Intensive Livestock Farming vs. Organic Farming

Intensive Livestock Farming vs. Organic Farming Explained

Meat resulting from an organic farm usually costs more than meat from conventional farms because it costs more to maintain an organic farm. Many consumers feel that the extra cost is worth it.

Intensive Livestock Farming

Intensive livestock farming – also known as factory farming – is designed to yield the highest profit from the least amount of labor and costs. For example, instead of being allowed to wander around pastures and munch on grass, cows are usually confined to small areas and may not spend time outdoors.

Intensive livestock farming is an issue much larger than the welfare of the animals, although this is certainly an aspect of the issue that has received a great deal of attention. Other issues surrounding this type of farming include:

• The prevalent use of antibiotics
• Chemical herbicide and pesticide use
• The use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and other items as feed for the animals

The potential benefits of this type of farming include:

• Mass production of meat for consumers
• Farming operations at the lowest cost available

A big concern among environmental experts is that while factory farming may not be the most ecologically sound choice for livestock production, it may be the only way to supply all the food necessary for the ever-expanding global population of meat eaters. Proponents of organic farming, however, dispute this claim.

Organic Livestock Farming

Organic livestock farming differs greatly from intensive farming. Organic farming includes:

• No use of antibiotics unless necessary
• The use of natural solutions for pest and weed problems
• No use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs)

Livestock is also allowed to roam around the farm and graze on foods that are also organic. This method of farming usually costs more money to maintain and generally does not yield the mass quantities of products that intensive farming does. This method of farming, however, is designed to be as environmentally friendly as possible.

It does not take the same amount of toil on the land and surrounding areas as farming that involves harsh chemicals and overcrowded livestock populations.

The Choice

Should you choose meat that is a result of intensive livestock farming vs. organic farming, or vice versa? There are potential pros and cons to each choice:

Intensive Livestock Farming Pros and Cons

Pros:

• The meat costs less to produce, and therefore is cheaper to buy.
• The production is on a larger scale, so meat is more available.

Cons:

• The meat may contain pesticides, herbicides, antibiotics, or other potentially harmful elements.
• The environmental impact is substantial.
• The farm animals may suffer greatly before slaughter.

Organic Livestock Farming Pros and Cons

Pros:

• The meat does not contain potentially harmful toxins.
• The environment is protected by the process.
• The animals are treated humanely prior to slaughter.

Cons:

• The meat costs more due to increased production costs.
• The meat may not be as easily available as with other types of meat.

For many people, the additional cost of organic meat is enough to stop them from buying it, although many consumers are more than happy to pay the added cost in order to have organically farmed livestock.

Meat Availability

Meat resulting from intensive farming is more readily available to consumers than organic meat is. Some towns do not have health food stores or local grocery stores willing to carry organic meats.

As organic meat grows in popularity, however, the availability of this type of meat may increase. The cost of this type of meat may decrease as well as a direct result of the increased demand. Stores may be more willing to carry organic meats if consumers express a desire for it.