I was outside doing some yard work and cleaning off lawn furniture that was covered with bird poop. It grossed me out as it would anyone. How can a few innocent robins, blue jays, and the occasional cardinal make such a mess? I got to work, washed it off, and moved on.

Farming, in general, is difficult, dirty work, but animal agriculture is incredibly messy because of, well, poop.

Coming from a dairy family, I have direct experience with this less glamorous aspect of farming. Proponents of regenerative agriculture will point to the benefits of manure for enriching soil in the circle of life. There is some truth to that, but the number of animals we raise and process for food creates much more waste than we can feasibly recycle. The waste inevitably runs into water supplies or contaminates nearby irrigation water, occasionally infecting produce grown for human consumption.

When animals go to slaughter for meat, they do not stop pooping at the entrance to the facility. They continue to drop their waste as they move toward their ultimate fate. Then, they are “processed” or cut into parts. Fecal bacteria can be found on meat in stores. This is why meat should be heated to specified minimum temperatures to kill bacteria before consumption.

My intention is not to throw the animal agriculture business under the bus; instead, it is to point out a fact we tend to ignore for obvious reasons. It doesn’t sit well to think of this part of farm life. Similarly, it doesn’t feel great to imagine killing animals for food. To continue eating meat, we tend not to dwell on the negatives, but it is worth understanding the food we eat to make informed choices.

Have you ever spent time considering the process that brings meat to grocery stores?

*As always, this website and blog information is not medical advice. Please consult your medical professional if you are changing your health behaviors, including starting a new diet or exercise program.