Don't understand the importance of "non GMO"

[Mutt Farm]

I see folks searching for the $$$ non-GMO feed for chickens. Why? I found this article.
Eggs in their natural state — in their shells — are not a genetically modified (GM), or bioengineered food. In fact, neither chickens nor eggs are genetically modified. While the large majority of corn and soybeans grown in the United States are genetically modified, and these are primary constituents of most animal feeds, none of the genetic materials pass through the hen to the egg.
According to USDA, eggs are not a genetically modified (GM), or bioengineered food. This includes shell eggs and eggs used for processed egg products. Only traditional breeding techniques are used to raise laying hens in the United States; neither chickens nor eggs are modified by genetic engineering. Even when a laying hen eats genetically engineered feed, any products unique to genetic engineering are destroyed by the hen’s digestive process.
So if nothing gets transferred to the meat or eggs, what am I not being told? I want healthy eggs that don't cause cancer or glow in the dark. No hormones or antibiotics.

 

[GitaBooks]

I think people want their chickens to eat healthy food, because you are what you eat and if the chicken is eating genetically modified plants it may not be getting as good nutrition. Almost everything is better for you in its more natural state (not suggesting anyone eat raw meat or anything)

in my opinion.

Just as an interesting side note, do you know they have genetically modified goats to produce spider web in their milk? That is called the weirdest thing in the whole world! It is really neat, but also scary. I mean, a goat-spider? That is like something from a 60s TV show (LOL). Changing a healthy animal or healthy plants usually leads to problems, as we've seen time and time again in the past.
They are also genetically modifying dogs with a mutation to make them run faster, which is kind if silly, as breeding a dog to have a detrimental mutation to make you happy is kind of selfish. And then there are pigs being genetically modified to produce less environmentally damaging droppings for commercial system.s


Not sure if this answers your question, just thought I'd put my thoughts out there.

 

[HeritageGoose13]

So if nothing gets transferred to the meat or eggs, what am I not being told? I want healthy eggs that don't cause cancer or glow in the dark. No hormones or antibiotics.

This is not true. Soy has been shown to make its way mostly unchanged into the egg from a hen that eats it. Gluten, possibly too. Soy and wheat are both almost always genetically modified in the United States. Everything that happens to the chicken happens to the egg in some way. GMO feed is the same as hormones or antibiotics, if the hen gets it, so does her egg.

Look up the Monsanto company, the one behind all of this. They create GMOs, pesticides, everything from DDT to Agent Orange to hormones given to cows. Every time you buy GMOs you support them. Monsanto is also involved in all kinds of political lobbying. A lot of people are convinced the USDA is practically run by Monsanto.

GMOs are given more pesticides than traditional crops. For example, Monsanto makes a weed-killer called Round-Up. The problem with Round-Up is it is so toxic is doesn't just kill weeds, it kills crops too. Monsanto genetically modified an alfalfa crop, calling it "Roundup Ready" alfalfa so that it can be sprayed with pesticides over and over again without dying.

Also, GMOs are legally owned by Monsanto (there are other companies, but Monsanto is the big one here in the US). Let's say there are two cornfields by two farmers. One is GMO, the other is not. The GMO pollinates the other corn. What happens? Monsanto sues the other farmer for "stealing" their GMOs. It has happened before.

Some GMOs have their nutritional value tampered with. For instance, GMO wheat has higher levels of gluten than any other wheat, which makes it damaging for some people's digestive systems.

You need to look for independent studies. Independent studies have shown rats fed GMO corn developed cancers while rats fed regular corn did not. Most countries have banned GMOs completely for health reasons.

I am happy to provide more info and sources if you would like. This is just a quick overview of reasons people choose to be GMO-free.

 

[Mutt Farm]

Very interesting. I just spent a couple hours researching and will need to do much more. For now, I remain concerned. Seemed from what I read from 1 camp, that GMO crops are supposed to be more disease resistant, therefore requiring less pesticides and grow faster. I'm aware of Monsanto and Round-up. I have a thing for butterflies and planted a butterfly garden plum full of milkweed! I raised and released about 50 Monarchs last year. Poor things have no milkweed left to lay eggs on. I'm in the pull, don't poison camp. I have a great recipe for a natural eco-friendly weed killer. Thanks for stirring up my brain.

 

[HeritageGoose13]

Mind sharing the weed killer recipe?

 

[GitaBooks]

We used dish washing soap mixed with vinegar I think to kill our weeds. It is really working!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

We have ourselves to blame for Monsanto's ruling our food world, by act of the overpopulation of our planet, we demand access to cheap and plentiful food. People must be willing to seek out organic and free range, we must be willing to pay more for quality and locally sourced food, and make healthier choices, so your food isn't all GMO, we must stop having so many children. Small choices, small changes, and maybe we can reclaim our food sources from the grip of the Monsanto's, and Purdues, and all factory farms. Support local farmers, plant gardens, raise chickens. Live a more simple life. Just my opinion.

 

[HeritageGoose13]

The thing is, we have been making more than enough food to feed the world for decades, but it gets disposed of as food waste.

It doesn't have anything to do with population, its just people not caring where their food comes from and not wanting to grow it themselves... (in my opinion.)

Oh and thanks for the weedkiller recipe, GitaBooks.

 

[Mutt Farm]

Mind sharing the weed killer recipe?

Glad to! I try so hard to do the right things.
Annoy Monsanto and save some bees. Use this instead of Roundup and Neonicotinoids.
Weed-Be-Gone
1 gallon vinegar
2 cups Epson Salt
1/4 cup Dawn dish detergent
Mix and spray on weeds in the morning, after dew has evaporated. Works better, is cheaper, okay for the environment.

 

[keesmom]

I have a thing for butterflies and planted a butterfly garden plum full of milkweed! I raised and released about 50 Monarchs last year. Poor things have no milkweed left to lay eggs on.

I'm jealous. I haven't seen a Monarch in at least 4 years. Before that we would see at least a few to many in some years. I let the milkweed go crazy in parts of the yard, but still no Monarchs. The pollinators (my honeybees included) are happy though.