When I first moved to Nebraska six years ago, I ordered prime rib, not knowing what it was. I was appalled to find a hunk of fat with a little meat on it on my plate. Then I read Fast Food Nation and Chew on This and saw Supersize Me and decided I was done with cow, based on both the inhumane way cows are slaughtered and the nutritional value of beef (I have a big fear of saturated fat). Since I was living in Nebraska, this really blew my mother-in-law away but I stuck to my guns and have never felt the need to eat a steak.
Well....I have learned over the years that life isn't so sweet for chickens and pigs either. I guess you could call me hypocritcal since I buy those meats straight from the grocery store where they're overprocessed. I know there are great alternatives out there like Smart Chicken, which I buy when it's on sale, but they are really expensive.
So I heard from a reader looking for humanely-treated animals to eat (I can't think of a better way to put that?). Her 6-year old daughter is incredibly sensitive and concerned about the happiness of the animals and their awareness of what really goes on in the slaughterhouse. I know there is a place in Old Farm Shops that sells humanely treated meat. Has anyone been there? Do any of you have suggestions for local farmers she should talk to?
My neighbor actually offered us some of his cow last year. He owned it and it lived on a farm out in the country. He knew what it ate and how it was cared for and when it was time he knew exactly where his meat was coming from. We politely declined, as the idea of it was a little too close for comfort. But I suppose if you really wanted to know where your dinner comes from, buying a live cow might be the way to go.
7 comments:
The new place in Old Farm gets their meat from the Amish in Arthur. At least they were when it first opened. I've been to the Amish grocery store down there and had the full "amish" tour :) They do have respect for their animals but I'm sure the slaughter processes are mostly the same? I prefer the Old Farm shop/Amish meat & eggs to the plain old groc though. They do feed the animals much better products so I think it's healthier in general. Just my opinion though.
Anne
I like to get beef, pork and turkey from the Moore's Farm at the farmer's market (they also do weekly delivery of meats during the winter). The beef is grass fed which is better for you (and tastes way better) and I think the animals live a fairly good life. I'm not sure how the animals are processed, but since the Moore's are at the market you could ask them questions. They also have eggs and flour. And then Triple S farms has chicken. The meat is more expensive, but I do feel better that it's local and the animals have a good life. I think supporting local farms is a great way of knowing more about what you eat/buy.
The coop gets meats when in Season from Triple S.
http://www.commonground.coop/localfarmers
How often are you guys (commenters as well as blogger) eating meatless meals each week? I need to get us more on that, James is SO not on board though. I need to find some great recipes and ideas!
Mmm, usually one meal a day has meat in it for me and my kid, but my spouse is usually 2 out of 3. He is a sandwich eater.
Okay, I did that backwards. LOL. 2 out of 3 meals are meatless for me and my child, usually. 1 out of 3 for my husband (usually breakfast, we all like the Morningstar Veggie links).
Animal Sciences dept. at U of I has meat sales Tues. and Thurs. from 1-5:30 and Friday from 8-1. All meat is locally raised. Their address is 1503 S. Maryland Drive. Phone # is 333-3404.
Post a Comment