Myth: Farmers are dumb or plain backwards. Reality: Farmers act as caretakers, nutritionists, reproduction specialists, mechanics, agronomists, marketers, electricians, plumbers, machinists, welders, and veterinarians, just to name a few jobs. Farmers who are not as well read do not make it in today's industry! Many of us even have darkened the doors of a University, while others have learned from the school of hard knocks .
Myth: Livestock are killing the planet. Reality: Livestock production (not counting harvesting and planting) produce only about 3.5-5% of the total GHG emissions in most developed countries. This is much lower than emissions from the sectors of Transportation, Commercial/Residential, Industry, and Energy Production.
Myth: Livestock are draining our water sources. Reality: In most places ( with the exception of very arid areas) water from our livestock is filtered from urine and waste; then recycled through the aquifers underground, then drawn up clean.
Myth: Farmers are only in it for the profits! Reality: Worldwide, farmers only get 15% or less of the price of food in your store. The rest goes to production, shipping, and marketing. Very few of us get rich. We work 7 days a week to bring fresh food to your family. We sacrifice holidays and sports games, kids' concerts, and family get-togethers to care for livestock and harvest our crops. And we do it with a smile!
Myth: Meat is Cruel. Reality: Raising livestock is in no way cruel. Farm animals have free feed, clean water, lush pastures or clean stalls, veterinary care and in almost all cases, farmers love their animals. Otherwise we would do something else with fewer hours. (See # 4) Humans are omnivores, and we provide the food for the world.
Myth: Cattle, pigs, and chickens eat all the corn that could be used to feed people. Reality: No more than 15% of corn is feed to livestock. The rest goes into corn products such as corn syrup, fresh corn, and meal.
Myth: Look at all that land! That huge tractor! That farmer is rich! Reality: Estimates are that 75-85% of farms are generationally owned; that is - they are passed down in the family. This allows us to produce food cheaply and efficiently. Farmland is our most valuable asset; spoiler: Most of us don't sell! We are land poor as we say in the US.
Myth: Animals are sentient beings. Reality: While animals can feel pain and fear, most reputable Universities agree that animals cannot feel emotion or anticipate death. Any farmer who has found a sheep caught upside down in a 12" deep trough, or a cow who has managed to become wedged backwards in the dairy parlour can testify to livestock "sentience" being very low to non existent. Livestock live blissfully in the moment.
Any more questions? Don't be afraid to talk to your local farmer. All heroes don't wear capes!
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