(Guide to a Healthy Lifestyle)

Old MacDonald Had A Farm

Remember the nursery rhyme which says old MacDonald had a farm, EE-I, EE-I, O? This kiddie favorite was published in 1917. Unfortunately, growing numbers of MacDonalds are losing their farms to giant corporate interests.

America is losing more and more of the MacDonald type farms. These were the once plentiful family farms which provided fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as dairy products and meat, to family tables across the land.

According to Sustainabletable.org, there were about 7 million family farms dotting the American landscape in the 1930s. That number has shrunk to approximately 2 million today. Of that number, only about 565,000 are family businesses.

In 1965 Look magazine quoted experts saying that by 1980 there may only be one million farms left.

Yes - old MacDonald had a farm!

I think ever-growing numbers of Americans are looking for a return to the farming practices of yesteryear. Realizing the dangers posed by conventional farming practices, people want a return to the simple life.

The simple life of the small family farm offers fresh vegetables grown without pesticides and genetically-modified organisms. The produce is locally-grown and the methods used are sustainable.

Farm-fresh food quality can be found in today's farmers' markets and CSA (community supported agriculture.) The produce is locally grown which makes all the difference in the world.

In addition to pesticide-free produce, the old time family farms of MacDonald raised healthy chickens, pigs, and cows that enjoyed rich pastureland and plenty of sunshine and fresh air. Yes - back then Elsie the cow was indeed contented!

Not today. Not with the factory-style practices of the Agribusiness comglomerates. Cows and other animals are treated like inanimate, metal pieces on a conveyor belt.

These animals which are bound for your dinner table are fed everything from road kill, sawdust, and genetically modified corn and soy to shredded newspaper and processed sewage. To combat the disease caused by being crammed in pens like sardines in tin cans, they are given antibiotics.

According to 2002 census figures from the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture), corporate owned farms grew by over 46 percent between the years 1974 and 2002.

America needs to return to the MacDonald farms of bygone days. In order to stop the seemingly endless outbreak of food poisoning, Agribusiness needs to be either reformed, or driven out of business.

You can be instumental in accomplishing one or the other. Support your local farm by buying produce from farmer's markets or CSA.

Follow me on Twitter