joel salatin

[workboots]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Z75A_JMBx4


This is a great ted talk by an accomplished agricultural writer. He has several interviews and presentations online.

He argues that the "food police" want to make it impossible for people to choose how and what they eat. Cloaked by the facade of food safety requirements, big business is trying to take away our legal right to purchase food from a neighbour, from a farmers market, ect.

Salatin is a libertarian that believes in individuals rights. He's not against corporations like Tyson's, Monsanto or big AG in general but he feel the slow strangling grip of their power taking away from the individuals rights and ability to make sound decisions. He speaks of a society thats been brainwashed into thinking that food from a box laced with preservatives, plopped into the microwave is normal food.


I'm interested to hear peoples thoughts on this guy and his message?

[Blaithin]

Personally I really enjoy Joel's works. I'm a huge book nerd but do run into issues with dry text like books. However his book, Salad Bar Beef, was proof that his style is easily accessible to almost anyone interested in Ag topics. Couldn't put it down.

And for those who don't read, his video collections are great as well.

He gives a very good perspective of methods ulterior to those that are currently being heavily promoted by the Ag industry. In the face of market demands for products with words like natural and sustainable attached, his Polyface farms show that those goals are achievable.

He's a nice, differing perspective from what is the more common knowledge generally available.

[farmaholic]

A comment I've made before, "the older I get the less tolerance I have for a poor diet".

My "added" sugar intake has been DRAMATICALLY reduced compared to what I used to consume. If I "crave" sugar, is it because I lack it or addicted to it? Salt? See chip comment.

"Boxed ready to eat" food isn't part of my diet.

A move to wholesome foods has been made.

The less processing the better.

"Cooking" from scratch may not be quick, convenient and easy but it is better than junk fast food and box meals.

Potato chips are an addiction for me ;-)... no moderation, so abstinence is best practice.

Got a deep freezer full of a variety of wholesome food, variety of spices, onions and/or garlic....but requires time.

Try to keep processed meat consumption to a minimum.

Love farm raised chickens compared to that "immature" factory barn stuff.

Why can a butchershop by a beef from a federally inspected slaughter facility to sell to it's customers but not a farm raised pail fed beef. Yet, for now, I can buy that farm raised beef and have it processed at that same butchershop for me?


I find it odd that they have to "teach in the classroom" where the basic food ingredients come from. Noodles from durum. Milk from a cow. Bread from wheat.

[farmaholic]

I often wonder what would happen if something catastrophic would disrupt the modern day(ready to eat) food supply, how many people would know what to do(prepare and cook) with the basic food ingredients.

Grocery stores in large cities have even taken on the roll of selling food ready for the table. Hot roasted chicken, salads of every kind and variety. Deli. Cut up vegetable and fruit trays. Store made oven ready pizzas.

And then there's the restaurants and fast food joints in the large centers. ....how can they all stay in business?

[Guest]

I often wonder what would happen if something catastrophic would disrupt the modern day(ready to eat) food supply, how many people would know what to do(prepare and cook) with the basic food ingrediets

well they will come and steal your food from your deep freeze and grain from your bins . you won't have enough bullets . as I said before those that know how to catch and clean a fish and shoot and gut a moose will survive . the freeloaders will live until there is nothing left to steal

[grassfarmer]

And then there's the restaurants and fast food joints in the large centers. ....how can they all stay in business?

Because people are lazy and and have plenty disposable income? I like Joel and have followed his stuff for a long time. He has had more influence on the direct marketing/ grassfed beef/ pasture chicken model than anyone else. Now he is editor of StockmanGrassfarmer.
What's funny is his loud, dramatic speaking style is in contrast to when you talk to him one on one. I've shared the stage with him a couple of times at events and you have a regular conversation with him beforehand then he takes to the stage and starts reeling out all these big word sentences. Its a bit disconcerting but I like and respect him.

[Braveheart]

I've always liked Joel's message and been interested in his farming style. I was exposed to him through Allan Nation's books and "The Stockman Grass Farmer".

I like improving soil and looked at his movable chicken hutches as a way to bring some knolls back to a more productive state, and to raise some chicken. We are talking about the"Eggmobile" for the acreage/hobby farm that will be our retirement acreage.

Interesting guy and shows us big acres aren't needed for a living on the farm.

[littledoggie]

One of my favorite sayings of Salatin:

"Everything is eating and being eaten. If you don't believe me, go lie naked in your flower bed for three days and see what gets eaten. All life springs from the sacrifice of something living."