In Chapter 8, Pollan makes the claim that “All flesh is grass.” In other words grass is a primary producer, the underlying foundation for the food that was eaten in the pre-industrial era. Humans do not have a rumen, which is necessary for cows to consume grass–so we eat the cow. After the cows are done grazing (the “first bite”), the chickens come in and eat grass and grubs in the cowpies.

Pollan’s grounds come from personal experience (ethos) on the farm, and through Joel’s explanations. He further solidifies the claim that our current food industry is bad by making comparisons of the pastoral Polyface Farm to Big (USDA-Backed) Business. In this comparison, the coordination and implementation of feeding animals, housing them, disposing of their feces, maintaining their health, impact on the environment, and replenishing the overall cycle is stated in plain view–and it’s clear that his warrant–that flesh should not be made of grain, antibiotics, unhealthy conditions, and pollution–is, without a doubt, correct.