Hi Kelly, sounds like an interesting essay. Growing, raising and hunting my own food has become a passion of mine in recent years. I won't be a whole lot of help for your paper, but I'll share with you some of my reasons.
I want to know that the produce my family uses to sustain them has been handled properly from the seed to the table. When I open a jar of home canned green beans, for example, I know that they are getting a 100% wholesome source of nutrition. I have the peace of mind that there are no residual pesticides on them because I don't use pesticides. I know how they were handled during the picking, processing and storage. As a result of my efforts in the garden, I have started recycling too. I have a compost pile that generates quite a bit of black gold that goes back into the garden to improve the soil. My chickens have proven to be a good source of organic, natural fertilizer. I have had much better success with my garden since owning chickens. I turn them out into the garden spot pre- and post- planting to clean up any residual pests and weed seeds. While they are working, they add more fertilizer.
My husband and I have always hunted and fished for our own meat. We are now raising chickens for eggs and are getting my first meat rabbits this weekend. I am also planning to get meat chickens later this spring. I see absolutely nothing wrong with appreciating and caring for the life that eventually sustains you. I treat my vegetable garden very well. I strive to give my plants the best growing environment that I can and meet each individual plants needs. I have a very healthy laying flock. I ensure they get the nutrients that they need, clean, fresh water daily, and keep their coop clean. I inspect my chickens every day for injury, parasites and signs of poor health. I have been preparing for my meat rabbits all winter long. I have been researching how to take care of them, and purchasing items for their housing for months now. The man I will be getting them from has been raising them for years. I expect to have a long and lasting relationship with him. We have talked several times now. He will become my mentor.
I catch a lot of grief from my friends over the thought of raising, butchering, and consuming your own meat. It's not something that I advertise, but not something that I am ashamed of either. I will know that my herd is healthy and clean. I will know the conditions under which they were processed. I will know that my family's health will not be compromised by eating the meat they generate.
I have economic reasons for this passion as well. When I began this journey, we had a family of seven. My husband and I both work a full time job. We work at the same place. Over the years, with the economy being what it is, our hours have been cut repeatedly. I was just put back on a 40 hour schedule yesterday. I have been on a cut hour schedule for the past six years. I am saving seed from year to year. My fertilizer no longer has to be purchased. My garden is now "free". I start most of my plants indoors to get a jumpstart on the growing season. I have accumulated lots of canning jars over the years. I purchased a bulk roll of freezer paper for the meats. I have enough for the next several years still. I do not know how much money that I save by doing the things that I do, but I can tell you that I wouldn't be able to feed my family if I had to buy it all at the store. Three of the kids are now out on their own. My schedule is now back to normal, but I will continue to grow and raise my own food as long as I am able to do it. When I sit down at the dinner table, I appreciate my meal much more than when I bought everything because of the investment of my time that has gone into preparing my meal, not to mention, it all tastes better.
Good luck with your paper.
