If you think that it cost more to buy meat, poultry, fish, and eggs over the last few months, you’re not wrong. The cost of these products.has risen by as much as 15.7 percent. There was that first spike back in March 2020 when prices shot up by ten percent but then as workers were deemed essential the prices came down again. Of course, the workers were not given any kind of protective equipment resulting in an illness and death rate above the national average.
Now prices are up again, fueled in part by industry consolidation and, it seems, price fixing. Companies such as Tyson, Perdue, and Pilgrim’s Pride have been indicted in federal courts on antitrust violations. Small and family run farms are having a hard time competing with agribusiness.
When you buy any of these products, search for companies that are local. There are local family run farms that can supply you with more wholesome meat, poultry, and egg products, not to mention more humane in their treatment of the animals and poultry we eat. Consumers can create change. Be part of the change.
Prayer for the Day
Beneficent Creator, you have entrusted this earth in our care,
May we use it well and not abuse your gift;
Gracious Maker, you have charged us with an awesome duty,
May we fulfill our responsibility to creation and you.
Bestow on us not only knowledge but wisdom,
So we may know how best to your stewards.
In the name of the One who can guide our steps,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Let us not forget that the cultivation of the earth is the most labor of man. When tillage begins, other arts follow. The farmers, therefore, are the founders of human civilization.
Daniel Webster, American statesman (1782-1852)
The story of family farming underscores a legacy of sustainability.
Amanda Zuluckyj. American lawyer and sustainability farmer
The righteous know the needs of their animals, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel.
Those who till their land will have plenty of food,
But those who follow worthless pursuits have no sense.
The wicked covet the proceeds of wickedness, but the root of the righteous bears fruit.
Proverbs 12: 10-12