Letters to the Editors
Love The Vegetarian Resource Group
The VRG is truly a valuable resource for educating the public and private sectors about the benefits of veganism. I have been vegan for only a few years, so I rely on your Journals, brochures, website, and USDA testimonies to help me stay on track. Thank you, VRG, and have a happy 40th anniversary!
Franchesca R., via email
Dairy Farming in the 21st Century
At my hotel breakfast on a stopover on my way home from Spokane to Baltimore, besides separate tables, there was a large central counter where folks sat quite far opposite each other. There were only two of us when I sat down and the gentleman across and I started a conversation. He said he is a farmer and grows alfalfa, and his brother has a dairy farm with 10,000 cows. He described how they get milk now. As I recall, he said each cow has a microchip embedded (where is unclear) soon after birth. When old enough for milking, at milking time they get onto a rotating parlor and the computer reads their microchip so the milk machine (robot) knows the exact configuration/location of the teats and the computer places the milking machine on her. So no human touch is needed. The computer records the output of milk, and depending on how high or low it is, her feed is altered. It also apparently tells when she has become too old (milk declining I suppose too) so presumably will go for slaughter. Amazing.
Stan B., via email
Can I Get a Copy of Your Journal from 1996?
I was chatting with a friend today about my younger days and how I started out trying to eat healthier. I mentioned one of the most helpful beginnings toward developing my own personal relationship with food had been the last two issues of Vegetarian Journal in 1996, as they contained "Guides to Fruits and Vegetables." I have moved eight times since 1996, and my copies of these issues have vanished long ago. I'd be interested in buying them again, however, if back issues are available. I have learned a great deal from many different health approaches over the years, and I strongly feel that The Vegetarian Resource Group was a very needed clear-headed place to begin during a decade in which I remember arguing about how best to pronounce "vegan."
Charmane V., via email
Editor's Note: Copies were sent.
