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“Cows were born to roam and graze…”
A Georgia farmer awarded for his sustainable livestock production practices says his definition of good animal welfare is different from “acceptable” animal welfare in conventional production. Will Harris of White Oak Pastures tells Brownfield that – to him – good animal welfare means to create an environment in which animals can express instinctive behaviors. Harris says, “You know, cows were born to roam and graze, pigs were born to root and wallow, chickens were born to scratch and peck.”
His transition from conventional farming began about 14 years ago – and Harris says there were lots of ups and downs. Harris raises multiple species of animals – hogs, sheep, goats and poultry – which are pasture fed and, in turn, feed his pastures. With help from Temple Grandin, Harris built a specially-designed humane slaughter facility on his farm. He’s one of four people given a Growing Green Award by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) this year.
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