Barbara Sha Cox, who we highlighted in December of 2006 for her work in examining the issues around factory farming, has an editorial in today's Palladium-Item with more thoughts on bills being considered by the state of Indiana related to CAFOs:

There are several legislators who are concerned and have introduced legislation to address the issues. However, their legislation is always blocked by those who are not listening to the citizens and have chosen to only listen to agricultural business. Legislators interested in the citizens' point of view include Senator Allen Paul (R-Richmond) with his bill for a moratorium for three years to study the issues and place in law regulations that would address the issues.

You can read the full editorial at the Pal-Item website.

In today's Palladium-Item, several residents write in about the looming issue of Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs): Tom Temple of Centerville wants to make sure we debunk myths about how bad CAFOs are, and that they're just an aspect of agriculture most don't understand. Alyson Bodai with the Factory Farming Campaign of the Humane Society of the United States writes in to note that we have a number of reasons to oppose CAFOs in our community. And Bill Geier from Richmond says "let them be the animals they are, and don't confine them in CAFOs. It is cruel, and results in an inferior product."

What do you think?

Today I stumbled across two resources which support Thomas Kemp's skepticism about CAFOs, confined animal feeding operations.

First, there is The Cow? Public Enemy Number One, which describes a UN report detailing the massive damage of cattle level on the environment. The report concludes that unless drastic changes are made, the damage done by livestock will more than double by 2050, along with expected increases in meat consumpton.

Second, a complementary view: the benefits of a diet free of meat and diary. This is the The China Study, which uses a number of scientific studies to advocate for a vegan diet. It is not without controversary, including cheerleaders and detractors.

The combination of these articles serve as important reminders: First, there are ill effects of livestock, whether they are confined or not. Second, when the demand for meat decreases, so does the need for CAFOs to exist at all. Our consumption and grocery store decisions make a difference.  continue reading »

The Muncie Star Press is reporting that several women from the area, including one from Richmond, are leading the charge in opposition to Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs).

Six CAFO opponents from around the state met with Andy Miller, director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, at his Indianapolis office last month. Four of the six were women, which is not surprising to anyone who has followed the CAFO counter-movement in Indiana. Most of the leaders are women.  continue reading »