Factory Farming

This week presentation was great. I knew of the harmful effects of factory farming but not to the extent that takes place in the United States. Hog farming produced so much waste that it could be smelt from 3000 feet above in an airplane. Seeing the video where farmers use an irrigation system to spread the liquid waste was disgusting. Because of the risk of hurricanes and heavy rainfall the waste could spill over into nearby watersheds destroying it. Animals, fish and humans developed a disease that was a result of the waste.

What can be done? I liked how the presentation offered some suggestions. The complicity of this problem offers little hope. Millions of people rely on factory farming for beef, pork and eggs, because of this it seems doubtful that anything will be done. I feel like even regulations or moving the industry would do nothing except move the problem to a new area. Individuals basically need to demand on an aggregate level for change in the industry.

The Meatrix was a funny little film that really portrayed the problems associated with factory farming. I thought it was a great selection for the presentation. I live on a farm in an area where there are lots of cattle but i don't notice the factory aspect of it. The farmers in my area let their cows roam free (at least on their property), and I’ve defentailly had a few chickens range into my yard over the years. We buy beef from friends, usually a quarter or half cow. I think this example offers some hope as not all farmers are bad, just ones who operate large scale operations and treat their animals poorly, as well as disrespect the environment. Hopefully we can find a solution to this problem.