This is my take on Animal Welfare, ethics, and environmental concerns in the meat industry. Animal welfare refers to the ethical and humane treatment of animals raised for meat production. It includes ensuring that animals have access to clean water, adequate food, and proper medical care. It also involves providing a suitable living environment and minimizing any pain or distress the animals may experience while alive and during slaughter. Environmental concerns are a whole other animal, pun intended. And yes, this can of worms is being opened.

There are different levels of animal welfare standards in the meat industry. Some producers follow basic practices that are the industry standard. Others go above and beyond the basic practices to offer more humane treatment of animals, such as providing ample space for animals to move around freely and engaging in environmental enrichment activities.

Over the years, consumers are becoming increasingly concerned about animal welfare. Many are choosing to purchase meat products from producers who have these higher standards for the ethical and humane treatment of animals. As a result, more and more meat producers are implementing their own stringent animal welfare standards to meet the demands of their customers.

It's important to note that environmental concerns associated with the meat industry are also a consumer concern, growing yearly. The top billing includes the impact of animal agriculture on climate change. So, before you start writing disparaging comments about that last statement, please stop and think: According to the EPA, in 2020 agriculture accounted for 11% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, up 6% from 1990; and emissions from livestock manure management systems have grown 62% since 1990. Climate Change is real and terrifying, and I hope and pray it will get more attention ASAP. Brands themselves can certainly help guild sustainability-seeking consumers to be savvier. Companies can actually be transparent about their green policies and factual accountability without simply greenwashing and using smoke and mirrors. Millennials and Gen Z want more than just organic; they want a world where their grandkids can live, and they are ready to spend more for it.

Let's talk about proximity and its significant role in meat purchasing decisions for a second, as well. Consumers often prefer to purchase meat products that are produced within a 100-mile radius since transportation has a significant environmental impact, and buying locally supports the local economy.

There are so many determining factors in the minds of meat buyers these days. I, for one, love meat, want to keep our industry in business, and want to keep this planet revolving around the sun safely for all of us.

My question today is, where are you on all this? Honesty and civility are kindly requested in your response. Cheers, live well.

Animal welfare in the meat industry

Join for free* to continue reading.