Factory Farming

Factory farming is the system of raising animals using ‘intensive production’ line methods that maximise the amount of meat produced while minimising costs. It is characterised by close confinement in barren and unnatural conditions and involves massive environmental pollution and health risks for both animals and humans. In Australia as in other countries this is our conventional means of raising pigs, chickens, turkeys and producing eggs.

See the excellent Animal Welfare Labels website, developed by the Humane Society International, showing the different components for welfare-focused cattle, sheep, pig, and poultry product certification schemes. Compare labels for eggs, beef, pork and poultry – download the guides here.

  • Look for eggs labelled ‘free-range’ or ‘barn-laid’ over regular ‘cage’ (battery) eggs. (See more about eggs.)
  • Look for smallgoods labelled “Free-Range”. Choose ‘accredited free range’ where possible. Please note: ‘Bred free range’ piglets are weaned at about 4 weeks and raised indoors in eco shelters. (See ALV’s Free Range Fraud).
  • Look for “Organic” or “Free-Range” chicken and pork. (In order to achieve organic certification, chicken and pigs farmed organically must be free-range.)
  • Look for independent certification of products by organisations like the RSPCA. Find a list of RSPCA Approved products at the humane shop.
  • Choose dairy products from companies that have animal welfare on their agenda, such as Elgaar Farms and Barambah Organics.
  • Learn more at Voiceless.
  • See the ‘Meatrix‘ animation.

More information on how you can take action on factory farming