Joe Rogan Experience #1893 - Will Harris

Ethical Farming

The conversation with Will Harris highlights the ethical considerations in regenerative farming compared to industrial practices. He explains that traditional animal welfare focused on basic needs like food and shelter, but he believes in allowing animals to express instinctive behaviors, such as chickens scratching and cows grazing 1. Joe Rogan and Will discuss the Global Animal Partnership's step system, which rates farms on animal welfare standards. Will criticizes the system for allowing many farms to remain at lower levels, thus devaluing higher standards 2.

It's a different whole foods than the one I started with.

--- Will Harris

He argues that corporate interests often prioritize profits over genuine animal welfare improvements 3.

   

Cattle Lifespan

Will contrasts the natural lifespan of cattle in regenerative systems with those in industrial feedlots. He notes that cattle on his farm can live up to 20 years, whereas feedlot cattle, due to their unnatural diet and conditions, would not survive much beyond a year if not slaughtered 4. This stark difference highlights the impact of industrial practices on animal health and longevity.

A feedlot cow is an unnaturally obese creature that would never occur in nature.

--- Will Harris

Will also discusses the use of hormone implants in industrial farming, which accelerates growth but contributes to unhealthy cattle conditions 5.