Some terms seem contradictory, until you fully understand what they are, for example, what is a vegan cattle ranch?
What is a Vegan Cattle Ranch?
You may have read about a cattle rancher who turned vegan, this has happened a few times, as cattle ranchers see their animals go through the process of being born, fed, raised and then slaughtered they prefer not to eat meat because they have witnessed that process. But some ranch owners are taking their ranches to another level by moving away from meat farming, and changes their ranches into vegan ranches.
This means that their cattle are no longer raised for slaughter, but raised for the good of the animals, with perhaps the young sold on to breeders and non slaughter meat farms. This may seem unusual because the profit in cattle raising would appear to be in either dairy produce or meat produce, both of which are non-vegan. So a vegan cattle ranch does not produce cattle for meat, milk, cheese, or any product. The animals are cared for and given the best quality food available, with the purpose of promoting animal welfare and unforced breeding, as would happen in nature.
Because vegan cattle ranches are unusual they are visitor destinations for vegans, who can enjoy seeing a working farm and taking part in caring for the animals. People pay to visit as day excursions or to vacation at the farm working as a farm hand which can be an enjoyable break from city life. The owners and visitors take delight in having turned what was a meat or dairy ranch into which cares for animal welfare and promotes vegan lifestyle and diet.
Many vegan farms also produce vegetables, fruits and other plant-based products using organic farming products to sell these to visitors and to feed to cattle. They also sell their crops and vegetables at local markets and through local retailers, promoted as crops grown on a vegan farm, which attracts vegan consumers.
Sanctuary cattle ranches are often also locations for retiring dairy and breeding animals that would have been slaughtered otherwise. Once a dairy cow has passed milk production age, or bulls and cows passed breeding age, in cattle ranches they may be sent to slaughter as they have passed their use, a farmer won’t want to expend time and money on feeding and caring for an animal that will no longer make a profit. A vegan farm owner may take ownership of or buy these retired animals and care for them so that they do not go to slaughter. Other animals too like horses, sheep, pigs, chickens and turkeys are acquired by vegan farms for the same reason, so they can enjoy their retirement years in comfort without fear of slaughter.
With vegan cattle ranches popping up across the country why not consider supporting one by visiting for a day and buying some of their vegetables and crops, or helping out for a day or even on your next vacation. There is plenty of work to be done on a vegan ranch!
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