Running head: FOOD ORIGINATION

Unit 6 Assignment
SC200-02: Discovering Science

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Where Does Your Food Come From?

Do you know where your food originates from? Do you know the way your food was
grown, processed, packaged and delivered to the store where you purchased it? The amount of
energy that is used to produce the food, which we pick up from the grocery store, is immense.
Clearing, cultivating, planting, fertilizing, spraying and harvesting the crops from the land leave
lasting impressions on the ecosystems of the world. The effects can be seen throughout the
various levels of global ecosystems. A quick look at the changing climate, nutrient deficient
soils and disappearing species will reveal the incompatibilities between current farming practices
and the ecosystems they affect.
To understand the impact of getting the food to the shelf on the ecosystems, an analysis
of a typical meal can be completed. For the purpose of this analysis, an in depth look at the
energy, resources and consequences that are necessary to place a Iowa Center Cut Pork Chop
dinner complete with a lettuce salad, corn on the cob and mashed potatoes with gravy

Meal Analysis
Source Identification
Identifying where each part of the meal originates can be the hardest part of the analysis
due to products being sourced from around the globe. However, a trip to the local grocery store
may help to identify where these foods came from. The Iowa Center Cut Pork Chop was
purchased from the butcher case, which is where the source could be determined. The butcher
believed that the pork was locally raised and slaughtered in Iowa or Illinois. The pork is
delivered to the butcher in the half hog, partially processed, form from a local company called

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Preston Meats, a slaughterhouse and distributor of meat products. After contacting Preston
Meats, the source of the Iowa Center Cut Pork Chop could be narrowed down to an area
stretching from Chicago, Illinois south to Burlington, Iowa west to Des Moines, Iowa and north
to Elkader, Iowa (Preston Meats, 2015). That includes approximately 59,452 square miles of
land and all the farms included that this one pork chop could have originated from. However,
certainty can be had in the fact that the swine that supplied this pork chop came from a farm in
Iowa or Illinois.
Moving on to the lettuce salad, a drastic difference in origination can be seen when
compared to the local pork chop. The package of Doles Iceberg Lettuce Salad Mix is stamped
with the Best by date and which country the lettuce originated from. According to the stamp
on the packaged lettuce, the contents of this bag are products of the U.S.A. As a source, the
U.S.A. is a rather large area that provides no insight into the origination of this bag of lettuce.
Further investigation into the source of the lettuce revealed that a larger portion of Doles Iceberg
Lettuce is grown in Carmel Valley, California, where Dole owns the fields but independent
growers operate the farms (Martin, 2012). While this information does not specifically narrow
down to a specific source, inference can be drawn that the Iceberg Lettuce is produced in the
U.S.A. with a significant chance of being grown in California.
After the lettuce, the next item on the plate is Sweet Corn on the cob. Finding this item
in our local grocery store is becoming scarce due to the seasons changing. However, when
purchasing this item, from the grocery store, it is normally by the ear from a wicker bucket,
which displays a sign that reads Locally Grown - $4/Dz. Identifying the source of this food
was the easiest of all the items in the meal. The cashier was able to give the name and address of
the farm that this specific batch of Sweet Corn was grown on. The address of the farm was less

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than seven miles from my home. The Sweet Corn was grown on an eight acre farm seven miles
outside of West Liberty, Iowa.
Coming to the last item on the plate, the mashed potatoes and gravy are Homemade
and not from a package. The potatoes are labeled as Yukon Gold and bear the Green Giant
name and logo. The information on the source of the potato was not easily found on the bag
because of its damage. However, research into the supplier of this potato to General Mills,
owner of the Green Giant label, revealed a farm business named Potandon Produce, LLC. in
Pasco, Washington (Washington State Potatoes, n.d.). These potatoes are grown in fields that are
located in the Columbian Basin near the Columbia River in Washington. They are grown and
harvested by Potandon Produce, LLC. and distributed under the Green Giant brand.
After analysis of the Iowa Center Cut Pork Chop dinner with a lettuce salad, sweet corn
and mashed potatoes, the sources of all items, with the exception of one, can be narrowed down
to geographic regions. The exception, being the sweet corn, can be directly traced to the source
farm, outside of West Liberty, Iowa. The other items are sourced from Iowa, Illinois, California
and Washington farms.

