GRACE Communications Foundation
Notes from "Meeting the Demand: Growing Markets for Sustainable Meat and Dairy Production," a conference organized by the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR). Lots of big ideas; lots of inspiring solutions.
A conflict in New Mexico is shaping up as a pitched battle between industrial dairy's desire to avoid regulation and the public's right to clean, safe drinking water. According to the state environment department, at least two-thirds of the groundwater underneath or adjacent to New Mexico's dairy CAFOs (concentrated animal feeding operations) has been poisoned by nitrates.
Since regulatory agencies are often unable and/or unwilling to provide this information, Food & Water Watch used the USDA's Census of Agriculture to calculate the number of mega-livestock facilities in each county, providing an outstanding visual representation of national and state distribution trends.
Kicking off 2011 with disingenuous propaganda, the industry group Innovation Center for US Dairy released its US Dairy Sustainability Commitment Progress Report.
In a precedent-setting decision, a federal district court judge in Washington State ordered a CAFO (aka, a "factory farm") to monitor groundwater, drainage and soil for illegal pollution resulting from its inadequate manure management practices in violation of the Clean Water Act.
In which we talk to Karen Fairbairn, co-owner of Lazy Crazy Acres Farm & Creamery, about life as a dairy farmer as well as the challenges with organic certification, and her recommendation to add "American Farming" to public school curriculum. We're in.
Of the many foods associated with the winter holidays, few are as tied to the season as eggnog. This article explores the origins and evolution of the decadent beverage.
Industrial livestock facilities compromise the health and welfare of the animals they confine. Find out what they do wrong - and what you can do about it.
Learn the truth about industrial agriculture through our award-winning Meatrix movies!
Traditionally, farmers throughout the world raised thousands of different animal breeds and plant varieties. Though industrial farms now rely on only a few types of livestock and crops, traditional heritage breeds and heirloom varieties are still used by sustainable farmers.
Learn how sustainable farms raise healthy animals using practices that benefit the environment and bolster local economies.
Industrial livestock producers administer hormones to beef cattle and dairy cows in order to promote rapid growth and increased milk production. Learn about the impacts.
The United States dairy industry produces over 20 billion gallons of milk. This milk is pasteurized and sold, or transformed into cheese, butter, cream and ice cream for consumers in the U.S. and around the world. Many people believe dairy farms are characterized by an agrarian ideal of open grassy pastures, rolling hills, grazing cows and red barns. Unfortunately, today most of our milk is produced in large industrial facilities that hardly resemble that ideal vision.
Asking questions is the best way to ensure that you're purchasing sustainably raised, healthy foods, and supporting sustainable farmers. Here are some questions to get you started.
rBGH is a genetically engineered artificial hormone injected into dairy cows to increase milk production. Find out how this affects animal welfare and human health.
Also known as factory farms, industrial livestock operations produce the majority of US meat, eggs, and dairy products. Find out why they're awful.