Section » Farm animals
The manurification of America
A perfect shitstorm: On some farms, animal manure can be a valuable asset, a way to improve the soil in the fields. But for today's massive factory farms — and, increasingly, the nation's air and waterways — manure is a huge liability, reports the Post's David A. Fahrenthold. Decomposing manure from factory farms is the U.S.'s fastest growing source
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Manure digesters clash with air quality requirements
Cracking down on methane labs: When animal manure decomposes, it releases methane, a greenhouse gas far more potent than carbon dioxide (on a mass basis). To avoid these emissions, some are installing manure digesters, in which bacteria convert the waste to methane gas. The methane is then burned in
What does asthma have to do with farm animals — or food?
When government officials hear the words "backyard livestock," they tend to worry about disease outbreaks and sanitation crises. And for good reason, as improperly managed animals — including dogs and cats —
Pets vs. livestock: Cracking open the myths about backyard chickens
Last spring I decided that this was the year I was going to finally get some chickens. On a snowy Saturday in March I brought home six tiny cheepers that I bought at my local ranch store in Livingston, Montana. Two of
Leaving the city to live the dream of goats
Not kidding around: Writer Brad Kessler talks about his and his wife's decision to leave New York City for Vermont, raise goats, and make cheese, chronicled in his memoir "Goat
USDA hearings on NAIS
Will they really listen? The Rural Blog reminds us that the USDA is holding "listening sessions" about the National Animal Identification System (NAIS). The last two will be in Storrs, Connecticut on May 27 and Loveland, Colorado on June 1 (location information and a link to the NAIS comment page at
Straight to the superbug supersource: Q&A with Maryn McKenna about MRSA in people — and pigs
Everyone's up in arms about historian James McWilliams' New York Times op-ed last week, misleadingly headlined "Free-Range Trichinosis," about how a study found more pathogens in pastured pigs than factory ones. Many bloggers have
Digest - News: Flesh-eating bacteria, wallet-eating food companies, and eating, righteously
Makes your skin crawl: As previously reported here, a flesh-eating, antibiotic resistant bacteria is killing 18,000 Americans a year and is carried by 45% of farmers and 49% of pigs in Iowa. Nicholas
A valentine for my farm
It's that time of year...we are inclined to dig up our innermost feelings for our loved ones and shower those lucky souls with evidence of that love. Cards, candies, and caring words in celebration of relationships. I am doting on the relationship that keeps me alive and well. Often neglected and in
Taxing cows to curb climate change
When you fill your car's tank, you pay a gas tax. Someday, when you fill your belly with cheese, milk, or steak, you might have to pay another type of gas tax — one levied on the methane and nitrous oxide emitted by the cows that produced or became your food. Bacteria in a cow's gut help digest what
Hannibal Peckter: When being Mother Hen isn’t all it’s cracked up to be
Post updated 11:27 a.m. with punnier new headline, hat tip to Impolite Company Editor's note: We're pleased to announce that frequent guest contributor Debra Eschmeyer has consented to join the Ethicurean
Happy Thanksgiving from the Ethicureans
I hope all of you are getting ready to enjoy a locally inspired feast, or one with at least a couple Ethicureanish dishes on the menu. I'm a bit sad I won't be cooking at home this year. I'm unfortunately stalled in the airport en route to Scottsdale, AZ, where if the rain lets up I shall be hanging
Oprah show torpedos CAFOs, gives props to Prop. 2
As just about everyone probably knows, most of Oprah's Tuesday show was devoted to reporter Lisa Ling's "How We Treat the Animals We Eat" investigation. I don't have cable, and thought I could watch the episode one way or another
Digest - News: Farm Bill deals, Utah milk labeling, dairy-cow Crohn’s connection
The Ethicureans were assisted in these posts by Leslie, on loan from the Eat Well Guide, and Jack of Fork & Bottle (who was not responsible for any typos you may find). If you only read
Back to the future: Maryland’s Springfield Farm is new old-school
From Leslie Hatfield
Last weekend, my partner Jaimes and I picked up our friend, Nikki, in a bright yellow rental car and drove about 20 miles outside of Baltimore to Springfield Farm. I'd discovered it through the
