I'm Leah Garces of Compassion in World Farming. We just worked with two whistleblower factory farmers to expose how the chicken industry's 'contract system' is rigged against farmers, animals, and the public. AMA.

That video is so sad. Especially since by far the most land animals killed for food are chickens. What steps do you think are necessary to eliminate factory farms? Are you optimistic about the future of animal rights and welfare?

I am SO optimistic right now in particular. Why? Because a year ago, only a few companies were committed to going cage free. The industry said it would never happen. But then thanks to consumers' relentless pressure, over 120 companies are committed to cage free, including McDonalds and Walmart. We are at a turning point here. Consumers' eyes are now open. There's no turning back.

As much as I'd like to share your optimism, there is no USDA legal standard for labeling poultry and eggs "cage free," and even "free range" has a very loose definition. http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-safety-fact-sheets/food-labeling/meat-and-poultry-labeling-terms/meat-and-poultry-labeling-terms Until the USDA creates and enforces stricter labeling standards, most labeling is just PR.

I totally agree. The government should take more responsible. Recently we succeed in stopping the USDA Process Verified Program calling Perdue's chicken 'humanely raised'. That's progress. But the government can be difficult and slow. The best bang for your buck is obviously making something illegal. But what we've found is that unfortunately in our system, you need corporate support to do that. I think we can make fast and furious progress through corporate policy, and I hope follow that up with legislative policy.

Yep. If I recall wasn't one of the companies in a leak video said their eggs were cage free and the video showed them caged up ?

Well yeah its cage free as long as you stick hundreds of thousands of chickens in one room with no walking space as long as there is no "cage" around them right?

I just wanted to clarify that the term cage-free is meaningless on meat chicken, because no chicken raised for meat in the US is kept in a cage. Cage-free is however a meaningful term for eggs, where the vast majority of laying hens in the US are unfortunately still housed in barren battery cages. Even though chickens raised for meat are not in a traditional cage, I argue they are trapped in a ‘physiological cage.’ They are bound by fast-growth genetics that result in inherent welfare problems such as lameness, heart attacks, foodpad dermatitis and hockburns, & other problems. Because of the severe animal welfare concerns caused by their physiological cage, fast-growth genetics deserves as much attention from consumers and food companies as has been received by crates for pigs and battery cages for laying hens.

Have you watched the episode of last week tonight where John Oliver discussed the contracts companies like Tyson has with farmers? If so, what are your thoughts on it? Did it accurately portray the situation?

John Oliver lays it out like no one else dares. We love him! Also our footage was featured on the John Oliver show!http://action.ciwf.com/ea-action/action?ea.client.id=1872&ea.campaign.id=32809

One of the hardest parts for me about being vegan is discussing animal welfare issues (+ other issues associated with factory farming) without having my omnivore friends feel attacked and/or getting defensive. Do you have any tips for having that discussion?

I find that saying things like "eat less meat" feel sort of hypocritical to say, considering I eat none, why would they listen to me?

Thanks for you work and doing this AMA!

One of the best books I read on how to affect change and talk to people is Change of Heart by Nick Cooney. http://www.amazon.com/Change-Heart-Psychology-Spreading-Social/dp/159056233X It's really good advice on how to talk to people about something you feel passionate about. Basically, it's about being a good and positive example, never ranting or being angry or judgmental.

Is convincing people to eat less chicken or less meat a viable solution to these farming problems?

Definitely. I strongly believe that better quality of life of the animals means better quality of food, environment and our health. It will mean eating less.. I think it is in fact critical for repairing the system. The drive for more and more meat is unsustainable. We really need to dial back now. It's so destructive. NOTE EDIT: You can make sure to let Pilgrims know you want them to do better at our website: www.better-chicken.org

Hi Leah, thanks for taking part.

Given that lots of people don't see this as a reason to reduce their meat consumption, and that such views have been around for a lot more than a generation, why do you feel it's viable when so far people's habits have changed little, if at all?

People are definitely waking up to the truth of where their food comes from. In 2014, 400 million fewer animals were killed for food compared to 2007. Efforts like Meatless Monday and the “flexitarian” movement are making progress to reduce meat consumption.

