Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Why?

I've had a few friends and family members ask why in the world I want to farm and grow my own garden, and, eventually, raise and eat my own livestock.

Personally, I find it hypocritical of anyone who eats meat but is unwilling to kill the animal themselves.  I feel, as a whole, people are too disconnected from what goes on with their food.  I think that it's appalling that livestock are kept on feedlots knee-deep in their own feces; or in tiny cages with no access to the outside or to sunlight, without room to sprawl or stretch their legs.

No, I am no PETA enthusiast.  In fact, I abhor the organization, but that's another post.

It means enough to me that the animals I eat for food get space, grass, sunlight, the best feed I can afford, and love.  Because it is that important to me, I'm willing to do everything I can to move away from commercialized meat and dairy products.

It means enough to me to have fresh fruits and vegetables, untouched or modified by Monsanto or their ilk, that I'm learning to grow my own food as organically as I can.

Furthermore, I have very little faith in this country remaining stable in any meaning of the word for much longer.  I pray I'm wrong, but my gut tells me that I'm not.  Besides, on a much less dramatic scale, it wouldn't take much to disrupt the flow of food to the supermarkets.  A gas shortage.  A trucker strike.  A natural disaster...

I feel that the more I can provide for myself and my family, the easier and more comfortable we can survive anything that's thrown our way.

While we don't have a farm yet, The Architect and I will make the best of the acre we have until we do.

Maybe I can't save the world, but I CAN save my part of it.

5 comments:

  1. Great post, Violet! I love reading your blog as it gives me hope that there is a generation after mine (hear my old bones creak!) that is going to be extolling the benefits and joys of raising your own food and livestock. Another reason I recommend your blog AND passed on to you the "Dirty Fingernails and Muddy Boots" award :) (Check over on my blog to get your little banner thingie) Remember to pass it on to 3 blogs that you feel qualify!

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  2. Aww, thank you! :) I haven't gotten 'round to checking everyone else's blogs today, so I hadn't seen it.

    I hope I live up to your expectations, and I hope that I can inspire someone else to do what we're doing. :)

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  3. got here from HT. Enjoyed your post. I like to know where my food comes from too.

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  4. Hi berryvine! Welcome! I did a quick look over your blog (since I'm running out the door to go grocery shopping), but I love all the pics of your creatures! Especially the pic of smiling Beagle. :)

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  5. Great post! I'm glad there are other people out there that think like I do. lol

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