Grass feeding cows, rather than the current industrial system, would be better for the health of cows, people, and the environment debate

Grass feeding cows, rather than the current industrial system, would be better for the health of cows, people, and the environment

Summary of Debate 6.2 Classmate Responses

In the debate on the statement, “grass feeding cows, rather than the current industrial system, would be better for the health of cows, people, and the environment,” before reading the debate, 15 students were pro and 13 students were con. After reading the debate, 15 students were pro and 13 were con, though some student switched sides. Therefore, the debate is a tie. On the pro side, students believed that cows should be allowed to eat their natural diet of grass, and when humans consume these cows, the meat will be healthier. On the con side, students agreed that it would take a lot of resources in terms of land and water to grass feed cows, and would not meet market demand. In our book, Pollan emphasizes that Polyface Farm, which feeds cows grass, is a good alternative in terms of being healthier and having less impact on the environment. Growing corn to feed cows also impacts the environment through pesticides, artificial fertilizers, and monoculture.