Farming and Labor Practices

Farming practices.
Iowa Center Cut Pork Chop. The farming practices utilized for the production of
the Iowa Center Cut Pork Chop can vary due to the size of the farming operation. However,
many of the practices are standard across the farms that supply hogs for meat distributors. These
practices include breeding and gestation and manure management. The breeding and gestation

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process involves the impregnation of the sows, birthing of piglets and weaning (also known as
farrowing), feeding and finishing (Stormont, 2004). The manure management process involves
the collection, removal and disposal of the farms waste. Each of these processes require
extensive amounts of energy due to the continuous involvement in each stage of the process.
The breeding, or impregnation, of sows is mostly done through artificial insemination.
This increases the conception rate when compared to normal mating conception rates. During
this time, the sows are provided enough feed to sustain their needed nutrition. This is due to the
restricted movement of the sows during pregnancy, which if overfed would increase their obesity
and lower their reproductive efficiency. When the sow births her piglets, the piglets must
undergo procedures, which include clipping of the teeth, clipping of the tail, identification
marking and castration (Stormont, 2004). Clipping of the teeth and tail prevent the piglets from
hurting each other after birth, while in the nursery. For the sow, the process begins again with
insemination as soon as she is capable, but for the piglets, they are moved to a nursery. In the
nursery the piglets are given antibiotics and kept in a clean environment to prevent them from
contracting illnesses. After the piglets gain weight and grow, they are placed in the finishing
facility. This facility is where the pig is fed and grown to the desired weight. When the desired
weight is achieved, the pig is sent to the slaughterhouse for slaughtering and processing.
The manure management process occurs simultaneously with the breeding and gestation
process. The collection of manure is normally achieved through pits that are built underneath the
confinements. The floors of the confinements are slotted to allow the waste to fall into the pit.
The collection of waste in these pits produces four main gases, which are hydrogen sulfide,
methane, ammonia and carbon dioxide (Doss, McLeod & Person, n.d.). These gases can
increase health hazards associated with the hog farming practice. After the pit becomes full, the

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waste is removed and can be applied to fields for fertilizer or placed in lagoons to allow it to
decompose. If applied to fields, proper procedures and rules, as applicable by state, must be
adhered to. This limits the damage done to the ecosystems in the area.
Lettuce Salad. The farming practices associated with the growing and harvesting
of lettuce are soil management, seed and plant management, pest management and water
management. Soil management consist of determining the composition of the soils nutrients.
The soil best suited for growing lettuce will have a pH in the range of 5.5 to 7 and capable of
holding high levels of water (Department of Agriculture, n.d.). If the soil is not within this range,
soil additives must be mixed in using methods such as discing, tilling, or other soil mixing
techniques. Seed and plant management involves crop rotation, planting and harvesting of the
lettuce. Planting of the seeds is essential to obtaining a finished head of lettuce. If the seeds are
not sewn deep enough or too deep, the seed will not produce. Determining which fertilizer to
use is an important aspect of growing lettuce and critical to harvesting good yields. If the wrong
fertilizer is applied or too much is applied the crop can be ruined and yield no harvestable
lettuce.
Along with fertilizing and managing the soil comes the pest management and water
management. Pest management involves determining which method of control to use to prevent
pest from destroying the crop. The options available are baits, chemical additives and chemical
sprays. Each of these target different pest species and also pose environmental hazards to
waterways. The water management involves getting the crop the needed amount of water for it
to grow and produce. This poses challenges due to the availability of water in the area of the
farms. Due to the extreme droughts that have occurred throughout the areas where lettuce is

