The Lost Respect

Times have changed. It does not take long driving through rural America to notice the abandoned homesteads spotting the countryside; hundred year old homes sit creaking in the wind, barns now shelter to a few groundhogs and the occasional skunk. The ancient technology of the moldboard plow sits in the fence row, juxtaposed by the passing vertical tillage tool which seemingly grows wider with every season. Small town America now fewer and far between, consolidated much to the county seat. The commercialization of farming is no secret.

Agriculture in the United States has become a highly efficient masterpiece, complete with auto-steer equipment, variable rate applications, and data points that would make your head hurt. There may be nothing wrong with the new definition of a “farmer,” but it is important we recognize the implications that come along with the modernization of production.

Two months ago, it was time to take a bison to the locker. My seven year old daughter, as she does with every adventure, begged to travel along and be a part. Mother was not too keen on a seven year old observing the gore of the process. I admit, even I was hesitant, as I knew it was not always easy to watch. However, despite our reservations, something told me it was important for her to have the experience.

We arrived at the locker with the bison bull the next morning. She began to ask me the hard questions. The butcher came out and met us in the parking lot with his 310 and slug in hand. My daughter understood the time had come. As we stood back and waited, I watched as her jaw tensed. A quick blink with the crack of the round and then a stare. A stare few seven year old girls ever experience. A stare so important to the foundation of humanity, yet lost in the delusion of progress.

Why does that stare seem so important? Respect. The understanding of sacrifice. The realization of where meat originates. How wrong it is for a carnivore to go a lifetime without witnessing the requirement for their sustenance. Yet, this is today. Years ago, it was commonplace for man to have an understanding of where their food has come from. Today, we have distanced the consumer to the point of absolute oblivion.

My daughter knew the bison who gave his life to feed us. She helped provide a peaceful place for him to grow and live. To her, the sacrifice he gave was significant. Even more so, the life we gave him was significant. It is true that God has given us animals to care for and consume, simultaneously we are required to understand the value of His creations.

We must not become the glutton, nor shall we become the wasteful. Every ounce of meat an animal produces shall be consumed with an understanding. The modern world has created a severe disconnect between their food and its origins. For the few remaining involved in agriculture today, it has never been more important to share our story.

There is no regret in bringing my seven year old daughter to the butcher. She has discovered a respect that has been lost. A bite of meat comes with a price greater than a US dollar. A bite of meat now comes with the responsibility to provide a life of dignity for the animal. They are sacrificing their life for yours.