Transition of family to factory farms

The first signs of animal domestication date back to 4000 – 6000 years ago, when they were used to for their ability to do work for humans. During this time, it was environmentally sustainable to raise and use cattle power on a small-scale. Family farms functioned efficiently with the help of livestock, specifically cattle, to assist them with grunt work around the land. Cattle were seldom used as food because the value as equipment greatly outweighed the value of using their meat for protein and food. Having cattle on the farm was more important as an investment rather than as a food source.

This sustainable way of life on a family farm slowly transitioned to larger scale operations. These operations focused solely on cattle herding, with cattle grazing open pastures. Cowboys emerged, and this turned into a business. This is when the beginnings of a detrimental environmental impact started being felt. Cattle would pollute streams and water sources from point, causing problems with water quality and marine life. This did not pose a problem to the herders, as they could bring their herds elsewhere to graze and enjoy fresh water.

This then again transitioned into the recent, most well known as factory farms, but more officially referred to as “concentrated animal farming operations” or CAFO’s. These farming operations house hundreds of animals in confined spaces, therefore cutting down on overgrazed land, land prices, equipment, and maximizing product and efficiency, while ignoring obvious environmental threats. CAFO’s are operations, existing on the intent of growing and earning income. Pollution in these factories have a huge impact on surrounding environment because of the common leaks in waste lagoons.