Hi Leah, thanks for doing this AMA. A lot of the issue with factory farming of chickens is providing a low cost product to consumers. I know that eating less meat is definitely beneficial, both for health and environmental reasons, but assuming we continue to eat meat, how will the price be affected by providing better conditions for these animals? Do you have any data on the cost to the average consumer for purchasing animals raised in the sort of humane conditions you advocate for? And do you have a sense of how this will affect the diet and eating habits of individuals and families across the economic spectrum (noting that for some, it is prohibitively expensive to buy products that are grown or raised in better conditions)?

McDonalds UK does free-range (yes free-range eggs), organic milk and beef from cows with pasture access during the growing season, and pigs from RSCPA’s Assured standard, meaning “bright, airy environments, bedded pens and plenty of space for pigs to move around.”

This is all on a pound saver menu. This proves that higher animal welfare products are possible at a cheaper price and I think the industry here enjoys exaggerating how much more it will cost to give the animals a decent life.

Are you vegetarian or vegan?

I'm vegan. But CIWF was started by a dairy farmer in the 60s who did not like the direction of the industry, so we come from those roots. Half of our global staff and members are vegan/vegetarian and half are not.

So cool! You're a huge inspiration, Leah!

Thank you so much! thanks for caring about this!

Wow great work, what do you think about Ag Gag laws and how can we fight them?

As far as ag gag, that is clear. If you want to stop the public from seeing what's going on inside a factory farm, it's because you have something to hide. We have continue to demand transparency in our food system.

One of the points I've read argued that ag-gag laws are put in place to prevent attempts at manipulated footage taken from farms, where even mundane and safe procedures can seem harmful or malevolent through editing and presentation.

As a Canadian cattle rancher, I don't support any kind of ag-gag style censorship and so on, but how can farmers and ranchers put things into context if an activist group sensationalizes and manipulates what they're presenting in a poorer light than it is? I've dealt with this myself when an ecosystems awareness sign (a sign that notes common animals, grasses, and so on in the area) on my range was defaced by activists, claiming that my "moo-burgers" were destroying the environment and hampering wildlife diversity, even though they do no such thing and I maintain my range in an infinitely sustainable way.

Pasture raised and finished beef is probably one of the most humane and sustainable practices if we are going to raise animal for food. I think it’s such a crime to use our arable land to feed factory farmed animals soya and maize, especially when the animals are in feedlots, up to their ankles in their own manure. Instead, turn the cattle out onto pasture. We definitely need to turn back toward land based farming, rather than the factories we now have! It is very short sighted.

I know how urgently important your work is, but I have to ask: how do you, personally, on a day-to-day basis, deal with the gruesome horrors you must witness, discuss, and advocate about? Emotionally, how do you cope with having to see and knowing about all the cruelty and suffering?

that's a good question. A supporter of ours once mailed me the following quote, which I keep pinned to my wall: "Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world's grief. Do justly, now. Love mercy, now. Walk humbly, now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it." I also am a runner, a mom of 2 beautiful boys, I meditate, have a wonderful husband. Those things also keep me going.

Can you recommend some transparent companies to buy meat from?

A recent investigation done by the Tampa Bay Times looked at dozens of examples of Farm to Table restaurants in the area. They all appeared to be transparent, listing specific farms where their food supposedly came from, specific types of sea food from specific regions. The vast majority of the claims were false. Restaurants had never bought from farms they claimed to buy from, suppliers didn't source the products the restaurants were claiming, or farms didn't even raise the animals the restaurants were claiming they got from them. Finally, DNA tests confirmed that many of the products being sold were different from what was claimed.

There's a lot more money to be made weaving a story about the products being sold than there is in raising animals in less abusive conditions.

The fact that companies are exploiting the ‘humanely raised’ angle means that they understand this is what consumers want. It’s deplorable that companies like those in the investigation are trying to “hoodwink consumers” as my friend and former Perdue chicken farmer Craig Watts would say. Our campaign with Craig was successful in getting the USDA to stop verifying factory farmed chicken as humanely raised. Right now it’s really up to the consumer to 1) do their research and buy from reputable sources, and 2) demand better from food companies by contacting them directly. You can use our form on better-chicken.org to contact Pilgrim’s Pride!

