Cows, what would you like for dinner? Grass or some antibiotics?

Before Chapter 11, Pollan touched lightly on the idea of natural farms versus industrial farms, but never really explained each in full detail until this chapter. All in all, the reading describes industrial farms as the mass production of farming with the injections of chemicals and antibiotics in order to keep animals of heavier weight.  Pollan has described many times that “we are what we eat”. If these animals are consuming many chemicals and antibiotics, we are, as well. Polyface Farm, described in this chapter, portray many of the characteristics in its industrial farming.

On the other hand, Joel Salatin’s farm is much more natural. Pollan uses cows and chickens as his basis when describing natural farming. When cows graze natural grass, they are still consuming food, but in a much more natural way. The waste cows leave behind after eating the grass, in turn, serves as food for the chickens. It is important to remember that this food chickens are eating is coming from the cow’s natural waste, free of chemicals and antibiotics. Chickens then produce waste which serves, in turn, as fertilizer for the soil. With the fertilizer, the soil results in the natural grass eaten by cows. Natural farming is one large ongoing sequence. One must keep in mind that this is a natural cycle of events, with no extra costs incurring in order for this cycle to proceed. The sequence eventually produces healthy beef and eggs, with antibiotics and chemicals wholly absent.

I approached Chapter 11 of Michael Pollan’s Omnivore’s Dilemma much differently that I had any other chapter. After recognizing the “other side” or Hurst’s contesting opinion, I am much more hesitant to immediately believe the words of Pollan. Nonetheless, I really enjoyed the extended discussion on industrial farms versus a natural farm.

After spending a good time in this class, I am well aware that there are always two sides to every argument. I recognize that while natural farming seems strong and flawless, Americans must identify the fact that much more man labor must be in play than on an industrial farm. Pollan shares a personal experience he encountered with this dilemma. This article raises many questions that I feel are important to discuss in order to get down to the bottom of this issue regarding industrial vs. natural farming?

·         Keeping in mind the pros and cons of both types of farming, which type of farming do you think is that best for our society?

·         Is natural farming worth the extra man power in order to ensure Americans are consuming healthier food?

·         Does your opinion of Pollan continue to change throughout each chapter? After reading criticisms of his work, does he still convince you as much as he did in earlier chapters?