After reading chapter 8 of The Omnivore’s Dilemma, I found the whole idea of “grass farming,” as done by Joel Salatin on Polyface farms, very interesting. From what Pollan described, Polyface farms is like a green oasis. With the green pastures and rolling hills placed right in the middle of a forest, it is everything I want to picture when I think of where my meat and dairy products come from. I learned that grass farming is not literally farming grass, but actually a complex system that involves a whole series of animals to make Polyface farms both unique and extremely efficient.
Although I found the whole process that the chickens go through of eating maggots from the cow patties disgusting, I was surprised to learn that this actually sanitizes the fields, eliminating the need for harmful chemical parasiticides for the cattle. As a result, Polyface produces meat that is healthy and all natural. Additionally, the alternative farm does not have to worry about the spread of disease among cattle. Chapter 11 further illustrated the entire animal cycle. After reading about this unique way of farming, it makes me skeptical of buying products from big industrial farms because their production tactics are not only less efficient, but also not as safe and far worse for the environment.
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Grass farming stood out to me as well. The idea of grass being the heart of everything happening makes a great deal of sense when you stop to think about it. Although disgusting, the methods used are definately effective and money saving.
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