In chapter 11 of the Omnivores Dilemma, Michael Pollan recounts the time he spent on an organic farm with a farmer by the name of Joel. Joel is a man who believes that when given the right circumstances a farmer has no need for any chemically enriched or antibiotic feed for his animals. Instead Joel feels that if you allow your animals to continue on with the natural cycle you will not only save the environment but also a great deal of money on the costs of feed.
On his farm, Joel has set out a system where he will allow his cattle to graze on a piece of land for a couple of days, let it sit, and then allow his chicken. The cycle above allows the land to not be overtaxed by any animal, but at the same time get the much needed nitrogen to re grow. The use of free range allows the animals that Joel raises to not be coupe up like so many animals in the industry.
Not only does this chapter talk about the practices on organic farms but it also contrasts them to that of conventional pig farms. Pollan does a very good job of dissuading his readers from purchasing pork when he discusses the terrible life that they lead. Unlike many books like The Jungle whose power came from many Americans upset stomachs, Pollan is making his readers feel sorry for the swine.
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