I have a group of friends that really appreciate my urban farming experimentation. They partake and celebrate the paradox of lush food in backyard and urban street life in front yard. However, these same friends refused to put a fatally sick hen down, or even quarantine her from the rest of the flock. This had disasterous results.

I’ve even had one chap tell me he was excited that the leaf curl fungus was living on an apple tree. He felt they were supporting one another…

Uhm, so this is where we learn the difference between naturalists and farmers. Agriculture is hands on. Farmers are in it for the full game- cultivate, grow, harvest, prepare and eat. Naturalists are hands off. They observe what nature does on her own. Which means you may end up with some real sour apples (Hard cider, woowoo!).

My point is this, farming is for utility. When it comes to animals called livestock, they’ve been bred with very specific intentions. For example, the Chantecler is a breed of chicken developed by Trappist monks in Canada. These birds are extremely cold-resistant, and suitable for both egg and meat production.

Which brings me to my next point, moral distinctions. As a novice agriculturist, I am just learning the science, art, and busniess of producing crops and raising livestock. I learned quickly not to view my animals as pets. I do not eat my pets but I do eat animals. This is a crucial distinction to be made and its not always an easy one. Not everyone can relate to the ability to draw this line but a lack of clarity can ultimately be a burden on you and those around you.

Stefani at Sicilian Sisters Grow Some Food did a great piece on Pets vs. Food. I highly recommend reading it (click here). My thought on the matter, is that if you are not comforatble with the full lifecycle of a livestock animal, whether it be for food or to retire its use and support it as a family pet, don’t raise it.