Dairy farm workers abusing cows :(

[CJ2008]

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/florida/fl-reg-dairy-farm-video-20171109-story.html

***missy and others who are sensitive to animals - don't click on the video. I clicked a few seconds and stopped it. It seems like it gets pretty graphic.***

What I don't understand is how anyone can stand by and watch this kind of thing happening.

It's not just the ONE worker or workers that were caught.

It's also everyone else that works there.

A GROUP of people who think is OK to beat and hurt these cows.

And others who were able to watch or know it was happening, and said nothing.

How do these kinds of things even come about.

And the company said:

"Further corrective action will be taken if necessary as we continue to analyze the video and conduct an on-farm investigation.”

IF necessary?

Shouldn't all these people be arrested?

Shouldn't all these people be publicized and let the world know who they are and what they're capable of?

I can't take it. Seeing things like this reminds me that this kind of thing is going on everywhere, every day. These farms held tours for the public, too. So you got to see the nice parts.

Who and what can we trust.

I am just wrenching in sadness right now.

ETA: in reading a bit more, seems like the owner of the farm may have been aware of the abuse too.

 

[monarch64]

I can’t click. I’ve seen enough PETA and other vids to know. There is a major problem (has been forever) with the dairy, meat, poultry, pork, etc industries in this country. I have nothing positive to say about it.

Yesterday I signed up to commit to Veganuary, which is 31 days of eating vegan. I’ve been vegetarian for over a decade, and just never had the determination to go full vegan. Hope it sticks this time. I no longer want to contribute to the absolute hell these animals are put through for their fellow mammals’ consumption. At least other animals show a little mercy with their prey. Humans are just awful.

 

[kenny]

... At least other animals show a little mercy with their prey. ...

Sometimes not true.
I just watched an example.
Netflix is streaming a fantastic nature documentary series.
Narrated by Sir David Attenborough, it's called "Life": ... or "Challenges of Life".
I highly recommend it.

Series 1 Episode 2 ... FF to 41:20.
There's a huge reptile, the Komodo Dragon, that hunts deer.
When hungry enough it can take down a water buffalo, ten times its size.
But how?
Not in a merciful instance of violence, how a lion kills.
It bites the hoof.

Then it patiently waits several weeks for the wound to fester and for the venom, and resulting infection, to kill the buffalo.
As the buffalo gradually declines and suffers several Komodo Dragons follow it around.
Ugh!

That's not showing mercy.

I'm not saying it's okay that humans abuse livestock; BTW I couldn't watch the cow video either.
I was just challenging the statement, "other animals show a little mercy with their prey".

Again, that series is really really good!

 

[Missy]

CJ thanks for your warning. I wouldn't have been able to click anyway. I'm sorry I can't bear to read what is happening. I know it is awful.

I can’t click. I’ve seen enough PETA and other vids to know. There is a major problem (has been forever) with the dairy, meat, poultry, pork, etc industries in this country. I have nothing positive to say about it.

Yesterday I signed up to commit to Veganuary, which is 31 days of eating vegan. I’ve been vegetarian for over a decade, and just never had the determination to go full vegan. Hope it sticks this time. I no longer want to contribute to the absolute hell these animals are put through for their fellow mammals’ consumption. At least other animals show a little mercy with their prey. Humans are just awful.

Monnie good for you and good luck. I am starting my vegan lifestyle again (started again just last week). It's easier in winter. My protein source is beans and the rest is easy once I have the protein down. I'm here for support if you want some. We are going vegan at the same time so we can be here for each other.

 

[monarch64]

Thanks Missy! I love cheese and that’s been my downfall for so many years. It really doesn’t agree with anything but my tastebuds, though! I just have to get over the habit of using it in my cooking and I’ll be set. I haven’t purchased cow milk for years...and there are so many alternative ice cream and dairy products now that everything else is easy. Coconut creamer is awesome!

You will probably see a lot more vegan food posts on my insta. I will consult you there (and feel free to do the same) if I need motivation or recipe ideas or something!

 

[monarch64]

Kenny, yes, you’re right. “Some” other animals show a little mercy with their prey. There are certainly plenty that don’t—cats playing with mice comes to mind. Boy, I really need to watch my ps and qs with you around to keep me on my toes with the sweeping generalizations! LOL

 

[kenny]

Sorry, Monnie.
Don't meant to jump all over you.
I just saw that doc recently and was horrified at the gruesome scene and it came to mind.

 

[monarch64]

Sorry, Monnie.
Don't meant to jump all over you.
I just saw that doc recently and was horrified at the gruesome scene.

