How Bad Is Factory Farming?

Factory farming is so horrific that if people knew what really goes on within the walls of those windowless sheds, they would likely reject the products they produce—which is precisely why the industrial animal agriculture industry has gone to such great lengths to hide the truth at all costs.

 

Dishonesty in advertising is a common phenomenon. From car companies claiming diesel engines are good for the planet, to that sugar-encrusted cereal that will make kids smarter. Yet perhaps the most widespread dishonesty comes from multinational animal agriculture corporations like Tyson Foods. These companies have the most to hide, weaving elaborate stories of “welfare” and the “humane” treatment of animals into their marketing, while making meat cheaper and cheaper, in order to deceive their consumers into believing animals really don’t mind being farmed, and even denying the existence of factory farms. The contradiction is clear in Tyson Food’s corporate purpose: “Raising the world’s expectations for how much good food can do.” Yet, there’s nothing good about it.

 

Companies like Tyson Foods go even further than misleading advertising. Using their considerable financial resources and political clout, they’ve helped enact “ag-gag” laws across the country, making it illegal for members of the public to document the conditions of typical CAFOs.