As an aspiring bovine practitioner, and someone who conducts food animal safety research, I am often asked how big farms are “better” or worse than family farms. My approach to this question, and many other similar misconceptions usually includes: "What matters to you?"
I ask this because I love the blank stare I get as a response. What is more important, I relay to the many different people from diverse walks of life, is what these producers provide. They grow many agricultural products, including raising animals. Every producer and veterinarian I have worked with upholds a high moral standard and does they job and passion with the up most care. We all help provide access to fresh, real food that helps people eat well. Many farms today include multi generational families who continuously work to improve their agricultural practices as well as contribute to a world in dire need of improved food security.
Big or small, what’s the difference? In America, the discussions around food have moved further away from the heart of the matter - growing healthy food - and more toward finding ways to divide us. Organic vs conventional, GMO vs non-GMO, “factory farm” vs small community farm - at the end of the day, there’s an important place for ALL farming. It might be surprising to know that large family farms (sometimes called “factory farms” by some) often have the most innovative sustainability practices, cutting edge animal care programs and higher regulatory hurdles. Big is not always bad. And small does not always mean inefficient.
Farming is also a family business. Despite common misconceptions, 95 percent of American farms - both large and small - are family-owned and operated. When I talk with my friends who have big and small farms, they are more similar than they are different. Both work to grow food because we want to deliver a healthy, affordable, sustainably-produced option for people. Both worry about planting season, and drought, and early frost. They both are trying to overcome the same challenges. In order to offer healthy choices for all Americans, we need all types of farms: big and small, organic and conventional, rural and urban. And if being a so-called factory farm supporter means being part of creating healthy food solutions, then I’m all in, every day and twice on Sundays.
