Modern Farmer

AUGUST 12, 2024

Rationalized as a way to feed more people, large CAFOs are pervasive in our food system. But industrial animal agriculture comes with a lot of downsides. Large CAFOs can create pollution for nearby communities and the environment, as well as raise animal rights issues. Photography via Shutterstock. What’s the problem?

Farming 122

Farming Farming Animal Unit Animal Agriculture 122

Modern Farmer

MAY 7, 2024

While contract farming, or “factory farming,” has been exposed in the media for being exploitative of animals, the farmers who sign contracts with companies like Tyson, Perdue or other big players in animal agriculture also find themselves backed into a financial corner. It’s working perfectly.

Farming 132

Farming Farming Poultry Contract Farming 132

Modern Farmer

MAY 7, 2024

Murphy Family Farms (later bought by Smithfield Foods) helped out with the loan needed to get started. Animal Outlook, an organization that helps farmers transition out of contract farming, has a general blueprint it uses to help farms transition, but the actual steps vary, because each farmer has different circumstances.

Farming 84

Farming Farming Poultry Greenhouse 84