I think we have to demand companies are transparent. If you can't find on their website exactly how they are raising their animals, then don't buy that product. I suggest looking for third party animal welfare auditing programs like Global Animal Partnership, Certified Humane and Animal Welfare approved. I’ve personally visited farms like White Oak Pastures and Crystal Lakes which are on the forefront of using slow-growth, pasture-raised chicken on a large scale. Keep an eye out for them at Whole Foods and other grocers!

Hi, thanks for doing this AMA. What harmful effects does this have on the general public? Did you learn anything about how organic chickens are raised and processed?

Unfortunately the animal welfare standards for organic are not what they should be. Organic in the US is more about the environment, no animal welfare. In terms of harmful effects, I was shocked by the footage the farmers handed over. The birds were full of disease. Now that we are moving away from antibiotics in the system, there's nothing propping it up. Who in the world would want to eat diseased animals, let alone ones kept in those conditions.

Strongly agree with Leah: Certified Organic standards don’t require meaningful welfare improvements, but the USDA just issued a “proposed rule” that if finalized will dramatically improve welfare for animals raised on Organic farms. You can learn more and sign a petition to support the rule here. Leah's organization may have resources available to help on this as well.

Thanks for that! A useful link. I hope it works. I'd love to be able to point people toward organic.

What are you thoughts on animal testing for medical reasons? Thanks very much.

My primary focus is farm animals, but they’re used in research as well. There is strong evidence that animal testing is not predictive of a human response. There’s been a lot of progress in the past couple years with advances in nonanimal research technology, such as organs on a chip. We will likely progress much faster in medical research when we stop relying on animals.

My primary focus is farm animals, but they’re used in research as well.

Do you support the proliferation of the backyard chicken movement as a means to curb cruelty? Our chickens are very productive for us, however I do my best to keep up a high quality of life for them.

I think backyard chicken raising is good for helping people understand that chickens are sentient beings, who have a desire for life, have personalities, and have needs and wants. it helps people understand better why factory farming them is so morally repugnant.

What kind of changes do you think companies should make to alleviate the suffering of chickens on farms? How about individual consumers?

I've thought a lot about that. Companies have to take responsibility for the animals. They try to blame farmers, but they give these farmers birds that are set to get sick and suffer because of the conditions they are raised in and the genetics of the birds. Companies MUST stop using such fast growth, unhealthy breeds of birds, and they must give birds better living condition. Consumers need to refuse to buy anything less than humanely raised birds, even it means paying more, or forgoing chicken until standards are improved.

How can people be sure that the meat they buy is from animals who were raised under better conditions? Do you think it's possible to get the current demand for animal products from animals who had good lives?

I think we have to demand companies are transparent. If you can't find on their website exactly how they are raising their animals, then don't buy that product. I suggest looking for third party animal welfare auditing programs like Global Animal Partnership, Certified Human and Animal Welfare approved.

They try to blame farmers, but they give these farmers birds that are set to get sick and suffer because of the conditions they are raised in and the genetics of the birds.

They don't try. They do lay that blame on the farmers. My grandparents raise chickens, and if you're not buddies with the people in the office, they'll give you the worst chickens. My grandparents have actually been given batches so bad that they knew from the start they were going to lose money on them. The same people that give you those bad chicks determine what they pay you for the chickens once they're full grown, so it's hilariously corrupt.

I've heard that a lot from farmers unfortunately. That's why people are afraid to speak up. If they do, they risk everything.

Hey Leah, thanks for doing an AMA. Did these guys get in trouble for opening up their farm to b e videotaped? Did this violate ag-gag laws?

Not so far. But we're waiting to see what happens. Sometimes the retaliation comes later, when the media has died down. Since they filmed inside their own farms, they didn't violate any ag-gag laws.

Hey Leah,

As a person in the food service we are put in a really tight spot, most restaurant owners and chefs I know would love to have better raised chicken but for us to put it on our menus people would have to be willing to buy our chicken at almost three times the price, people complain about any minor price increases and they expect chicken to be cheap. My question is this: how can we readjust the culture to pay the fair price for chicken when they're already so hesitant to pay the current price?

