As a rangeland scientist and applied ecologist I suggest this debate is getting a bit shrill and misinformed
I work with grazing animals in the management of rangelands and I have always regarded myself as an ecologist - to suggest someone is not an ecologist because they work in agriculture is ludicrous and smacks of a 'holier than thou attitude' . Then, to suggest that we all publish in government funded, unrefereed journals would be an insult if it were not so laughable. In Australia, there is a vast expanse of native savanna rangeland under cattle grazing and working with the grazing industry gives us the chance to influence land management over a massive area. And surprisingly, these land managers are not all environmental rapists after a quick buck. Many of them care passionately about the land and do far more for 'ecology' than most of us. And yes, there are major environmental issues - but shutting down the whole industry is not an option. There are people involved after all. The bulk of many savanna areas here and elsewhere are totally unsuitable for cropping of any sort - so any suggestions as to how else we or the people there could eat lower down the food chain would be welcome. The point is there are billions of people in the world who have to be fed - and picking berries or harvesting yams wont do it. So much as we may not like it, industrialized agriculture is here to stay and as people who care about the environment, we have to work with it and try and make a difference. And yes I eat meat (all major ungulates) and particularly enjoy Australian grass fed beef . But in future when I am with 'real' ecologists - I will have a salad (grown in a pesticide saturated monoculture and flown from the other side of the world). I wont enjoy it but I am sure I will glow with self righteous goodness ! So, maybe its time we all had a cup of tea and a good lie down. As for me, I' ll go and play in those rangelands where the laws of ecology don't apply :-). Peter O'Reagain Charters Towers Australia ********************************DISCLAIMER**************************** The information contained in the above e-mail message or messages (which includes any attachments) is confidential and may be legally privileged. It is intended only for the use of the person or entity to which it is addressed. If you are not the addressee any form of disclosure, copying, modification, distribution or any action taken or omitted in reliance on the information is unauthorised. Opinions contained in the message(s) do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Queensland Government and its authorities. If you received this communication in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete it from your computer system network.
