Raised in farm families, 12-year-old Meghan and 11-year-old Noah learned how to raise animals. Although the cows start out as pets, they are eventually sold for meat. Meghan and Noah showed their cows at this year’s Ingham County Fair, which MIPA photography students attended on Aug. 1.
“(Owning cows) kind of runs in the family,” Meghan said. “My grandpa has a farm so I got it from him. I raise them and then will show and sell them to make money for college. Then they will slaughter them.”
Although Noah was raised the same way, each cow has a slightly different story.
“I named (this cow) Tom after my grandpa,” Noah said. “My mom brought up the fact that I should show him this year. So I’ll show him tomorrow and someone will buy him in order to butcher him for the meat, which will then go to places like Subway or the grocery store.”
Even though they knew from the start that the cows would be butchered, the kids said they couldn’t help growing attached to the pets.
“I don’t like that Murry will be butchered because you grow used to them,” Meghan said. “But then again, it does make food to feed people, which is also important, so I can see both sides.” By Brittney Antonelli and Katie Ziraldo/ The Upstart Staff
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