Recently, at the behest of out-of-state vegan advocates “dedicated to removing meat, and more, from our plates,” Gov. Jared Polis proclaimed March 20 as MeatOut Day in Colorado. The proclamation disparages the eating of meat and other animal-derived products, presumably milk, eggs, and honey, as a health risk, environmental hazard, and source of cruelty.
It’s like the governor forgot he represents an agriculture state. In fact, agriculture is the second largest industry in Colorado contributing $47 billion to the Colorado economy each year. Of that total, livestock production constitutes more than $6 billion. Understandably farmers and ranchers who produce meat, eggs, and milk were less than pleased to hear their own governor urge a boycott of their products, albeit for a day.
In response, the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association has cleverly launched a MeatIn celebration and is encouraging Coloradans to order a delicious non-plant-based meal at area restaurants on March 20. Farming communities and ranchers are hosting events and fundraisers for charity. Across Colorado resistance barbeques will flare into the night.
While we anticipate that savory sizzle, let’s put out to pasture some of the myths in the proclamation itself. First, meat, milk, and eggs are all healthy sources of protein. Only the consumption of processed meats like bologna and sausage is associated with health problems. And, honestly, bacon is worth the risk.
Secondly, ranching done right benefits the environment. Short grass prairie was meant to be grazed. When managed well, cattle and other livestock contribute to a healthy prairie ecosystem. Ruminants efficiently convert grass, a plant we can’t eat, into food we can eat. Plowing, planting, fertilizing, and irrigating the same dry prairie to grow human crops entails environmental costs plant-based food advocates overlook.
Colorado ranchers and farmers are continuously implementing processes that enhance the soil, conserve water, increase biodiversity, and improve animal care with the support of Colorado State University and other premier agriculture science institutions.
In terms of greenhouse gas emissions, animal agriculture accounts for 3.9% of total U.S. greenhouse emissions, just under half of the total agriculture emissions (9%). This constitutes a small portion of carbon emissions compared to energy (28%), transportation (28%), and industry (22%). According to researchers Robin R. White and Mary Beth Hall, if every American gave up meat once a week, greenhouse gas emissions would decrease .3% and if every American became a vegan, emissions would decline by a scant 2.6%. In other words, if you want to go vegan, have at it, but do it because you love vegetables not because you think you’re saving the world.
Finally, what we eat should be our business and not subject to political proclamations written to please special interest groups. Few things have contributed more to polarization than the politicization of private actions like putting together a dinner menu. Eat what you want. If you feel passionate about food choices proselytize your friends to your way of thinking. No meat, some meat, all bacon, all the time, whatever; just leave politics out of it.
I don’t eat meat at every meal but when I do it’s because some politician has told me I shouldn’t.
Krista L. Kafer is a weekly Denver Post columnist. Follow her on Twitter: @kristakafer
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Kafer: Eat some bacon on March 20 in defiance of Polis’ MeatOut Day - The Denver Post
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