I'm so glad to hear from someone in food service! You are the key to change. I don't believe we can do it without you. What you are saying is the same thing we heard about cage free eggs. But when companies set policies for better practics, they send ripple effects in the entire market. Producer/farmers have often told me that they want to change too, but they reassurance from companies, through public policies, that if they do change, you'll still buy their product. I think some companies need to be leaders, and inspire the market for change. Why do I think it's possible? Well look at Mcdonald UK. McDonalds UK does free-range (yes free-range eggs), organic milk and beef from cows with pasture access during the growing season, and pigs from RSCPA’s Assured standard, meaning “bright, airy environments, bedded pens and plenty of space for pigs to move around.” This is all on a pound saver menu. This proves that higher animal welfare products are possible at a cheaper price and I think the industry here enjoys exaggerating how much more it will cost to give the animals a decent life.

What is your opinion of the movie Food, Inc? Is it sensationalized, or is it a fairly accurate representation of the food industry?

Edit: Is and it were reversed.

Food Inc was pivotal moment. I can't tell you how many people said they thought about where their food was coming from for the first time because of that movie. Unfortunately It is accurate. I know some of the farmers and people in that film and have worked or spoken to them directly.

How did you find the farmers in your video?

It's really really hard to find farmers willing to speak up. They just risk so much in doing so. I met one of them at a meeting of farmers who are working to break up the monopoly in the system. I was lucky to be invited and trusted to be there in the first place, It took months to gain his trust, then more time for him to introduce me to the other farmer Eric. Then it took a lot of kitchen table talk to convince them to speak up.

Leah, thanks for all of your fabulous work!

What are the best things consumers can do to help improve the poultry industry?

Well, vote with your fork I'd say. We eat three times a day, and each time we do we are voting for the kind of food system we want. So a consumer needs to make sure they know where their chicken is coming from and that it meets their standards. www.buyingpoultry.com is a great place to find that out.

I've checked out the site. Costco has a big "AVOID" sign on it but it doesn't appear to have the style that I eat, the large individual packaged chicken breasts. As someone who eats a substantial amount of chicken (lifter, lean diet, lean budget) those other choices are either non-existent that are being suggested at my local grocers or too far away (nearest Whole Foods is about 20-25 miles out). I can only support your cause so much as I do not want animals to suffer on my behalf. But unless you are able to provide an economical solution to those who eat chicken on bulk, this simply will not work. The fitness community as a whole would probably be in the same bucket as well since it's a staple budget friendly meat.

Don't loose heart! You should let Costco know you want them to do better! That's how things change. Also, really good stuff is happening in the food tech world that matches protein content, but is leaner, less cholesterol etc. Here are two: http://beyondmeat.com/products https://gardein.com

What can you recommend as a substitute for chicken (soy free,please. ..)? I think a lot of people don't like contributing to a bad industry but are left with small options.

Really good stuff is happening in the food tech world. Here are two: http://beyondmeat.com/products https://gardein.com Also, for plant based, whole foods diets: https://www.lighter.world/ ohsheglows.com

Why do you work on this issue?

There are so many injustices in the world. But I think this one affects everything - people, planet, animals. I think it one of the greatest injustices in the world because it leaves nothing untouched or unharmed. But this injustice we can actually, as individuals, do something about. We can directly impact change by what we eat. If I'm going to dedicate my life to something, I want to know I can change it. I know we can stop factory farming, and the world will be a better place for it.

What is the end goal of your organization? If it is healthier conditions for the birds in general then basically you're calling for the abolishment of these warehouse farms to the detriment of these farmers.

A lot of the problems you pointed out are with the Cornish Cross in general, and will be seen even when you raise them in your backyard, e.g. spraddle leg and 100% death from heart failure at about 9-12 weeks. The bigger problem I see is that those birds are kept jammed together in squalor, living on a bed of feces that burns the underside of the bird when it sleeps and opens the door to all sorts of disease including Avian Influenza. In fact, AI in particular is practically unheard of outside of these giant warehouse operations. Even if you go to the Freedom Ranger or another slower maturing cross, you're still going to see the deleterious health effects of living on manure at .25sf per bird. I get that the first step is awareness but some of us have known about this for years and years and nobody has offered a viable alternative at a cost that is palatable to the average consumer. So, what do you propose is the way ahead?

