Nebraska Politician Declares Pro-Meat Day After Colorado Urges Citizens To Eat Plant-Based

Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts is declaring a pro-meat day in response to Colorado urging its citizens to eat plant-based. 

Colorado Governor Jared Polis recently marked March 20 as a statewide meat-free holiday named MeatOut Day. 

The initiative was founded by Farm Animal Rights Movement (FARM) back in 1985. It aims to ‘educate consumers about the benefits of a healthful, plant-based diet’.

MeatOut Day

“Removing animal products from our diets reduces the risk of various ailments, including heart disease, cancers, and diabetes,” FARM states.

“A plant-based diet helps protect the environment by reducing our carbon footprint, preserving forests, grasslands, and wildlife habitats. It also reduces the pollution of waterways.

“Since MeatOut was launched, more than 35 million Americans have explored a plant-based diet and reduced their consumption of meat, dairy, and eggs. And, major food manufactures and national franchises are marketing more vegan options in response to this growing demand.”

‘A direct attack’

Whilst many commended the move, Ricketts blasted the incentive, claiming it is a ‘direct attack’ on Nebraska’s ‘way of life’. 

According to The Guardian, he said: “If you were to get rid of beef in our country, you would be undermining our food security, an important part of a healthy diet. And, also destroying an industry here in our state that’s very important.”

Pro-meat day

Moreover, Steve Wellman is Nebraska’s agriculture director. He added: “When agriculture does well, Nebraska does well.

“Agriculture is the heart and soul of Nebraska, and our 45,700 farm and ranch families keep our state going year after year.”

Nebraska is now urging citizens and restaurants to participate in ‘Meat on the Menu Day’ on the same day as ‘MeatOut Day’.