American Meat

American Meat is a compelling, thought-provoking documentary directed by Graham Meriwether, released in the year 2013. This film offers an unbiased and balanced look into the current state of American animal agriculture, featuring interviews with farmers, agriculture industry experts, and nutritionists. The movie initiates a conversation about the sustainability and economic viability of different farming practices, paving the way for future dialogues about the food we consume.

The film spotlights the experiences and perspectives of a variety of pivotal figures in American agriculture. The central figures are Fred Kirschenmann, a distinguished professor, organic farmer and a leader in sustainable agriculture; Daniel Salatin, the son of Joel Salatin and the next generation farmer at Polyface Farms; and Joel Salatin himself, a well-known and charismatic organic farmer from Virginia. Through their stories, the audience discovers the struggles and triumphs of sustainable farming in the United States.

Kirschenmann, a pioneer of organic farming, demonstrates the benefits of this method and its alignment with the natural systems. He challenges the viewers with his philosophies and convictions around organic farming, offering a thought-provoking counterpoint to the current industrial farming systems.

On the other hand, we have the Salatins, a farmer family from Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, who operates Polyface farms - a successful local meat supply business built around grass-based livestock farming. Their persisting efforts are testaments to their belief that their method of farming is better for the animals, the environment, and the consumers. Joel Salatin, considered the most innovative farmer in the world, boldly challenges the status quo of American farming practices with his unconventional theories.

As the narrative unravels, you are also introduced to a broad range of other experts, each contributing a unique perspective to the discourse on sustainable farming. Together, they discuss an encyclopedia of topics, ranging from the ethics of meat consumption, the dilemmas of grass-based versus grain-based diets for livestock, and the environmental effects of each agricultural practice.

American Meat is not just a record of the views of industry insiders. It also ventures into the minds of the consumers, depicting the choices that Americans face when they buy meat. It succinctly juxtaposes cheap, mass-produced meat against more expensive, locally farmed produce, underlining the influence of the meat industry on meal decisions in every American household.

But at its heart, the story also addresses the challenges faced by people working in the melee of the agricultural industry. It exemplifies the growing gap between the agriculture of our grandparents' generation and the modern, industrial era. Moreover, it questions whether smaller, sustainable farming can truly provide a solution to the food crisis or if it is merely an antiquated mode of farming unsuitable for the demands of the current population.

Giving credit where it is due, American Meat is not a one-sided attack on the conventional food industry. The film offers differing viewpoints and insights into labor issues, cost-efficiency, and the sustainability of different farming practices. It does acknowledge the challenges faced by commercial farms and appreciates their need to feed millions.

By providing an in-depth visual documentation of farming practices, American Meat emboldens the public to question where their food comes from and what it really takes to put meat on their plates.

Technically, the film excels with its unobtrusive cinematography that beautifully captures the rustic charm of the farms and the mesmerising change of seasons. The simplicity of the soundtrack does not divert from, but rather adds authenticity to, the grave subject matter of the film.

In conclusion, American Meat is a comprehensive exploration of our food systems that exposes the ramifications of our choices on livestock, the environment, and farmer livelihoods. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the intersection of farming, food, and sustainability. By questioning the status quo of the American meat industry, the film invites its audience to reconsider their responsibility as consumers, inspiring them to make more informed and ethical decisions about what they eat.