Our mission is to end factory farming (not animal ag). We want a world where farm animals are treated with compassion and respect. I believe in continuous improvement, one step at a time. The next step is as a minimum birds are grown no faster than 50g/day on average over the growth cycle (so that means reaching slaughter weight in about 56 days as opposed to the current 42 days), are given a little more space, natural light and enrichment like straw bales and low perches. This can all be done indoors, but at least the birds’ minimum welfare would be met.

Are you a vegetarian?

I'm vegan. But CIWF was started by a dairy farmer in the 60s who did not like the direction of the industry, so we come from those roots. Half of our global staff and members are vegan/vegetarian and half are not.

Hi Leah! Appreciate the work you do! A couple questions:

If the FDA required animal welfare ratings, such as those used by Whole Foods, what impact could that make in curtailing these practices?

Where can we, as consumers, influence the most change? Congress, Activism, Speaking out, etc.

What do you see as the primary catalysts for the treatment of animals? (I understand this is a broad question, but I simply cannot fathom how someone doesn't care how a living thing was treated)

Thank you!

The primary catalyst for change? The consumer. Refuse to support a system that is inherently cruel, unsustainable, inefficient and unjust.

As an organization we tend to work directly with food companies rather than government departments, because legislation is slow and can be overturned. I’d trust meaningful independent labels like Global Animal Partnership found at Whole Foods. As a consumer, vote with your dollar! We eat three times a day, and each time we do we are voting for the kind of food system we want. To take action on our most recent investigation, I invite you to visit better-chicken.org to contact Pilgrim’s Pride directly! I cannot emphasize enough the importance & effectiveness of signing petitions and contacting companies directly. The primary catalyst is consumer demand. Companies will change if their customers want them to. It’s how the whole cage-free egg movement happened so quickly, from McDonald’s to Walmart in just 6 months!

How rampant are diseases among chickens if every breast, thigh, etc. I find in the supermarket seems to be of good quality? Does the disease taint the meat or just ruin the animal's quality of life?

Well, I like to think about it this way. You are what you eat. Why would anyone want to eat a sick animal? Let alone a miserable one? The industry has admitted diseased birds do go off to slaughter. They claim they 'condemn' carcasses that look diseased, so there is nothing to worry about. But with lines speeds now at such rapid rates, I can't help but think they are likely missing a lot of them! That's why we get these horrible foodborne illness and outbreaks. Chicken may be one of the most unsafe products we eat! Oxfam just did a report saying that maximum line speed is now 140 birds per minute! There is no way at that speed they are catching all of the diseased birds. http://www.oxfamamerica.org/static/media/files/Lives_on_the_Line_Full_Report_Final.pdf

Are companies doing anything to move away from this system of chicken farming?

Well, Wholefoods and Bon Appetit ( a food service company) just announced that they are going to shift away from using fast growth birds and also give birds more space and enrichments. So it's a start. You might dismiss them as outliers, but they were the first ones to go cage free, and today we have over 120 companies committed to do so.

The future is bright, Leah!! Thanks for all your hard work on this. Those videos of the chickens are so sad.

Thank you for tuning in! We need compassionate consumers like you!

Is this related to the egg industry as well or only chickens raised for meat? I hate how hard it is to find eggs from humanely raised chickens. I don't trust the wording on the packaging and "cage free" doesn't mean their conditions were good.

It's even harder to find chicken raised to a minimally decent standard. We have a LOT of work to do to get chickens raised for meat to even a 'better' standard.

Thank you, will this make the news in any other media? I have known this for a long time but nothing has changed for these farmers.

When our video of Perdue chicken contract farmer Craig Watts was on Reddit, we reached #3 on the front page the story got tons of media coverage from major sources like the NY Times,, Forbes, Huffintgon Post, Washington Post, etc. Over 100 million people saw the story. Also John Oliver & Dr. Oz covered it. This latest video released this week has been featured by Nicholas Kristof’s NY Times column and the Daily Mail, so far.

How can I tell if the chicken I buy in a store comes from a good farm? (in particular, how do I find out where Publix buys their Greenwise Chicken?)

