We find ourselves at the heart of a clash of ideas.  It’s quite…  well, I don’t know the right adjective here (interesting, amusing, daunting, frustrating, perplexing), to witness the systematic push to convince people not to eat meat.  Rumer has it that several cities have vowed to outlaw the eating of meat.  I don’t think this is quite factual, but there is no doubt that there is a full-on assault on eating meat.  Even if they don’t ban meat entirely, many state institutions (schools, hospitals, prisons) will be serving up “meat alternatives”.  On the flip side, Missouri has banned the labeling of “lab grown” and “vegetable based” meat from even being called meat, and several states have similar legislation in the works.

Meat has become the target of many organizations.  Negative claims abound - meat causes cancer, meat consumes too much water, meat is the cause of climate change and the craziest - meat is the next pandemic.  I’m not even going to attempt to dispel these lies because using logic to refute illogical claims is futile and because I’d be preaching to the choir.  Yet I’m continually amazed at how many people believe this nonsense.  Granted, their messaging is compelling.  They use half-truths to make a strong argument. For instance, they claim that if we all became vegetarians we’d need 75% less farmland.  This is based upon the fact that it takes roughly three pounds of grain to produce one pound of chicken.  What they leave out is that one pound of grain is not nutritionally equivalent to one pound of meat.  They also leave out the fact that not all land is suited to farming.  According to the USDA, Texas is 70% ranchland, 23% cropland, and 6% forest.  

I could go on-and-on with the counter arguments, but fortunately, you folks are educated consumers.  Not only do you eat meat, but you chose to go the extra mile. Your choice signifies a rejection of prevailing narratives and a commitment to supporting local, sustainable farming practices. Your loyalty reflects a shared belief in the importance of knowing where our food comes from and how it is produced.  I know this isn’t easy - you have to make a separate trip to the farmers market AND pay top dollar.  I am not unaware of just how big a sacrifice this is.  Honestly, I am quite humbled by it.  That you would endure the crazy Texas weather, the traffic, and the cost to buy our product amazes me.  It also gives me hope.  Though they have all of the “science” on their side, and their propaganda machine is immense, I have faith that we will prevail.  Judging from the new folks we see at the market, and what I read on social media, many are already seeing through the lies.  I think they may have overplayed their hand.  

I got into raising my own food 18 years ago for several reasons, I was worried about the supply chains, I was trying to provide the highest quality food for my family, and I thought the taste was superior. But I’m curious, what brought you to buy our product?  Why take that extra effort and spend more money to buy from us?  What caused you to be counterculture?  

 

I’d also like to know what your friends and family are thinking.  Do you hear more folks questioning the narrative or do you get ridiculed for “killing the planet”?  Drop us a note and give us your feedback.  We’d also appreciate it if you’d jump over to Facebook or Google and give us a review.  A lot of people are seeking alternatives, and the field is getting crowded.  Thank you for being a part of the Amber Oaks Ranch family. Your opinions and comments make all the difference.

We're pleased to announce the Pflugerville Pfarmers Market's permanent move to the Green Red Barn at the back of Heritage Park. Say goodbye to the hot parking lot, and hello to shaded comfort with parking available next to the barn.

Our grandkids are visiting this week so we will not be attending the Elgin Farmers Market this coming Thursday, Oct.12th. You can find us at the Pflugerville Market on Tuesday or the Heritage Square Farmers Market on Saturday.