I'll only eat a happy pig

Being brought up in the country has always ensured that I am aware of where my food comes from and how it is produced and now I am older, it has become even more important. In my younger days, there was no panic about saving the planet or climate change and the world population was much smaller so the thought that resources would soon run out never occured to us.
Fortunately, we all grow up and as I did so, I became increasingly aware of what was happening in the world as well as the effect that each and every one of us was having on our environment and the dreadful effects on animals of the mass production of meat. Watching a programme last night about various intensive farming methods, including the way in which pigs were mass produced in the USA, only strengthened my resolve. While the animals on this huge factory farm were healthy and well, they were also in cages or crates where they couldn't even turn around and for a pig, this is not natural.
A pig is an animal that enjoys snuffling about in the ground, especially in wooded areas where there could be acorns or beech nuts to eat and a few nice tasty roots. He also enjoys a mud bath to keep his skin in tip top condition and stop sunburn and the occasional scratch up against a fence is very welcome. After dinner, a good stretch out and a nap in the sty or arc, makes life complete for him. As for sows being inseminated to produce up to twenty seven piglets a year, well, only a man could think of that because they don't have to give birth!
I am fully aware that keeping any animal in idyllic organic conditions is going to cost a lot more so therefore, the meat as an end product will too. However, this doesn't bother me even though I am on a much reduced income. I would far rather eat mostly vegetarian and fish dishes (all ethically sourced of course) and enjoy a really good joint from a happy pig as a special treat but less often. A happy pig is also a much better flavoured pig and the same goes for chickens, ducks, beef and lamb etc.!