Is meat in or out? A response to "Meat Out" and "Meat on the Menu" Day

Who would’ve thought meat could be a trend that can be declared as in or out. Yet, here we are, putting meat on the out along with side parts, and skinny jeans.

Colorado’s governor, Jared Polis, recently declared March 20th as MeatOut Day. It’s the cool thing to do, apparently—to trade in your beef burger for one made from beans.

Now, is declaring one day, in one state as MeatOut Day going to persuade the masses to go vegetarian or vegan? Probably not, but here’s the problem: meat shouldn’t be a trend.

Governor Polis’s proclamation is more than just keeping up with what’s in or out. It is a clear message that trends are more important than facts or our farmers and ranchers. He may have made other proclamations celebrating agriculture in the state, but with his MeatOut Day, those proclamations ring hollow.

To declare a MeatOut Day in the middle of National Nutrition Month in an agriculture led state is not just poor taste, it’s shameful. Meat is one of the most nutrient-dense foods available, yet we are being told that we shouldn’t eat it.

Have they forgotten that almost a year ago meat counters were bare, thanks to the pandemic—except for the plant-based meat, that is? Encouraging MeatOut is disrespecting the many who have and continue to work hard to make sure we have affordable and safe food.

It is also incredibly short-sighted to declare a MeatOut Day when your state’s farmers and ranchers contribute more than $47 billion a year to the state’s economy, livestock accounting for $6 billion of the state’s cash agricultural receipts. Other states have similar stories. Agriculture is an economic driver in many states. In North Carolina, for example, pigs contribute $10 billion while poultry contribute over $36 billion to the state’s economy. Not to mention the number of jobs livestock provides across the country.

MeatOut won’t save the planet, either. According to the EPA, agriculture accounts for only 10% of GHG, and that includes the production of more than just livestock. According to one study, if all meat was eliminated from American diets, it would reduce U.S. GHG by 2.6 percent. You know what is the biggest contributor of GHG emissions? It’s electricity and transportation. But, no suggestions for a CarOut Day or ElectricityOut Day.

Even more concerning, is that Governor Polis is not the first politician or celebrity to push the reduction of meat. This is not a Colorado issue. This is an American issue, something that neighboring state, Nebraska’s Governor Pete Ricketts recognizes. He has designated March 20th as “Meat on the Menu Day” in Nebraska to “highlight the importance of meat in a good diet as well as to provide an opportunity to support our farmers and ranchers.”

Here’s the point: meat is not an issue and the subject of whether or not to eat meat should not be treated like a trend that can be deemed in or out. This is more than a proclamation for a day. This is a representation of a dangerous trend that will greatly impact our agriculture community, the economy, and people’s nutrition.

Don’t let a politician or a celebrity tell you what to eat. They may be trend-setters in other sectors, but meat shouldn’t be one. Eat meat or don’t. It’s your choice. Just know it’s ok if you eat meat.

Eat (and buy) the bacon, steak, chicken wing, or whatever is your pleasure because meat never goes out of style.

And, as for March 20th, I’m packing it full of meat.

*Update: There is now a proposed ballot initiative in Colorado that make it illegal to harvest an animal before a quarter of its lifespan has been reached, delete “accepted animal husbandry practices” as healthcare, and criminalize artificial insemination. We are already seeing the consequences for a government that does not understand or support agriculture. For further information visit here.