We believe that Publix Greenwise is likely using Pilgrims Pride chicken. A customer wrote to their customer service and they sent us the response which said that their chicken was from Pilgrims Pride in north Florida. You can call up the company and ask. I think it’s essential we all do that.Most supermarket brands are just private labels on conventional chicken from one of the top 4 companies: Tyson, Pilgrim’s, Perdue, or Sanderson

Hi Leah, I saw a piece about this on John Oliver's last week tonight. After seeing it it seems that this system is similar to what monsanto does in basically forcing the farmers to use their seeds because it is their only source of income and there are little to no other options. Is anything being done government wise to help these contract farmers?

Yes, the injustice to farmers is crazy. Only 1% of the population are farmers, yet they make all of our food, and are treated often like indentured servants. The government is not paying enough attention to this. Our food system will implode if they don't. RAFI this week has a petition to try to at least protect farmers from retaliation when they speak up. https://takeaction.takepart.com/actions/tell-the-usda-to-stand-up-to-corporate-agribusiness-and-ensure-fairness-for-farmers?cmpid=san NOTE EDIT: Also our footage was indeed featured on the John Oliver show! http://action.ciwf.com/ea-action/action?ea.client.id=1872&ea.campaign.id=32809

In November 2015 I found a young broiler chicken that had fallen off a Pilgrim's chicken truck. Despite good care, plenty of exercise and reduced protein diet compared to what they get in the chicken houses, "Tyson" died of heart failure at the tender age of 5 months. He weighed approximately 15 pounds when he died, at least twice the weight of my "heavy breed" hens. Chickens can live for over 10 years (if they are lucky), but Tyson's body was too big for his heart to support before he had reached adulthood. The Cornish-Rock cross is bred for fast growth and feed conversion at the expense of lifespan. Over 25% of them have heart defects that eventually kill them. A broiler that is ready to process at 10 weeks of age hasn't hit puberty. It doesn't cluck or crow - it peeps. Chicken you buy at the grocery store is the poultry equivalent of veal.

Do you find pasture raising systems utilizing chicken tractors to be a better alternative to the current system of broiler houses? Do you know of any commercial producers currently utilizing such systems? I know that the broiler industry is inherently cruel to farmer and chicken alike, but don't know of any alternatives for a person like myself who likes chickens as friends AND food.

I'm so sorry about Tyson! I once knew a chicken like that. He had also fallen off of a truck and women I know in North GA rescued him and called him Tank. He was so sweet. He's make these cooing noising when she called his name. But sadly, those birds rarely live beyond 8 months. Their bodies are simply too large for their hearts, organs, lungs, and legs to sustain them. For decades the industry has selected over and over again for large breasts, with these unintended consequences.

In terms of pasture raised systems,I’ve personally visited farms like White Oak Pastures and Crystal Lakes which are on the forefront of using slow-growth, pasture-raised chicken on a large scale. Keep an eye out for them at Whole Foods and other grocers!

Hi Leah, thanks for taking the time to do this AMA. Over the past year I've been making a conscious effort to reduce my meat intake and eat humane animal products whenever possible.

I love that Whole Foods has their animal welfare rating system for meat products, because it makes the decision making process much easier. I also appreciate that several egg brands are now "certified humane," and look for pastured eggs whenever possible

However, when it comes to dairy products I have not been able to find a good process for determining animal welfare. Do you know of any brands or stores which demand higher welfare standards? It is my understanding that dairy cattle often live in horrible conditions, which is something I do not want to support.

I think the only certification I know of that is higher welfare for dairy cows is Animal Welfare Approved. I think there are improvements that can be made within the dairy industry -, stopping tail docking, group housing for calves, enrichment and no tie stalls, access to pasture during the growing season. I always want to encourage companies there is SOMETHING they can do to make the lives of animals better. There's no excuse for not doing better.

Hi Leah, two part question: Has Pilgrim's Pride responded to your video?

If not, do you have any predictions on how they will respond?

If I was a betting man I would guess they will blame the farmer and act shocked at what is likely standard practice for their contractors.

Good question. No, Pilgrim's Pride have not responded. In fact, several weeks leading up to the release, we approached them directly asking for a meeting. They totally ignored us. Their CEO also refused to talk to NY Time journalist Nicholas Kristof.