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harvested, water resources have become scarce. Water management has become one of the most
critical components of growing crops in this region.
Sweet Corn. The farming practices associated with the production of sweet corn
are very similar to that of lettuce. Just as lettuce requires soil management, seed and plant
management, pest management and water management, so does sweet corn. However, the
difference is seen in the different regions where each plant is grown and the needs of the
different species. The pH of the soil for sweet corn is 5.8 to 7, which is very similar to soil pH
for lettuce (Fritz, Tong, Rosen & Wright, 2010). The other management practices only slightly
differ in depth of seed planting, water requirements and chemical additives.
The biggest difference between the two crops can be found in the harm to the
environment that each one causes. The application of pesticides to sweet corn is achieved
through spraying. This creates a hazard for the waterways when the rain washes the pesticide
through the soil into rivers, streams and underground waterways.
Yukon Gold Potatoes. Potato farming requires the same management types as
other crops with the exception of soil composition. Soil management is a higher priority for the
growing of potatoes. The pH of the soil most optimal for growing potatoes has a range of 5.5 to
6.5 (Bogash, Lamont, Harsh, Kime & Harper, 2015). This is considerably narrower than that of
sweet corn and lettuce. The levels of magnesium, potassium and nitrogen are critical to growing
a healthy crop (Bogash et al., 2015). These nutrients are added to the soil prior to planting and
through the drip irrigation method. This makes them less susceptible to runoff and pollution of
waterways because of the absorption of the water into the soil. However, most crops require the
addition of pesticides to keep the crops from being destroyed. Like nearly all vegetable crops,

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potatoes require weed, disease, and insect management (Bogash et al., 2015, Pest Control Para.
1). These pesticides pose the same hazards as other crops due to their methods of application.
Labor practices.
Iowa Center Cut Pork Chop. The labor practices associated with hog farm
operations is intense. The risk of injury from the animals, which weigh up to 300 lbs., is
substantial due to the close proximity of workers. Along with this risk, the risk of respiratory
illnesses increases because of the gases that are created in the waste pits. Workers must empty,
transfer and monitor these waste manure pits and have been known to become overwhelmed by
the gases. There are cases where this has resulted in death of the farm workers. The operation of
large scale hog farms require almost continuous monitoring and handling. The workers must
interact with the animals from the time of birth throughout the life until finishing.
Lettuce Salad. Iceberg lettuce is very labor intensive. The harvesting of Iceberg
Lettuce is done by hand. During this process, the head of lettuce is cut from the root, trimmed
and packed. When harvesting, the leaves are trimmed as the head is removed from the stem
(Turini, 2011). The use of laborers to harvest the lettuce crops makes it one of the most labor
intensive crops.
Sweet Corn. The labor practices associated with the growing and harvesting of
sweet corn are not as intensive as the lettuce harvesting labor practices. This is due to the
mechanical and technological advancements that allow the use of machinery to plant the seed
and harvest the crop. However, there is still some manual labor that is required. This comes in
the form of cleaning and operating the heavy machinery that plants and harvest the sweet corn.
Yukon Gold Potatoes. Similar to sweet corn, these potatoes are not as labor
intensive as growing and harvesting lettuce.

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Energy Consumption
Research and discuss what energy was likely used to process, package, and ship all
ingredients within the meal.
Processing. For example, processing a pig for bacon is lengthy and includes slaughter,
exsanguination, scalding, dehairing or skinning, evisceration, cutting, washing, cooling, and
rendering (FAO, n.d.). Each step in the process requires energy for machinery, lighting, cooling,
etc. (SINT Technologie, 2012).
Packaging. For example, the strawberries I purchased were packaged in a 100%
recyclable, 1-lb standard, #1 Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) clamshell with vents for cooling.
According to WorldCentric, the manufacture of one pound of PET uses 10.28 kWh of energy and
emits 2.81 pounds of CO2 (2013).
Shipping. For example, the strawberries I purchased are loaded on refrigerated trucks
and transported 1000 miles to my local Fred Meyer store. Per the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA), a class 8 semi-truck with a sleeper cab consumes 7.2 gallons of
fuel per mile and emits 83 grams of CO2 per mile (Fuel Efficiency Standards, 2011). So the trip
burns approximately 139 gallons of fuel emitting 183 pounds (83000 grams) of CO2.
Additionally, the USDA recommends strawberries are refrigerated at 32F (0C) during
transport, which will burn more energy (2008).
Economic and Ecological Analysis
Research and discuss how the farming methods used to grow these items impact the local
economy, the global economy, the local ecosystem, and the global ecosystem. For example, I can
buy strawberries grown on a factory farm from the Fred Meyer store or I can buy strawberry
plants at the farmers market and grow the strawberries in my backyard. There are economic and

