GuelphToday received the following letter to the editor from reader Diane Zinger in response to a previously published letter about the dairy research centre at University in University of Guelph.
First off, someone does not know the difference between a holstein and a maine-anjou cattle beast. Maine-anjou are used primarly for beef production, while the letter writer is commenting about tax dollars being wasted for dairy industry research.
Oh this world would be so much better off if it were run by vegan-eating women rather than meat eating men. So Andrea says.
I don't necessarily agree with the business of factory farms, but managers and owners are making strides to operate more cleanly and efficiently. Biogas systems are being installed to recycle methane produced by the cattle and this research will aid with the development of these systems.
Yes we know that the Canada's Food Guide has been messed up and meat and dairy are now grouped under the category for foods that are good sources of protein. C'est la vie...You desire to put thousands of people out of work because you think that what they are doing is wrong, and have been doing it wrong for thousands of years. Dairy is big business, just like the beef industry, millions of dollars are tied up in not just facilities and equipment, but breeding programs to enhance the different breeds of cattle being used. What do you propose we do with the animals, turn them loose?
Take note, that cattle aren't the only ones producing methane in vast quantities. Perhaps look at cities teeming with humanity all munching away on their McDonald's lunches ... vegan or beef burgers, passing indiscriminate amounts of methane ... and don't forget your little Fifi munching away on pet food where the main ingredient is corn with a bit of lamb and chicken thrown in for good measure. The corn has to get to the mill some how. and think of that the next time you pull out in front of a fully loaded grain truck and slam on the brakes.
Don't forget, if you are pointing a finger at me, three fingers are pointing back at you. Our tax dollars have been spent on worse things over the years, this isn't one of them.
Diane Zinger
Guelph
