Factory Farming in America: The True Cost of Animal Agribusiness

Abstract

Swarms of black flies keeping children indoors. Families cancelling Sunday picnics. Property values falling when factory farms are close to homes. Asthma, headaches, sore throats, diarrhea, and burning eyes. Our land, air, and water polluted by manure, chemicals, and toxins. Workers put at risk. Farmers forced into corporate contracts or out of business altogether. Animals languishing in filthy, cramped cages, crates, pens, and sheds.

The landscape of American agriculture has changed dramatically since the 1950s. Across the country, independent, family farms have been pushed aside by industrial animal agribusiness corporations that intensively confine tens if not hundreds of thousands—even millions—of animals. Factory farms not only jeopardize the welfare of the animals, but damage communities, public health, the environment, and livelihoods—all for cheap meat, eggs, and milk.

But what is the true cost of today's animal agribusiness? And who is really paying for it?

Date Published:
07/15/08

Related Links

The Impact of Animal Agriculture on Global Warming and Climate Change

HSUS Fact Sheet: Animal Agriculture and Climate Change

HSUS Fact Sheet: Antibiotics in Animal Agriculture and Human Health

An HSUS Report: Food Safety Concerns with the Slaughter of Downed Cattle

Human Health Implications of Intensive Poultry Production and Avian Influenza

Human Health Implications of Live Bird Markets in the Spread of Avian Influenza

Human Health Implications of Live Hang of Chickens and Turkeys on Slaughterhouse Workers

Human Health Implications of Non-Therapeutic Antibiotic Use