So, let me understand this.  In the pursuit of higher-weight animals, and
presumably higher profit, feedlot operators give cattle and lambs food
that they KNOW will make them sick. In fact with lambs, you have to
gradually introduce the food into their
diets or they will die of the sickness (may be true with cattle too).
Then the meat from these sick animals goes into the supermarkets and onto
our tables.  That sounds pretty sick to me!<<<<<

You got that right, Lynnet.

Majority of lambs/cattle in food markets are feedlot animals. In order to 
prevent diseases,any kind of disease,they are kept on high anti biotic 
fortified grains that also serve to fatten them up.
Feedlots are filthy environment and wouldn't advice anyone to stop and see 
one up close as they may become vegan or vegetarians within seconds.


>>>>If you look around, you should be able to find small ranchers with 
>>>>grass-fed   animals in your
area.<<<<

Most small ranchers/farmers I know will not deal with individuals,I consider 
myself a small farmer producing around 125-150 marketable lambs per season. 
My production is a part of co op that deals strictly with  "naturally 
raised" Easter market where lambs must be under 40 pounds and still on 
mother's milk.  No vaccinations,no drugs of any kind and no grain.  And,we 
get premium prices for our lambs.
It takes many years to create the kind of sheep who can perform well under 
these conditions as it can be hard on them to produce twins on hay only but 
if soil cared and pampered properly,with the right combination of certain 
legumes (clover and birdsfoot trefoil),we bring up the protein levels high 
enough to maintain the necessary growth of fetuses and/or milk production 
upon partition in our hay.

If you all find small rancher/farmer who wishes to sell lambs to 
public,always ask if they show their animals or produce for 4-H kids. If 
they do,walk away/run away as fast as you can.

Inci Willard