Tough Decisions

This morning Iris had to lure Stella out of the paddock to be slaughtered. The cow obediently followed, swaying her big head behind Iris as she had done many times in the past.

At three years of age, the decisions must be made to sell off a cow for meat or to keep her with the intent of producing an offspring. The hope was to keep Stella and indeed she had two offsprings; neither calf survived in the absence of a nurturing mother.

“Was it a difficult decision?” I asked Gian-Luca as Iris led Stella through the final corridor.

“Not at all. It’s not a sentimental decision. She eats hay and costs money. It’s an economic decision.”

Of the countless jobs Iris takes on at the farm, for the last four years, she has also assumed the responsibility of Presidency at the organically run slaughter house, “macello”. Both she and Gian-Luca are committed to their organic philosophy in produce and in livestock. This non-paying job is simply an extension of that credo.

And while the EU promotes organic farming, the actual expenses of operating an organic macello outweigh the consumer interest in buying organically produced meat. With an outstanding debt, Iris the President has to make the difficult decision of shutting it down. It’s an economic decision.

Iris spent the long morning in the macello, addressing the countless closing issues and overseeing the final procedure with Stella. She enters the dining room as we are concluding lunch.

Thinking of the macello’s legal matters, we ask, “How did it go?”

“She was so nice. So sweet. (pause.) So nice.” a sentimental Iris replies.

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“Did you know that Stella means ‘Star’ in Italian?” Maria asks me.