Agricultural Myths

Many of today's consumers don't know about farmers' and ranchers' relationship with their animals, or how modern farmers produce meat, milk, and eggs. The image of the family farm with its red barn, a few chickens in the yard, some pigs in the mud, and cows in the field isn't accurate anymore. We, as farmers, tend livestock, guaranteeing their health, the animal provides an economic return to us by supplying wholesome, high quality foods that people want. As farming continues to grow around Canada two things always will arise: farmers have concern for the health and safety of their animals and their dedication to provide food for the world. 


Myth: Farm animals routinely raised on factory farms are confined in crowded, unventilated cages and sheds.

A hog barn with proper ventilation

 Fact: Animals are generally kept in barns, with an exception of beef cattle, to protect the heath of the animal. This houses the livestock from predators, disease, and bad weather. This housing also makes breeding and birth less stressful, protects the babies, and makes it easier for the farmer to care for sick livestock. This housing is usually well ventilated,  warm, well-lit, clean, and made to meet the specific animals needs (Temperature, light, water, and food). Since these barns are used to support a specific animals needs, a hog barn wouldn't be used for cows anymore than a adult would sleep in a babies crib. This housing is to let the farmer provide for the animals as best as possible. 


Myth: A vegetarian diet is healthier than a diet that includes meat, poultry, milk, and eggs.


Fact: Government heath agencies have said that a healthy diet should contain meat, milk, and eggs. Health benefits can be derived by non-vegetarians who follow a strict diet that is low in fat, sodium, sugar and alcohol. Poorly-planned vegetarian diets can be just as unhealthy as poorly-planned non-vegetarian diets. The key to a healthy diet is moderation. A lot of people take milk out of their diet believing it is a fattening substance; however, milk is one of the best sources of calcium in the diet. Calcium is important in warding off colon cancer and osteoporosis. Beef is also a huge source of different vitamins and minerals for a healthy diet, you can check out my "The Truth About Beef" blog to learn all about the different benefits. 


Myth: Farm animals in confinement are prone to disease, forcing farmers to routinely use antibiotics, hormones and drugs and to keep them alive. This jeopardizes animal and human health.


Fact: Animal scientists, veterinarians and on-farm experience show animals kept in housing are generally healthier because they are protected. Farm animals do sometimes get sick. To prevent illness and to ensure that an animal remains healthy all of its life, farmers will take preventive measures, like using animal health products. These products include animal drugs and vaccines, in addition to vitamins, minerals and other nutrients the animal needs in its diet. All of the products used on animals have been regulated and tested by government agencies to ensure the safety of the animal and its meat. 

Distribution of cropland in Canada (blackened area)
Around 5% crop production and 6% grazing

Myth: By eating less meat,we could improve the environment, free land, and resources for the production of food crops rather than animal products, which could be used to feed the hungry overseas.


Fact: Canadians need to both animals and plants to manage the nation's natural resources in the best way possible and feed its people. A majority of the land in Canada can't be used for growing crops and can only be used for grazing. The land would be of no use as a food resource if it were not for grazing livestock like cattle, goats and sheep.


These are just a few of the many agricultural myth that circle the nation. Before you agree with something make sure you know your facts and don't jump to conclusions. 


Hope everyone's having a wonderful weekend, its been pretty rainy here in Ponoka. Anyways, I better get back to studying Bio for my diploma! Learning about all sort of interesting things like the endocrine system, nervous system, reproductive system, cell division, molecular genetics, Mendelian genetics, and population genetics and interactions. 


xo
~Carling