Factory farming

In our fast-paced world where food is just a click or drive-thru away, it’s easy to forget how that burger or chicken sandwich ends on our plates. Factory farming is one of the most significant—and controversial—systems behind modern meat production. But what exactly is factory farming, and why should we care?

Factory farming is when a large number of animals are raised in confined spaces to produce food products as cheaply and efficiently as possible, often at the cost of animal welfare, environmental health, and even public safety. Factory farms produce enormous waste, polluting rivers, lakes, and underground water supplies. They also heavily contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, a major driver of climate change. Furthermore, the overuse of antibiotics in animal farming can lead to antibiotic-resistant bacteria—so-called superbugs—that can make their way into human populations. There are also risks of disease outbreaks like swine flu or bird flu spreading from densely packed animals. Factory farm workers also face dangerous conditions, often having extended hours, minimal pay, and exposure to hazardous materials, leading to high injury rates.

However, improving conditions for animals, like giving them more space, better diets, and outdoor access, usually means higher production costs for farmers. These costs often affect consumers, making meat, dairy, and eggs more expensive. While this shift benefits animals, it can create challenges for people, especially low-income families, who may struggle to afford these higher-priced foods. So that raises the question, should we prioritise humans meeting their needs, or animal and environmental welfare?

sources you can use to find out more: https://www.peta.org/issues/animals-used-for-food/factory-farming/, https://thehumaneleague.org/article/what-is-factory-farming, https://www.farmsanctuary.org/issue/factory-farming/, https://awionline.org/content/inhumane-practices-factory-farms, https://www.britannica.com/technology/factory-farming