Troubles at meat plants prompt fears of kosher shortage http://jta.org/ENTRY_PERMALINK_HERE/possible-collapse-of-meat-producer-prompts-warnings-of-kosher-supply-disrup/ Facing the possible collapse of one of the largest kosher meat companies, industry insiders are warning of short-term disruptions to supply. en-us bharris@jta.org Copyright 2008 2008-11-03T;16:57:00-05:00 Comment by yehuda shain kashrusy@aol.com The kosher Meat Shortage in the USA Solution: 1- The average of a Shechita in the USA is as follows: Glatt- 12-18% Non-glatt 25-30% 2- Additional personnel required for the non-glatt production is 1-2 additional Boidkim or inspectors. Of course the non-glatt would require additional time & personnel for the deveining (treiboring) and salting. 3- Kosher Consumers in the USA are 30-35% glatt, 65-70% non-glatt. 4- At the current glatt productions it would be very economical to utilize the additional 25-30% of the non-glatt. 5- This would alleviate the meat shortage in a very short period of time of 2-3 weeks. 6- This would also cause a glut in the kosher beef, which would bring down the price of beef to the kosher consumer. 7- The Orthodox Union aka “OU” till a few years ago also certified non-glatt beef. 8- It would be advantageous for the Supermarket chains across the USA to besiege the “OU” to step up to the plate and bring the cost of beef to the kosher consumer to a market more in line with other beef. 9- The consumer in general is facing economic pressures at this time in being able to afford their basic shopping needs. 10- The “OU” can do this on their own and they owe it to the kosher consumer. http://www.Kosherconsumer.org kashrusy@aol.com Yehuda shain-732-364-8046 The kosher Meat Shortage in the USA

Solution:
1- The average of a Shechita in the USA is as follows:
Glatt- 12-18%
Non-glatt 25-30%

2- Additional personnel required for the non-glatt production is 1-2 additional Boidkim or inspectors. Of course the non-glatt would require additional time & personnel for the deveining (treiboring) and salting.
3- Kosher Consumers in the USA are 30-35% glatt, 65-70% non-glatt.
4- At the current glatt productions it would be very economical to utilize the additional 25-30% of the non-glatt.
5- This would alleviate the meat shortage in a very short period of time of 2-3 weeks.
6- This would also cause a glut in the kosher beef, which would bring down the price of beef to the kosher consumer.
7- The Orthodox Union aka “OU” till a few years ago also certified non-glatt beef.
8- It would be advantageous for the Supermarket chains across the USA to besiege the “OU” to step up to the plate and bring the cost of beef to the kosher consumer to a market more in line with other beef.
9- The consumer in general is facing economic pressures at this time in being able to afford their basic shopping needs.
10- The “OU” can do this on their own and they owe it to the kosher consumer.
http://www.Kosherconsumer.org
kashrusy@aol.com
Yehuda shain-732-364-8046

]]> 2009-11-22T;22:02:00-05:00 Comment by Brian Keith Anderson briankeithanderson1@gmail.com As an adherer to a unique code of health (albeit non-Kosher), I have sympathy for this situation. As the son of a fifth generation livestock producer in my region, I’m watching herds reduce at an astonishing rate (moreso than at any other period since NAFTA).  While substitutes make some sense, it should be noted that meats are without peer in times of famine. While I’m not predicting a Dutch Hunger Winter (1944-5), there is wisdom in having a reserve herd.  Also, under proper management, the land is actually improved by cattle and other rotations. As an adherer to a unique code of health (albeit non-Kosher), I have sympathy for this situation. As the son of a fifth generation livestock producer in my region, I’m watching herds reduce at an astonishing rate (moreso than at any other period since NAFTA).  While substitutes make some sense, it should be noted that meats are without peer in times of famine. While I’m not predicting a Dutch Hunger Winter (1944-5), there is wisdom in having a reserve herd.  Also, under proper management, the land is actually improved by cattle and other rotations.

]]> 2009-11-22T;22:02:00-05:00 Comment by Alan Jay Weisbard alan.weisbard@gmail.com Agriprocessors does not deserve to survive. It has been a continuing source of shame to the Jewish world. May those responsible be held to account by the civil authorities, since unfortunately the powers that be in the Orthodox world have largely abdicated their responsibilities. One may hope that more responsible producers in the kosher food world will step forward (perhaps purchasing the facilities left barren by Agriprocessors) to restore production to necessary levels while adhering to legal requirements and ethical standards of the sort proposed by the hekhsher tzedek initiative. And I agree that it would not be a tragedy for those affected to move to a less meat-centric diet, which would benefit both personal health and the health of the planet.  --The Wise Bard Agriprocessors does not deserve to survive. It has been a continuing source of shame to the Jewish world. May those responsible be held to account by the civil authorities, since unfortunately the powers that be in the Orthodox world have largely abdicated their responsibilities.

One may hope that more responsible producers in the kosher food world will step forward (perhaps purchasing the facilities left barren by Agriprocessors) to restore production to necessary levels while adhering to legal requirements and ethical standards of the sort proposed by the hekhsher tzedek initiative.

And I agree that it would not be a tragedy for those affected to move to a less meat-centric diet, which would benefit both personal health and the health of the planet.  --The Wise Bard

]]> 2009-11-22T;22:02:00-05:00 Comment by Carol sigcib@comcast.net This difficulty can actually be viewed as a great opportunity for the Jewish community to eat healthier and more financially affordable...more plant based meals, more fish meals.  I hope that this will come to pass. This difficulty can actually be viewed as a great opportunity for the Jewish community to eat healthier and more financially affordable...more plant based meals, more fish meals.  I hope that this will come to pass.

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