A number of farmers who actually get that climate change is real, are nevertheless rebelling against the idea that all meat consumption is an insult to the atmosphere. I’ve heard a lot about projects raising cattle to mimic the movement of bison across the landscape, at least in theory making pastures a carbon sink, much like the American prairies were historically.
I’ve also heard about small scale chicken farming, using coops that are mobile, and as they move, bring the birds across different patches of soil to do what comes naturally, making, in theory, happier hens, as well as better soil, and healthier meat.
What I had not seen is the marriage of this idea with automation and solar energy.
Apparently there are several companies working on this idea.
One is PastureBird.
Longer video explainer below.
Smaller scale “chicken tractors” have been around for a while. A rural neighbor of my brother moves one around in a cattle pasture, and apparently the chickens love the bugs that grow in the cow pies.
I winced at Mr. Pasturebird’s description of the notorious Perdue Farms having “integrity”. They do have a sub-brand that is organic (Harvestland), but also a horrible worker history (including child labor0.