terms with those they are supposed to be keeping an objective eye on. So butting up against one sullies you with all. Not fair at all (especially where animal welfare is concerned) and I wish business was done differently. So sorry you are stuck on the RIGHT side of this issue with so little support.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this comment. YES it is so true. I was given the run around by Adele Douglas the founder of Humane Farm Animal Care who gives them their Humane Certification status and should inspect them yearly for compliance. That organization is a FRAUD and Adele and Sandy are buddies...there's no business about it. Adele covers for Sandy's inhumane treatment. It's all bogus and makes me ill. I can not emphasize how horrifically these animals are treated and those responsible for their care UNITE together to cover the abuse.
DeleteHave you thought about going to the media?
ReplyDeleteHave you thought about going at this from a capital market standpoint? Who buys the product? Why do they buy the product? What would change their minds about buying it? If you can't make a difference through the established legal system b/c of politics or cronyism, then you can go about it in a different way - maybe find a way to affect capitalism which in turn makes a difference but just in a different way.???? If there is no demand for a product then there is no need for supply...Economics and market supply and demand is the biggest force of change on our planet regardless of who you are. Even Donald Trump's investments fail when no one wants his product...................
ReplyDeleteWhere the hell is PETA when you need 'em?
ReplyDeletePeta is a joke.
ReplyDeleteNo media yet...it's a "pending" case.
I don't know much about PETA. Why are they a joke?
ReplyDeletePets hates animals, especially pit bulls. They are extremists and have even been known to steal dogs, kill them, and give the owner's a gift basket. Very bizzare. The owner of the farm I worked at likely has donated millions to them over the years. Ingrid and Sandy are both delusional.
DeleteI can't answer as to Meredith's reasons, but PETA is off MY donations list because of their wild and crazy tactics they use to draw attention to their causes and because they euthanize the majority of adoptable animals they take in at their shelters, for no reason other than they feel there is not enough room in the world for them. Plus they really started pushing the vegan agenda a few years ago (as opposed to vegetarianism), which I personally am just not on board with.
ReplyDeleteAs a beef producer and farmer in the Midwest, PETA has a very weirdo reputation. They do not care about animals, are disruptive to farmers (and I'm not your average Repub farmer, I'm a liberal Democrat!), and want to abolish agriculture with violence and by appealing to the ignorance of the majority. They are a detriment to freedom and American ideals.
ReplyDeletePETA is extreme - Here's an example of their views on pet dogs from Wikipedia:
ReplyDelete"...the desire to own and receive love from animals is selfish, and that their breeding, sale, and purchase can cause immeasurable suffering. Newkirk has stated that she doesn't use the word "pet," preferring "companion animal," and described PETA's vision:
For one thing, we would no longer allow breeding. If people had companion animals in their homes, those animals would have to be refugees from the animal shelters and the streets. You would have a protective relationship with them just as you would with an orphaned child. But as the surplus of cats and dogs (artificially engineered by centuries of forced breeding) declined, eventually companion animals would be phased out, and we would return to a more symbiotic relationship — enjoyment at a distance.[108]"
Yes, I have heard of them "rescuing" animals from shelters, then euthanizing them within minutes.
Those people are frightening.