It’s great that consumers and suppliers are taking a focus on animals welfare.
This article highlights Coles new stance on pigs in sow stalls. Coles responds to consumer pressure over sow stalls - 21/07/2010
My only question with this stance on pig sow stalls is, how does the farmer stop the sows from squashing their piglets when they are born?
The sow stalls as I understand, are what stop the pregnant sows from fighting with each other and when the piglets are born they are protected too. I’d love to hear how farmers will handle the new set ups. What will they look like? What will be the benefits or negatives? How much will all this cost? And, how much will that add to the cost of the final product?
Farmers usually have their animals and their lands best interests at heart.
I find it hard to understand how consumers and retailers can be such a force as to change the way farmers do things that often those same people don’t even realise where eggs or milk come from, and understand even less about what it takes to get food from farm to plate .
What’s your opinion on this one?
Zak, the cattle farmer with a few chickens, sheep, dogs and cats for companionship.
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2 comments:
An excellent point that also brings up another fundamental, but generally ignored fact.
Farmers rely on experience and proven animal husbandry techniques (many of which have been passed down from generation to generation) in order to optimize the herd. This is especially true with smaller holdings who cannot afford major infrastructure modifications to comply with the latest "consumer recommendations".
Ultimately, the costs incurred are passed on by the big producers, but not the small, as the smaller holdings have to yield to the market as they do not have the bargaining power.
They respect their livestock, and will do anything they can to ensure the safety and longevity of their thread stock. Most consumers don't realize that many rural holdings are just another year of drought, or another failed crop, away from losing their livelihood.
Feedlots and bulk corporate farms are a separate issue.
Valid points, Mark.
Thanks for the comments.
Please visit again!
Zak.
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