No worries! I can’t watch those documentaries, fascinating and educational as they may be. I didn’t know that about the Komodo dragon. I knew they were venomous but I had no idea it took their prey so long to deteriorate and die.

Maybe what I should’ve said, or, another thought: animals seem to take what they need for survival. Humans take more than they need and are greedy—we overconsume. That might be a better way to describe what’s messed up between man vs animal habits.

 

[CJ2008]

Monarch I don't even know all the stuff that goes on. I don't know that I want to know.

I do little things like buy eggs that supposedly come from hens that are allowed to pasture, have enough space, etc., and are certified humane, but I know this isn't nearly enough. And maybe some of these places lie too. And I eat chicken often.

And I eat cheese every single day. And greek yogurt.

If I think about it I probably eat so many animal-based foods.

I just don't know that I could do it. Seems so unattainable.

I can't watch those kinds of documentaries either.

missy aside from beans what are your other sources of protein?

kenny my DH would probably enjoy that documentary very much. He's compassionate and loves animals but he can detach enough to watch those kinds of things.

I think the difference between the dragon and other animals who don't show compassion and humans is that animals are not driven by malice. Or profits. If an animal kills in a certain way, it has been WIRED to do so. It does not LACK compassion. It simply doesn't understand it. It does what it has been wired to do. We as humans are able to FEEL compassion. To UNDERSTAND another animal or being in pain. We understand what suffering looks and feels like. So not the same...

(and for the record, kenny, I love that you pointed that out. It's just a fact, and when discussing soemething if something is inaccurate, I like when it's corrected. BTW I remember thinking that about monkeys, too. They can be pretty mean to each other.)

 

[monarch64]

CJ, I know it’s overwhelming when you think about how ingrained it is in us to eat animal products. Going vegetarian or vegan is a process. For me it’s been going on most of my life. You don’t have to do it all at once—in fact, that’s neither realistic nor sustainable, in my opinion.

When I went straight vegetarian, I just committed to trying it for one week. I didn’t go in with “this is forever” in mind, and it just happened to stick for me. So far, that is. Never say never, and I have gone pescatarian from time to time over the years. And I’m sure I’ve also unknowingly ingested animal products along the way. I think it’s impossible not to, unless you’re growing all your own food and monitoring 100% what you consume.

Do what feels right for you. Baby steps are good. Thinking outside the box for traditional holiday meals and making a Pinterest board with veggie recipes is good. Researching how to get adequate amounts of protein and other nutritional needs met is good. And if going veg doesn’t work for your body, then just try to source ethical options for your animal protein consumption. There are no absolutes. Well, for some there are, but I don’t think there have to be. You do you!

 

[CJ2008]

CJ, I know it’s overwhelming when you think about how ingrained it is in us to eat animal products. Going vegetarian or vegan is a process. For me it’s been going on most of my life. You don’t have to do it all at once—in fact, that’s neither realistic nor sustainable, in my opinion.

When I went straight vegetarian, I just committed to trying it for one week. I didn’t go in with “this is forever” in mind, and it just happened to stick for me. So far, that is. Never say never, and I have gone pescatarian from time to time over the years. And I’m sure I’ve also unknowingly ingested animal products along the way. I think it’s impossible not to, unless you’re growing all your own food and monitoring 100% what you consume.

Do what feels right for you. Baby steps are good. Thinking outside the box for traditional holiday meals and making a Pinterest board with veggie recipes is good. Researching how to get adequate amounts of protein and other nutritional needs met is good. And if going veg doesn’t work for your body, then just try to source ethical options for your animal protein consumption. There are no absolutes. Well, for some there are, but I don’t think there have to be. You do you!

thank you monarch.

I've never considered going vegetarian but this makes me feel that if I wanted to try it, I could give it a shot.

And thank you for encouraging even the small things I've done.

For sure I've looked for ways to eat "better" meat - like Whole Foods has some of their meats from farms that at least market as if they treat their animals better. But I get lazy about it and then stop (Whole Foods is not as convenient to me as the regular supermarkets). And once, I had found a farm that supposedly treated their turkeys really well - but I wrote to them asking them a question (that based on my research was one of those questions that they should have WANTED to answer if they are indeed doing everything right) and they never got back to me. I realize that it could be pure coincidence / they may have just missed the email but I also thought that maybe they didn't answer it because they couldn't answer it truthfully. Same thing with a local egg farm. They sounded all great but when I asked one of the key questions the guy skipped right over it.