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environmental advantages and disadvantages related to farm size and what roles farms play in
local and global communities (Lohr, 2012; Wiggins, 2009; USDA, 2003).
Think Globally, Act Locally
How would you interpret this phrase based upon your analysis of the meal provided by
your instructor for this Assignment? For example, research and discuss alternative local sources
for all ingredients within the meal and discuss why some items may not have good alternatives.
For example, since 2011 my daughter and I have planted strawberries (as well as other fruits and
vegetables) in our back yard. The growing season for strawberries in Portland, Oregon is
approximately late May until late September, so an alternative to fresh strawberries is required
the rest of the year (Strik, 2008; Daves Garden, 2013). My daughter and I have also considered
joining a local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) called Organics to You headquartered
near my daughters school. If we did not have such a nice back yard, we might also consider
requesting a garden plot from one of Portlands nearby community gardens. My daughter also
would love installing or renting a chicken coop in our backyard because its permitted by the
City of Portland, but it is against our home owner association rules (Multnomah County, 2013).
Discuss how the choices you make when planning and buying meals might change in the future
and how your choiceswhen combined with those of otherscan have a global impact.
The last paragraph is always the conclusion. Please visit the KUWC for tutorials on
writing conclusions. (Note: Please replace the sample paragraphs with your content before
you submit your paper!)

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References
(WARNING: Only list a source on this References page if you have also cited it
parenthetically in text. And please DELETE this warning and the example references
before you submit your paper!)

Bogash, S., Lamont, W., Harsh, R., Kime, L., Harper, J. (2015). Potato Production. PennState
Extension. Retreived from http://extension.psu.edu/business/agalternatives/horticulture/vegetables/potato-production
Daves Garden. (2013). Lookup your first and last freeze/frost dates by zip code. Retrieved from
http://davesgarden.com/guides/freeze-frost-dates/#b
Department of Agriculture. (n.d.). Production Guidelines for Lettuce. Agriculture, Forestry and
Fisheries. Retrieved from http://www.nda.agric.za/docs/Brochures/ProdGuideLettuce.pdf
Doss, H., McLeod, W. & Person, H. (n.d.). Beware of Manure Pit Hazards. National AG Safety
Database. Retrieved from http://nasdonline.org/1292/d001097/beware-of-manure-pithazards.html
Fritz, V., Tong, C., Rosen, C. & Wright, J. (2010). Commercial Fruit and Vegetation Production.
University of Minnesota Extension. Retrieved from
http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/fruit-vegetable/sweet-corn/
Martin, A. (2012, July 14). Growing and Processing Lettuce. Culicurious [Blog]. Retrieved
from http://www.culicurious.com/growing-and-processing-lettuce/
Meunier, R.A. & Latour, M.A. (n.d.). Commercial egg production and processing. Retrieved
from http://ag.ansc.purdue.edu/poultry/publication/commegg/

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Preston Meats. (2015). About. Preston Meats. Retrieved from http://prestonmeats.com/about/

Stormont, L. (2004). Detailed Discussion of Iowa Hog Farming Practices. Animal Legal &
Historical Center. Retrieved from https://www.animallaw.info/article/detaileddiscussion-iowa-hog-farming-practices#id-5

Turini, T. (2011). Iceberg Lettuce Production In California. UC Vegitable Research and

Information Center. Retrieved from http://anrcatalog.ucanr.edu/pdf/7215.pdf
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). (2003, March). Agriculture fact book: 20012002. Retrieved from http://usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?
contentid=agfactbook.xml
USDA. (2008, July). Protecting perishable foods during transport by truck. Retrieved from
http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfile?dDocName=STELDEV3021003
WorldCentric. (2013). Energy savings. Retrieved from
http://worldcentric.org/sustainability/energy-savings