Defending Beef

The Case for Sustainable Meat Production

De: Nicolette Hahn Niman

Narrado por: Nicolette Hahn Niman

For decades, it has been nearly universal dogma among environmentalists and health advocates that cattle and beef are public enemy number one. But is the matter really so clear cut? Hardly, argues environmental lawyer turned rancher Nicolette Hahn Niman in her new book, Defending Beef.

The public has long been led to believe that livestock, especially cattle, erode soils, pollute air and water, damage riparian areas, and decimate wildlife populations. In Defending Beef, Hahn Niman argues that cattle are not inherently bad for either the Earth or our own nutritional health. In fact, properly managed livestock play an essential role in maintaining grassland ecosystems by functioning as surrogates for herds of wild ruminants that once covered the globe.

Hahn Niman argues that dispersed, grass-fed, small-scale farms can and should become the basis for American food production, replacing the factory farms that harm animals and the environment. The author - a longtime vegetarian - goes on to dispel popular myths about how eating beef is bad for our bodies. She methodically evaluates health claims made against beef, demonstrating that such claims have proven false. She shows how foods from cattle - milk and meat, particularly when raised entirely on grass - are healthful, extremely nutritious, and an irreplaceable part of the world’s food system.

Grounded in empirical scientific data and with living examples from around the world, Defending Beef builds a comprehensive argument that cattle can help to build carbon-sequestering soils to mitigate climate change, enhance biodiversity, help prevent desertification, and provide invaluable nutrition. Defending Beef is simultaneously a book about big ideas and the author’s own personal tale - she starts out as a skeptical vegetarian and eventually becomes an enthusiastic participant in environmentally sustainable ranching.

While no single book can definitively answer the thorny question of how to feed the Earth’s growing population, Defending Beef makes the case that, whatever the world’s future food system looks like, cattle and beef can and must be part of the solution.

©2015 Nicolette Hahn Niman (P)2017 Novel Audio Inc.

Reseñas de la Crítica

“[T]he former environmental lawyer and now rancher Nicolette Hahn Niman … has now collected her thoughts in the elegant, strongly argued Defending Beef.” (Corby Kummer, The Atlantic, Best Food Books of 2014)

"Defending Beef is full of important insights and information, things anyone who cares about food and agriculture, including vegetarians, ought to know.” (Edward Behr, editor and publisher of The Art of Eating)

"I have long wished for a single compilation with all the scientific evidence that counters the charges of the anti-beef propagandists. Well, now we have it. It’s Defending Beef, The Case for Sustainable Meat Production by Nicolette Hahn Niman.” (Allan Nation, The Stockman Grass Farmer)

Well Supported

Many authors have made the case for sustainable and regenerative agriculture and meat production. Few authors have better supported their case with clear reasoning supported by a wealth of scientific research.

This is a very important and also comprehensive book on a unique perspective.

10/10 Recommend reading this if you value having a well rounded view on beef production and consumption!

After listening to the whole book my opinions and views on beef consumption have changed considerably. Of course I’m not taking every word without question but this is definitely comprehensive and well equipped to address many of the grievances with beef production. At times it gets a little bogged down in areas outside my interest but it’s all for the sake of being thorough in dismantling misinformation and misconceptions about the cattle and beef industry.

I heavily enjoyed the practical approach this book takes and also the valuable perspective that it brings from an economic, environmental, and it’s brief philosophical standpoints.

The narrator was good with few mistakes in performance.

Good Facts

Could have left out all of your opinions in chapters 12 13 and 14.

Otherwise good stuff.

Worthwhile if you have an open mind.

The author’s background is unique relative to the topic and they bring diversity to the book’s coverage of the discussion perhaps not possible by any other person. While I, no different than others, have biases based on my background, experiences and previous indoctrination believe the author covered the issue with honesty and fairness. And while the author was not and perhaps could never be privy to all facets around the topic they did an excellent, no amazing job researching, including documenting important details around and impacting the topic as well as issues tangental to the topic.

excellent information, poor recording quality.

Great counter argument to the mainstream narrative that pervades science and media.

audio quality leaves a lot to be desired.

So much good info!

Well researched & so much first hand knowledge. Must listen to if you have any doubts or questions about meat consumption or concerns about the environment.

Excellent Book

Really enjoyed and learning a tremendous amount all about the beef industry. Appreciate this book for the deep educational value. Thanks for writing it!

Misinformation

The lady has good intentions, but she only evaluates a small portion of the animal agriculture industry and suggests that all farmers should tear out their crops and replace them with grass for grazing, and then we should let all the large-scale operation animals out onto that grassland and only farm organic. 🤬🤬🤬She’s an environmental lawyer, so I guess I thought she would have the facts about real sustainable agriculture, but it looks like she had an agenda and didn’t look into any of the other aspects of things.

could have been a great book with a better narrator

I about lost my mind with the constant... quote....,.close quote! not necessary. you already told us who was speaking!!!!!!!