Grass-Based vs. Confinement

Chapter 15 – Grass-Based vs. Confinement

The irony of modern confinement animal production has been summed up by Allan Nation, editor of the Stockman Grass Farmer in this way (paraphrased): It is the nature of cows to move about and the nature of grass to stand in one place, but with confinement animal production, we have turned it backward and made the cows stand in one place and made the grass move to the cows.

The Future of CAFO Agriculture

Chapter 11 – The Future of CAFO Agriculture

CAFOs came into full development just on time to be obsolete. What will catalyze the transition from industrial livestock systems to livestock systems based on the economy of ecology?

Health Effects Of CAFOs

Chapter 10 – Health effects of CAFOs

A 2006 study by the University of Iowa found that Iowa children attending school near a CAFO had a 24.6 percent asthma rate compared to 11.7 percent for children at a control school.

When Manure Is Not Manure

Chapter 9 – When Manure is not Manure

CAFO proponents attempt to downplay the insufferable odor of CAFO waste by saying “manure is manure.” They argue that manure has been around for 10,000 years, so people who cannot tolerate being around CAFO manure should not live out in the countryside.

Thicke: Opponent Lacks Leadership, Political Will To Watchdog Egg Industry

Thicke, the Democratic nominee in the Nov. 2 election, said Northey continues to make excuses for failing to exercise his authority, found in Iowa Code Chapter 198, to inspect a feed mill at Wright County Egg believed to be the source of a strain of Salmonella enteritidis that sickened about 1,600 people and led to the recall of a half-billion eggs. Northey has disputed he has such authority and has asked the Iowa Attorney General’s Office to help him understand the law.

System Leakages Become Pollutants

Chapter 7 – System Leakages Become Pollutants

Large CAFOs produce large volumes of manure. One hog produces two to four times as much waste as an adult human. According to an EPA estimate, a farm with 2,500 dairy cattle will produce as much waste as a city of 411,000 people.

Economics Of CAFOs

Chapter 4 – Economics of CAFOs

Research at the University of Wisconsin has found that grass-based dairies have lower costs ($650 less per cow) and greater profits ($230 more per cow) than CAFO dairies.

Factory Farms vs. Family Farms

Chapter 3 – Factory Farms vs. Family Farms

The term CAFO is commonly used to refer to any animal confinement facility. However, CAFO has a legal definition.

THICKE ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR IOWA SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE

We are nearing a dramatic crisis with our food. Everything setup to help keep U.S. citizens fed relies on fossil fuels. As these fuels run dry, food prices will skyrocket in the United States and globally. We need sustainable leaders in office to help lead the way to a more energy efficient food system. Please help keep America’s food safe by electing Francis Thicke.