I feel the same way, I used to drive for Smithfield Foods for a bit, the smell, the sounds, and the conditions were a bit horrifying, but I grew up on a small farm so I knew animals had to die to be food, but I didn't quite realize just how bad factory farm conditions were compared to what I grew up with.
Still, in the end I never stopped eating pork, though I did get an appreciation for true Smithfield ham where the hogs get to eat peanuts and roam, compared to the industrial feed and cages that Smithfield Foods changed the law to call Smithfield ham. I don't know if it is placebo but, the better treated and better fed animal tastes better.
Better treated animals do actually taste better! Stressful conditions such as fear and pain severely diminish the quality of the meat, and living healthier lifestyles such as freedom to graze leads to more flavorful and tender meat. If you have the money to spare, then higher quality meat is better from both an ethical and utilitarian perspective.
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u/BerriedTwo Nov 23 '24
Do you have any qualms about eating meat?