Archive for the ‘Livestock’ Category

Nutrient Decline in our Food Supply

Thursday, December 13th, 2012

by Catherine Haug, December 11, 2012

We all rely on the quality of our food to sustain us and keep us in good health. We trust that foods of vibrant color are rich in antioxidants and vitamins; for example, beets, oranges, carrots, cherries and berries. We trust that leafy greens with rich, dark color are rich in minerals, vitamins and bitters. We trust that fresh meats and dairy are rich in protein, essential oils, and vitamins.

But is our trust warranted? Certainly prior to the industrial age, that trust was well-placed. But modern agriculture is all about the bottom line, and food quality is often sacrificed in pursuit of that goal. Crops are treated with chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides, and refreshed with contaminated waters. Animals are fed these inferior crops, and in many cases fed crops that are not their natural diet. All of this leads to nutritional deficiency in our foods.

Just how bad has it gotten? What can we do to reverse the trend? (more…)

Why ‘Pasture-Raised’ trumps ‘Organic’

Wednesday, June 13th, 2012

by Catherine Haug, June 12, 2012 and David Brown, November 2011

Most of us believe that Organic is the best you can buy, to feed your family. And it certainly is better than commercially-produced fresh and processed foods. But is it really the ‘best’ available?

I’ve posted on this topic before (see Related Posts, below). David Brown (avid gardener, compostor, and health researcher from Kalispell) writes about the advantage of ‘pasture-raised’ over ‘Organic’ when it comes to animal foods like meat, dairy and eggs. (more…)

Notes on Raising Rabbits

Thursday, April 12th, 2012

"Nudge," a Black Otter Rex Doe

by Brenda Lee S., April 2012

(photos from Nick & Brenda Lee S.)

[Cat’s Note: Nick and Brenda Lee presented on Raising Rabbits for our march 2010 gathering. See Gathering Summary: Raising Chickens & Rabbits. See also their video in 4 parts, on How to Dress (Home Butcher) a Rabbit]

My father raised rabbits starting in ‘29; he survived the depression delivering and butchering rabbits on site. He continued to raise rabbits until his death at age 81. We have been around rabbits all of our lives, having grown up with my fathers’ vast experience, and continued with our love of rabbits, breeding Rex Rabbits. Rabbits are very amazing, There are however some points to raising rabbits. (more…)

Updated video: How to Dress (Butcher) a Rabbit

Monday, April 9th, 2012

by Catherine Haug, April 9, 2012

Back in March of 2010, we had a gathering on Raising Chickens & Rabbits. Nick and BrendaLee S. presented on raising rabbits, and provided a Flip video of How to Dress (Home-Butcher) a Rabbit, that was included in the gathering summary. Subsequent to that, the Flip video-share site closed, so that the video was no longer available. Now they have converted it to a YouTube video in 4 parts.

I’ve updated that gathering summary with the new YouTube links, and also provide them below.  Read on for those links. (more…)

Fresh: the film about moving toward sustainable food supply

Sunday, February 26th, 2012

by Catherine Haug, February 26, 2012

Dr. Mercola featured this documentary film in his newsletter today. You can view it on his website FOR FREE through March 3, 2012. It’s a little more than 1 hour in length. Go to Polyculture vs Monoculture: Fresh, the Film. Mercola writes:

The documentary “FRESH” celebrates the farmers, thinkers and business people across America who are re-inventing our food system.

The film demonstrates how we can collectively transform the current “industrial agricultural paradigm” into a healthier, more sustainable way of feeding the world, while restoring the health of our ailing planet.

You can also view the trailer for this movie: Fresh (the movie): Trailers. And you can support the film by purchasing a copy or making a donation.

If you miss the free viewing deadline, you may be able to Find a screening in our area, or host a screening. If you choose to host a screening and would welcome ESP members, let me know and I’ll publish an event notice.

Scary Foods (or why we should support local food producers)

Wednesday, February 1st, 2012

by Catherine Haug, January 26, 2012

Supporting local food producers (gardeners, CSAs, farmers, orchards, ranchers, dairies, etc.) is not only an excellent way to build a strong community, but also the best way to ensure the quality and healthfulness of the foods you and your family eat. A side benefit is a cleaner, sustainable environment and  reduced energy consumption. You can effect food production practices by voting with your dollars.

Given the basic truth of “you are what you eat,” I am astounded at the toxic and unhealthful junk so many of us eat without giving it a second thought. Big Ag and its control of our media have certainly done a good job at getting us to make unhealthy choices voluntarily and enthusiastically. The problem is endemic in our society and affects all aspects of our diet.

(more…)