 

[monarch64]

No problem, CJ! One thing I really dislike about PETA and some other organizations that push the vegetarian/vegan agenda is how much they can bully people into it. That’s just not a good approach. People change when what they’re doing hurts more than the alternative, I.e. when they WANT to. No one wants to be shamed into anything, least of all the food they choose to eat. I think sensitivity is necessary on all sides of the issue. Do I begrudge or hate factory farmers? Hell, no. They are hardworking people making a living doing what they’re skilled at. I don’t agree with their METHODS, though. What’s the saying, love the sinner, hate the sin? Don’t hate the player, hate the game for all of us non-religious types.

I grew up in farm country. I have friends still from elementary school who are pig farmers. It’s all they’ve known, all their ancestors knew.

The health issue is what pushed me over the edge. I’ve talked about it many times here before—colorectal cancer runs in my family, and one preventative measure is to avoid consuming animal protein. I still continued to eat eggs, dairy, and sometimes fish. I try to eat mostly plant based, natural foods. This works for ME. It may or may not work for you, or anyone else. There are a thousand different ways to eat, and fortunately we live in a time where all kinds of food options (for the PS demographic that is) are easily accessible. I won’t get into the issues of inner city populations with little access to anything but cheap, fast foods that are contributing to an obesity and diabetes epidemic. There are docs one can search out of interested.

One of your questions was ways in which to get protein. I will tell you right now that if you discontinue all animal flesh intake, you will VERY likely need to supplement your diet with b12 and maybe other b vitamins. Something to discuss with your GP. I went through a healthy pregnancy with just a regular prenatal vitamin and a little iron supp near the end, but that’s just me and my body. Others may become quickly anemic or just not handle the transition well. Or it may be the healthiest thing they’ve ever done and they feel amazing. You don’t know til you try it.

Just food for thought from my experience. Take it with a grain of salt since I’m not a medical professional. Thanks for posting this thread—it reinforces my motivation. I need that every once in awhile.

 

[yennyfire]

I couldn't click either, but the thought alone sickens me. I too, try to buy only animal products sourced humanely, free range, etc. but you never really know, do you? Kudos to you Missy and Monnie for going/returning to Veganism. That takes a lot of planning and dedication!

 

[babs23r]

I can’t click either, but after seeing a documentary this past summer about Kobe beef, I decided not to eat red meat ever again.

 

[Missy]

missy aside from beans what are your other sources of protein?

CJ I get protein mainly from bean sources...black beans, chicpeas are the 2 main beans I eat. If you add it to Quinoa it becomes a complete protein source. Rice and beans is another complete protein source. I soak dry beans overnight and then cook them the next day. It lasts a few days at least and is an easy meal to prepare. I am also very sodium sensitive so I need to make the beans myself and not buy prepackaged ones though you can find low sodium beans at Trader Joe and Whole Foods. I also eat lots of almonds and cashews and pistachios. I probably don't (and rarely have) get enough protein.

For those of you who don't know what the term "complete protein" means.
It refers to amino acids, the building blocks of protein. There are 20 different amino acids that can form a protein, and nine that the body can't produce on its own.

These are called essential amino acids—we need to eat them because we can't make them ourselves. In order to be considered "complete," a protein must contain all nine of these essential amino acids.

Humans don't need every essential amino acid in every bite of food in every meal they eat. We only need a sufficient amount of each amino acid every day. Most dieticians believe that plant-based diets contain such a wide variety of amino acid profiles that vegans are virtually guaranteed to get all of their amino acids.

Peanut butter on whole wheat (I cannot eat this as it disagrees with me) is also a complete protein so this is another good option if you are able to eat peanuts. Every time legumes like beans, lentils, and peanuts are combined with grains like wheat, rice, and corn you have a complete protein.

The reason I am vegan is my love of animals and not health reasons. Over the last 35 years I have gone mainly between veganism and pescatarianism. I always disliked eating animals and as soon as I was old enough I refused to eat meat i.e. chicken, turkey, ham, red meat etc. However I am not perfect and promise myself to do better. No more leather products for me. I made my last leather purchase a few months ago and I am determined not to buy any more.

Monnie I am with you re PETA. I am not a fan and they are also extremists and not completely correct in everything they say so not only are they aggressive and turn people off but not everything they say is accurate. I agree with you people will only end up doing what they want to do when it comes to many things and I feel it is a decision one must come to on their own for whatever reason(s) they decide is important to them.

 

[stracci2000]

For about the last 8 years, I haven't bought or cooked red meat or pork.
Hubby bitches, so I cook chicken once in a while to appease him.
I'm happy with a salad, pasta or vegetable dish.

 

[Missy]

CJ and Monnie and anyone else interested. My DH loves this and it’s vegan and gluten free. FYI. We get it at Costco. It’s yummy. I only had it once but my dh enjoys it more often.

