Factory Farming Argumentative Essay

Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” As world-wide populations continue to rise, so does the demand for cost-effective food production. This pursuit has transformed agriculture from small, independent family farms into large, commercialized, and mechanized businesses. In the process, factory farming has become a popular alternative for large-scale food production because of the ability to satisfy high demands for meat, dairy, eggs, fruits, and vegetables. Simultaneously, the media is indulging society with images and videos of healthy animals being raised on farms where cows graze in large green pastures and chickens freely meander throughout the barnyard. This portrayed

In fact, the U.S. Census Bureau stopped tallying this group several decades ago because there were so few remaining. These statistics support the idea that factory farming is dominating the food industry. This transformation has taken place because we live in a world where cost and convenience are more important than health. Past farming techniques have been replaced with large machinery, chemicals, growth hormones, and antibiotics. These changes, along with highly specialized operations, have allowed work to become simpler and more routine; therefore, diminishing the need for human labor. While the global population continues to grow, so do the innovations of factory

Due to the pressure and high demands to increase production within slaughterhouses, many employees in this industry are faced with physical or mental trauma. They are required to perform grueling work day after day; abusing animals while listening to the painful noises fill the chilling room. Unfortunately, many laborers are immigrants and are left with no choice but to do as they are told. Their insecure legal status causes extreme vulnerability and makes them reluctant to report any labor law violations in fear of being fired or deported. As they struggle to survive, they often choose to remain silent and deal with the harassment and constant stresses. Inside these killing factories individuals deal with dangerous machinery, lift heavy animals, and handle sharp knifes designed to easily cut through bone. This combination of duties often results in painful, lasting scars. Accepting a position in this type of environment usually leaves one unfit for future occupations. This outcome is because “15 to 30 percent of slaughter workers suffer cuts, strains, traumas, falls, fractures, musculoskeletal disorders, back injuries, hernias, facial disfigurements, burns, carpal tunnel, severed fingers, severed arms, amputations, and other injuries.” To make matters worse, their daily duties are performed in extreme temperatures and sometimes result in death. Statistics show that factory