Is Humane Slaughter Really That Humane?

 Jonathan Foer's Eating Animals illustrates the side of our food industry that we seldom see. He highlights the low points of our food system in a way that is to the point and in your face. while focuseing on the darker aspects of food in america such as hormone enhanced livestock, and the effects of the waste produced by facotry farms, he also invetigates how a "humane" slughterhouse operates.

In the chapter titled "Slices of Paradise/Pieces of S***" Foer visits a humane pork slaughter house to see how they do business. Now Paradise Locker Meats is much more animal friendly than traditional anumal processing plants, however they still admit to over crowding and to using means of knocking out their pigs that work only 80% of the time. A worker states that,"We get em on the first shock I'd think about 80% of the time." (155)

This same slaughter house also said that in a pin designed to hold 50 hogs, "we get 70 or 80 at a time."(161) Foers investigation made me think about how all animals are treated not just ones who's destiny is to feed a family of four. Our Humane facilities are a better option but hey are few and far between, and for those who are radically pro-animal rights do not offer a perfect solution to today's slaughter house issues.

-Robbie

Springer Mountain Farms Chicken

Off season for wrestlers means its time get big. Making up for the 5 months of harsh, restrictive dieting by lifting weights and training 6 days a week to rebuild what was lost during the grueling season. to stay fueled up and full I eat tons of chicken, and before we started this unit for class i didnt give the quality of the meat much thought at all. But recently I started seeing adds for Springer Mountain Farms Chicken. Springer Moutnain is the most humanely operated chicken farm in the U.S., if not the universe. As their website states: "We are the only poultry company in the world to be American Humane Certified by the American Humane Association." I thought this was awesome so I decided to give their chicken a try. I've already finished a pack of their chicken breasts this week, and I have to say thats some damn good chicken. Hers the link to their website if you want to check it out. http://www.springermountainfarms.com/

Meet the Super Cow

Slaughterhouse Investigation: Cruel and Unhealthy Practices

Burnt Fork BBQ

This past sunday i ate dinner at a Decatur barbeque resturant called Burnt Fork BBQ. Burnt Fork specializes in organic food as well as serving only humanely raised meat from Moonshine farms in Athens, GA. The menu also has vegetarian options with tofu taking the place of the meat. Located at 614 Church Street, Burnt Fork Barbecue is still working on perfecting its recipes and overall quality is still behind other local BBQ joints. However its worth the trip for anyone concerned with animal welfare in our food system.