Let's try to keep an open mind.....

I love reading articles that Ryan Goodman writes for CNN's Eatocracy Series.  He is very honest and has a sincere desire to advocate the agriculture industry and he does an amazing job at it as well.  His recent post was Farmer In the Know.....  As I read this article and got to the comments I started to get infuriated!!

Not going to lie.....growing up I was very critical of vegans and vegetarians.  Any time someone said they were such I wasted no time voicing my opinion and not understanding how anyone could ever not eat meat!!!  Well as you mature you definitely gain a stronger sense of open mindedness and responsibility.

To give a little recap of the article; he wrote about what consumers can do to help us be better animal caretakers.  It shows what consumer can do to get involved and know where their food is coming from.  Such as go take a tour, or call your supermarket and find out where their meat is raised that they sell.  These were great points.   As I started reading the comments it is very apparent that people are just out to "throw knives" and not even taking the context of the article in the appropriate manner.

The whole conversation within the comments ended being a debate over it being ethical to kill or not to kill animals.  This is so frustrating to me.......Here are my thoughts.  Every one in America has a choice and we are lucky enough to live in a country where we have a choice.  Whether you are vegan, a vegetarian, or a meat eater you should be open minded and respectful of other peoples choices.  There is no reason to start bashing the choices that people make.  It would be nice to see people act like adults and read the articles for what they are.

People are so negative and the comments get totally off the subject at hand and take away from people that actually get the article or have legit questions.  For example someone posted that if they went to their local COSTCO they would have no idea where their beef comes from.   Not true.....they purchase their meat from a buyer and that buyer knows where they are getting their meat from.  Meat just doesn't show up magically.  Their is a trail of paperwork at each level.

I hate reading false information......if you are going to post something please have your facts before you post and don't just say things if they aren't true....another example.  One of the comments was that local farmers may not have a problem showing you their facility but in no way would you be able to step foot on a CAFO (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation) or "factory farm".  Well first of all both of those are also considered your local farmers.  As a saleswoman I step foot on CAFO's and "factory farms" everyday.  Many times without an appointment and search the facility for a herdsman or owner.  Never have I been kicked off a farm for this.  If you are respectful of the facility the owners will be happy to show you around. 

One of the things people need to realize is that bio security is a huge deal in the livestock world.  Most producers don't appreciate people just showing up and walking around on their own but like I stated before if you are respectful and ask you will more than likely be showed around.  If you have never even tried to visit a farm don't sit and say you will not be welcome. 

Another comment that really stuck out to me was a man that said he was a vegetarian and grows his own food.  He said he has nothing against people that eat meat it is just his choice and he gets frustrated when all he gets is hostility back.  This really hit me hard because he had a very good point. 

We need to have an open mind and start to listen to the other side of things.  Starting a conversation is where is begins and we won't get anywhere by shoving our side down the opposing sides throat.  If we keep to the facts and stay true to what we know we will get farther than just tying to argue.

That's my thoughts......enjoy!!!