Ready for its Closeup
Winchester resident Susan Marker, who attended out of curiosity, said: “I was impressed that it was very clean, especially the milk parlor. It was spotless. Considering how many animals they have, I was impressed with the cleanliness.”
Her husband, Bob, a retired Anchor Glass Container Corp. maintenance worker, added, “A lot of the opponents just don’t want to see change.” He said the cows were in “good shape, not neglected.” He observed a room full of medicine. “They take care of their animals,” he said.
Link (Star Press). I guess I would say, that room full of medicine is part of the problem. Anyway, the Star Press reporter, Seth Slabaugh, said he did not see any members of the group, Environmentally Concerned Citizens of Randolph County (ECCRC), at the event. The article notes the group’s position, though:
Opponents of factory farms say the animals live indoors in unhealthy conditions, are fed antibiotics and growth hormones, have their tails cut off, and are separated from their mothers at birth. The opponents urge consumers to buy hormone-free and antibiotic-free milk and meat from organic, family farms.
The Star Press today also takes in the local organic movement and covers the farmers markets in the area:
The number of farmers markets in East Central Indiana is increasing. Hartford City started one last year, as did Parker City and Winchester. This is the first year for the Elwood Farmers Market. Historic Farmland officials are thinking about opening one in their community. The chemical-free Natural Heritage Farmers Market began in downtown Muncie two years ago. And long-time markets carry on in Union City and Portland.
“It’s a neighbor producing food for a neighbor,” said Delaware County pork producer Ron Orebaugh, explaining the popularity of farmers markets. “People are interested to know what they are eating. If it’s locally produced, they can put a face with it.”
Link.
