See 2 important studies by the Union of Concerned Scientists on the benefits
of pasture-based meats:
1) Greener
Pastures -- [excerpt] "...most cattle in the United
States spend significant parts of their lives in crowded feedlots with
hundreds or thousands of other animals, eating feed that contains large
amounts of grain (primarily corn). While cattle on pasture rarely get
sick, those confined to feedlots and fed grain are prone to disease and
most feedlot operators routinely feed antibiotics to prevent illness and
to accelerate growth. This, in turn, increases the risk of antibiotic
resistance in humans. In addition, air and water pollution stemming from
dust and mountains of feedlot manure, and the many fertilizers and pesticides
used in grain production, exact a heavy toll on the environment and the
health of farmers, farm workers, and nearby residents.
Fortunately, there are better ways to raise food animals. Raising cattle
on pasture lessens environmental damage, improves animal health, and reduces
antibiotic use."
2) Greener
Eggs & Ham -- [excerpt] "The benefits to producers
who raise hogs and poultry on pasture include lower costs, lower capital
needs, the ability to produce in season, less exposure to airborne hazards,
and fewer objections from neighbors regarding odors and pollution. Consumers
benefit from less exposure to antibiotic-resistant microbes, better tasting
products (mainly due to the use of heritage breeds of hogs and chickens),
and the knowledge that less environmental damage occurred in the production
of the food."
Sustainable Farmer is a multimedia online magazine for people raising food and fiber with respect for the future of all living things. As food and fuel prices rise, many farmers now look to sustainable agriculture as a way to provide fresh local food to local consumers -- in ways that protect the planet. This site offers the information and advice that they need to succeed.
Local Harvest
Lists markets, CSAs, co-ops and grocery stores with local foods, organic restaurants,
etc.
Ann Arbor Area - The Farmer's Marketer
Great site, with details posted weekly on produce available at Ann Arbor area farmer's markets, links to local food blogs.
Organic Consumers
In addition to farmers markets, coops, restaurants, this site also lists
organic products, current news articles on sustainable ag
Sweetwater Market
- Muskegon
"Michigan's first" to exclusively sell products from humanely
raised animals and fruits & vegetables grown in an ecologically sound
manner."
Watershed Media -- excellent books, several written or edited by Dan Imhoff, CAFO, Farming with the Wild, Food Fight
Island Press
-- major publisher of environmental, sustainable agriculture books
see especially -- Fatal Harvest: The Tragedy of Industrial Agriculture,
ed. by Andrew Kimbrell Ecoagriculture: Strategies to Feed the World and Save Wild
Biodiversity, by Jeffrey A. McNeely and Sara J. Scherr Farm as Natural Habitat: Reconnecting Food Systems with Ecosystems,
ed. by Dana L. Jackson and Laura L. Jackson