I talk a lot about farmers being real environmentalists. About how farmers care about preserving and protecting the land. About how farmers are passionate about animal care and take exceptional care of their livestock. The best part that all of this is just part of the natural progression of farming. As new and better technologies are discovered, farmers implement them and the farms become more efficient and more environmentally-friendly.
Here is an example: the pork industry.
Over the last 50 years the industry has seen a significant increase in its sustainability. Let’s take a look at what that means. Considering 1953 as a baseline, there has been “a 35 percent decrease in carbon footprint, a 41 percent reduction in water usage and a 78 percent drop in land needed to produce a pound of pork.” (Source: Pork Checkoff)
Garth Boyd, an environmental researcher that conducted the study, concluded: โThe study underscores just how much improvement farmers have made over the past half century….The pork industry has been very successful in significantly reducing its environmental impact and use of natural resources by nearly 50 percent across the board per 1,000 pounds of pork produced, which is quite an accomplishment.โ
So, how were hog farmers able to make so many improvements. It certainly wasn’t because the government forced them to do so. And it also wasn’t because some animal rights group put the pressure on them. Instead, it was the voluntary implementation of new technologies that spurred the changes. As better practices became available, farmers found they were more efficient and better for their operation. Putting those technologies into action was a way to help their efficiency, bottom line, and the environment.
See, farmers have a vested interest in our land and our animals. It defies logic that a farmer would want to poison his land with pesticides; he needs that land year and year to produce crops. Similarly, it doesn’t make sense that a farmer would want to abuse animals; he needs them healthy in order for production. Being environmentally-friendly is a natural part of farming.
When the agriculture industry adopts a practice, it’s usually a good thing.
