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By definition, Factory Farming is, "... an unsustainable method of raising food animals that concentrates large numbers of animals into confined spaces" (foodandwaterwatch.org). The issues associated with this method of farming have been recently brought to light by many public figures including politicians and comedians. 50,000,000,000 animals are raised and slaughtered in factory farms globally each year, that is not a typo. These animals have been shown to undergo extreme levels of suffering that are akin to torture. Not only do these animals suffer, but so do the humans that live near the farms as well as the environment around the farms.

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Beginning in the 1920s, Chickens became the first factor-farmed animal. it remained this way for 50 years, at which point. animals such as cattle and pigs started being factory-farmed as well. According to Kayla Kutzer at Pace University, "Today, roughly 94% of all animals farmed for human consumption are raised on factory farms". This is a staggering number considering just how much meat is consumed in the US annually. The average American today eats ~1.5x their weight in meat per year. With over 300 million people in the US alone, it is easy to see why this form of business would be profitable to run. The rise of factory farms in the US can be attributed to the increased consumption of meat by the US population.

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Are there any protections for these animals?

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Are there any protections for these animals?

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No. There are no current federal laws to protect animals on Factory Farms. There are 2 federal laws that pertain to Factory Farms, but they only address transport and slaughter of these animals. However both of these laws do not apply to poultry and have been very difficult to enforce. After all, how do you really know if an animal can feel pain before they are slaughtered? these laws are effectively unenforceable under the circumstances that the industry operates in today. In fact, many states have passed laws that make whistle-blowing on Factory Farms illegal. Many states have defeated these "ag-gag" laws, but many still have them or have them pending in their legislatures. What is more concerning from the visual is that many states have not ruled on Ag-Gag laws yet, which leaves more room for the Factory Farming industry to influence the politics of the remaining states to get their way.

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According to PETA, every second our nations factory farms create roughly 89,000 pounds of waste. This, combined with the fact that most factory farms do not have waste treatment systems and as we have previously discussed dump their animal waste into large waste ponds, creates a recipe for environmental disaster. But what I didn’t think about at first was the impact on humans. On further research I found out that these farms also have a very detrimental impact on humans not just animals. I mean think about it how would you feel if you lived right next to a giant pond of animal feces. First of all it would smell awful, but aside from that we must consider the psychological aspects of someone being forced to live near a facility responsible for so much death. In fact early studies have shown that rates of depression and suicide rates are increased in areas around factory farms. Also, Swine Flu is suspected to have originated from a Factory Farm. If you aren't going to combat Factory Farms to protect animals, do it for yourself!

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The main environmental impact of Factory Farms is Perhaps the most well known. The methane given off by cows is a leading factor in climate change. Methane is a much more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide, so while more carbon dioxide is produced in total The effects of smaller amounts of methane on climate change can be much more impactful. Looking at methane alone however would be irresponsible as it would not account for the massive amount of fossil fuels burned and pollution produced by transporting all of these animals as well as the food for them. When we look at the more physical waste left by animals,  farmsanctuary.org reports that in the US alone factory farm animals generate more than 1,000,000 tons of manure per day. In addition, it is often stored in vast manure lakes referred to as open air lagoons. These lagoons in the past have spilled into waterways killing thousands of fish and birds and polluting drinking water to thousands of people. On top of this, it is estimated that 1 pound of beef takes 1,851 gallons of water to produce, an outstanding cost for such a small reward.

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What can we do to combat the prevalence of Factory Farms?

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What can we do to combat the prevalence of Factory Farms?

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There are a lot of steps that must be taken so that Factory Farming is finally stopped. However there are some things an individual citizen can do to contribute to this effort. The main thought around factory farming is that if we simply stop eating beef then that will help. This stance makes sense and it is reasonable to most people as cutting one type of meat out of a diet is not that difficult. However studies have shown that most people who stop eating beef just consume more chicken and pork, which come from the very same farms as the beef. Buying more chicken and pork instead of beef actually helps the farm as you are still buying more product from the farm than before.
In addition, Vox reports that because chickens and pigs are smaller animals, many more individuals must be killed to provide the same amount of meat. Brian Katerman from Vox states, “If we replace our burgers and steaks with chicken fingers, turkey bacon, and fish sticks, the total amount of animal suffering worldwide — in terms of the number of creatures who live diminished lives, suffer, and die so that we might eat them — might actually go up rather than down." The case is made that Pigs should be the first animals that we stop consuming. They have the highest range of cognitive abilities of any Factory Farmed animal.

A great Documentary to learn more about Factory Farming: http://www.thelastpig.com

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1. “Factory Farming & Food Safety.” Food & Water Watch, www.foodandwaterwatch.org/problems/factory-farming-food-safety.

2. https://80000hours.org/2016/04/new-profile-on-factory-farming/

3. “Research Guides: Student Project: Factory Farming: Overview.” Overview - Student Project: Factory Farming - Research Guides at Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Pace University, libraryguides.law.pace.edu/factoryfarming.

4. uluFWa8J_5jErbAAZKA92npGWxqhi9P_oe_IbTX9oFbJhcQdW8PkcAUZsVBIxPdD6495n843gnQmZk8F4yljO8fCVa-F6anS2A=w2880-h1674-nu-e365

5. “What Is Ag-Gag Legislation?” ASPCA, www.aspca.org/animal-protection/public-policy/what-ag-gag-legislation.

6. “Farm Sanctuary.” Farm Sanctuary, www.farmsanctuary.org/learn/factory-farming/factory-farming-and-the-environment/.

7. Kateman, Brian. “How to Stop Cruel Factory Farming: Start with One Animal.” Vox, Vox Media, 19 June 2017, www.vox.com/the-big-idea/2017/6/19/15827828/factory-farming-switchetarian-beef-chicken.

8. http://www.thelastpig.com

9. https://www.mspca.org/animal_protection/farm-animal-welfare-pigs/

10. HSUS.jpg
11. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=video&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjxnN__sLbpAhWHG80KHeWsCfIQtwIIJzAA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DX9wHzt6gBgI&usg=AOvVaw2iTm6qtTjFYqifM7Eutocj

12. https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/2019/12/20/21028200/factory-farms-abuse-workers-animals-and-the-environment-cory-booker-has-a-plan-to-stop-them