Children of Democracy, Listen Up!

"... this democracy is not something that we have, it's something that we do. And if we don't do it, we lose it."

Granny D
"You cannot say to yourself, "I can't do anything about this,' because you can. You have power. You have power that you don't even know you have. It's there, you could be using it. If you can become a member of a group that's working for clean elections in your state, I honor you. I bless you. Because my vision is that if enough states pass clean election bills, that a critical mass will form. It will go federal."

Granny D

(PS: I just might work for fighting against factory farms invading your neighborhood...)

Explore the work of John E. Ikerd

John E. Ikert is professor Emeritus of Agricultural Economics in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources at the University of Missouri-Columbia. He is a powerful advocate fighting against factory farms and agribusiness. His website has links of many useful papers and websites to help you better understand cafos.

Check out his website: John E. Ikert

Taxpayer Funded Factory Farms...

Here's an interesting study that gives you at look at how your tax dollars are being used to run the factory farms in your neighborhood.


Read Industrial Livestock at the Taxpayer Through.

Check out Inmotion Magazine.

Chain Gang... of Life

“If the honeybee goes, we have four more years to live on Earth.”

Albert Einstein

Our modern agribusiness has created great challenges for the honeybee:

- Monocultures, with an increasing amount of genetically altered plants

- The elimination of what we call “weeds,” which are often critically important bits of forage with great healing potential

- The general poisoning of our fields and landscape with all the killing agents at our disposal: insecticides, pesticides, herbicides and fungicides

All of these practices weaken the resistance of the honeybee and make her prey to pests and diseases.

Günter Hauk
The Spikenard Farm Honeybee Sanctuary

Brakes Being Applied To Ohio Factory Farms

WEST MANSFIELD, Ohio — Concessions by farmers in this state to sharply restrict the close confinement of hens, hogs and veal calves are the latest sign that so-called factory farming — a staple of modern agriculture that is seen by critics as inhumane and a threat to the environment and health — is on the verge of significant change.

A recent agreement between farmers and animal rights activists here is a rare compromise in the bitter and growing debate over large-scale, intensive methods of producing eggs and meat, and may well push farmers in other states to give ground, experts say. The rising consumer preference for more “natural” and local products and concerns about pollution and antibiotic use in giant livestock operations are also driving change...

Read more at the New York Times.

The Road That Led Us To CAFOs...

"...CAFOs are said to be an efficient cost effective farming system, and they are – if one ignores the cost to the environment, animals living in unnatural conditions, potential for pollution and possible human health concerns. They are necessary only as long as we demand large amounts of grain-fed meat, dairy and eggs. If cheap food is the only priority, they meet the challenge. Most consumers happily hunt for bargains never questioning the production practices that made the bargains, bargains.

So really, consumers asked for CAFOs, they wanted cheap food, and they weren't all that concerned where it came from. If that idea bothers you, start learning about how food is produced, where and by whom. Farmers will operate CAFOs only as long as consumers choose to buy what the CAFO produces."

Read more of CAFO consumers by Jim Goodman at Fighting Bob.

True Farmers...

"True farmers...have minds that are complex and responsible. They understand that their fundamental resource is not acreage and capital, but a home place that is healthful and fertile. They want to conserve their land and improve it. They farm with both plants and animals. They understand and honor their debts to nature. They understand and honor their obligations to neighbors and consumers. They understand and respect the land's need to be protected from washing. They are friends of trees and grass. Their thinking is all about conserving and connecting, husbandry and artistry..."

Wendell Berry

Will There Be A Factory Farm In 2010?