cattlepersons,etc.
Marjorie Rayburn (mrayburn@chowan.ces.state.nc.us)
Fri, 20 Dec 1996 12:16:37 -0500 (EST)
I am a cattleperson and also a sheep person (or is it shepherdess?) I
genuinely like and care for my animals. I want to see that they have adequate
food, exercise, health, and a "decent life" while here on earth. However,
these animals are livestock and not pets. They have traditionally and
historically had a place alongside human populations in providing food and
fiber for us humans. Just because I raise these animals does not mean I cannot
enjoy a good steak or lamb chop. I know what the end product is intended to
be, but I take pride in humanely raising (and slaughtering) them for meat to
provide a highly concentrated (and tasty) source of protein, vitamins, and
minerals for humans. Livestock allow the productive use of grassland or
marginal cropland as they convert grass and other vegetation to something that
humans can eat. It is also important for the general public to realize the
connection between animal agriculture (I mean that in the very best sense) and
the meat on their table (or the leather in their shoes, or the sheepskin seat
covers in their luxury automobile).
These comments are my personal opinion and may or may not reflect those of the
North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service or N.C. State University.
Happy Holidays to all on this list!
Marjorie Rayburn
--
Marjorie Rayburn (Ms. IPM)
E-Mail : mrayburn@chowan
Internet: mrayburn@chowan.ces.ncsu.edu
Phone : (919) 482-8431