 

[CJ2008]

CJ I get protein mainly from bean sources...black beans, chicpeas are the 2 main beans I eat. If you add it to Quinoa it becomes a complete protein source. Rice and beans is another complete protein source. I soak dry beans overnight and then cook them the next day. It lasts a few days at least and is an easy meal to prepare. I am also very sodium sensitive so I need to make the beans myself and not buy prepackaged ones though you can find low sodium beans at Trader Joe and Whole Foods. I also eat lots of almonds and cashews and pistachios. I probably don't (and rarely have) get enough protein.

For those of you who don't know what the term "complete protein" means.
It refers to amino acids, the building blocks of protein. There are 20 different amino acids that can form a protein, and nine that the body can't produce on its own.

These are called essential amino acids—we need to eat them because we can't make them ourselves. In order to be considered "complete," a protein must contain all nine of these essential amino acids.

Humans don't need every essential amino acid in every bite of food in every meal they eat. We only need a sufficient amount of each amino acid every day. Most dieticians believe that plant-based diets contain such a wide variety of amino acid profiles that vegans are virtually guaranteed to get all of their amino acids.

Peanut butter on whole wheat (I cannot eat this as it disagrees with me) is also a complete protein so this is another good option if you are able to eat peanuts. Every time legumes like beans, lentils, and peanuts are combined with grains like wheat, rice, and corn you have a complete protein.

The reason I am vegan is my love of animals and not health reasons. Over the last 35 years I have gone mainly between veganism and pescatarianism. I always disliked eating animals and as soon as I was old enough I refused to eat meat i.e. chicken, turkey, ham, red meat etc. However I am not perfect and promise myself to do better. No more leather products for me. I made my last leather purchase a few months ago and I am determined not to buy any more.

Monnie I am with you re PETA. I am not a fan and they are also extremists and not completely correct in everything they say so not only are they aggressive and turn people off but not everything they say is accurate. I agree with you people will only end up doing what they want to do when it comes to many things and I feel it is a decision one must come to on their own for whatever reason(s) they decide is important to them.

Thanks for all these tips missy.

As I was reading through your post it dawned on me that I already eat a lot of those kinds of foods.

I like beans, so I do eat black and red beans. And I do pair them with brown rice for the reason you mention (although I read something recently they no longer say you *have* to do that. I can't recall exactly what it was though.) But it's once in a while, when I feel like it. I also do eat peanut butter, although I usually combine it with apple slices or banana...I don't pair it up with bread because I try to watch my bread/carbs intake.

How do you prepare the chickpeas? Like do you season them with something?

I could probably be a pescatarian more easily than no animals at all, but I don't really love fish...and I worry about the mercury. What kinds of fish do you gravitate toward?

I wonder if I should start a thread with tips/tricks so it can help more people and more people can contribute - it seems that there are a few poeple here are or are trying to eat less animal products.

 

[Missy]

Thanks for all these tips missy.

As I was reading through your post it dawned on me that I already eat a lot of those kinds of foods.

I like beans, so I do eat black and red beans. And I do pair them with brown rice for the reason you mention (although I read something recently they no longer say you *have* to do that. I can't recall exactly what it was though.) But it's once in a while, when I feel like it. I also do eat peanut butter, although I usually combine it with apple slices or banana...I don't pair it up with bread because I try to watch my bread/carbs intake.

How do you prepare the chickpeas? Like do you season them with something?

I could probably be a pescatarian more easily than no animals at all, but I don't really love fish...and I worry about the mercury. What kinds of fish do you gravitate toward?

I wonder if I should start a thread with tips/tricks so it can help more people and more people can contribute - it seems that there are a few poeple here are or are trying to eat less animal products.

Hi CJ. I buy dry organic chickpeas soak them overnight and then boil them the next day to taste. I don’t usually season my food but you can season any way you like. I add them to a big salad with grilled onions, mushrooms and other assorted veggies. Sometimes I add quinoa but more often than not I don’t.

When I’m not vegan and I’m a pescetarian I eat environmentally sustainable fish. I eat wild salmon and stay away from the larger fish that have too much mercury. I love Bluefish too. And any white flaky fish. Dorado is another fish I enjoy. But truth be told I always feel badly eating fish so am pleased to be vegan once more.

You do what you can within reason. You don’t have to be vegan all the time. You can make it work for you. If you eat out you might have to eat fish and not be able to be vegan that night unless you go to a vegan restaurant. Just do what you can and don’t be hard on yourself. Small steps are good ones.

I think it’s a great idea if you want to start a thread where others can share helpful tips on maintaining a vegan/vegetarian/pescetarian lifestyle. It’s really not too challenging imo to maintain an animal friendly lifestyle. Once you know what you enjoy eating and make it work for you.

(((Hugs)))