You should definitely bet! The typical response for the industry is to blame the farmers. They try to pretend like it's just 'one bad apple.' It could not be further from the truth. Pilgrim's are responsible for both the birds they give the farmers and the conditions they make the farmers raise the birds in. They need to take responsibility for what is happening, especially when human health, farmers livelihoods and animal welfare are all at risk.

Hey Leah, thanks for doing this. What do you think of documentaries like "cowspiracy" and "earthlings"? Are they generally accurate? Do you feel abolition of animal agriculture is the ultimate goal, or putting welfare before profit, or something else?

I believe in continuous improvement. Never let perfect be the enemy of better.

Do you think state sponsored hunting programs, made so people could learn to sustainably harvest their own meat, could be an effective way to decrease the necessity of factory farming?

Edit: should have realized the bigots over at r/vegan would downvote a legitimate question.

I don't think factory farming is a necessity at all - it's a choice the big producers have made for their own benefit.

Agreed! in fact, it's one of the most inefficient ways to produce food. A lot of food/arable land/water is wasted on this system. There is a better way!

You know Paul McCartney said if slaughterhouse were made of glass, no one would eat meat. I think hunting for sport is unacceptable. It's not a game or entertainment to kill animals. But if you do eat meat, you should probably ask the question - could I kill an animals?

What's your guy's opinions on John Olivers segment over this topic?

John Oliver lays it out like no one else dares. We love him! Also our footage was featured on the John Oliver show! http://action.ciwf.com/ea-action/action?ea.client.id=1872&ea.campaign.id=32809

Have you heard of John Oliver? He is a comedian that covers world issues and once talked in great detail about this issue.

John Oliver lays it out like no one else dares. We love him! Also our footage was featured on the John Oliver show! http://action.ciwf.com/ea-action/action?ea.client.id=1872&ea.campaign.id=32809

Hi Leah, thanks for the AMA! 3 Questions about conditions outside the US :

1. How does this case compare to what your organization have found in other countries (to your knowledge)?

2. To add to that, what countries have good legal protection and seldom have this sort of problem?

3. How common are the gag-laws in this industry overseas?

1. As far as eggs go, the US just turned a corner and we’ve now surpassed the EU in terms of corporate commitment to end cages for laying hens. But on chicken raised for meat, we are way behind. In the Netherlands for example, the top 3 supermarkets have committed to only using chicken raised at a slower growth rate and who are given more space. These 3 supermarkets make up half of the chicken consumption!
2. I would say the EU in general leads in this area. For example, they won’t take our chicken at all. Why? Because all of the leading companies dip their chicken in chlorine (yes, chlorine, yes all of it) to make it safe to eat. (one has to question this in the first place! )The EU banned this practice and now companies like Perdue and Tyson can’t sell their chicken in the EU. But apparently it’s fine for American….
3. I don’t know of any ag -gag laws anywhere else in the world.

What's your take on entomophagy to replace meat production for protein?

I've been reading a lot lately about companies setting up cricket farms to produce flour and other goods. Less harm to the environment and takes up less space.

I think that is an really interesting idea! Cricket farming may indeed be the future! I just read this article about it: https://psmag.com/the-insect-industry-is-officially-incubating-will-consumers-step-up-to-the-plate-c8fdd21a139a#.884tyd6zj

Hi Leah, Thanks for doing this! I'm sure you're aware but the federal government of Canada will soon be voting on Bill C-246, which would ban the importation of shark fins, close loopholes related to animal fighting, and ban the sale of cat and dog fur in Canada (and require fur source labeling). We've been meeting with MP's and signing petitions, but there is a lot of fear mongering going on from the Conservative party, who are concerned (almost solely) with protecting industry. Any advice on how to draw more attention to this Bill and motivate the public to get involved?

My main advice is be relentless! We are on the right side of history here. Also, the worst enemy they have is the reality - images speak louder than words.

As someone who has kept backyard chickens for most of their life I just want to personally thank you and your organization for the work you've done. Thank you so much.

Like you mentioned in a previous answer, chickens are incredibly social and intelligent animals. Like other animals raised for meat including pigs and cattle, they feed millions if not billions of people all over the world and they deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.

What is something a backyard chicken keeper can do to promote the hobby/lifestyle of raising chickens? Is there an official method or service to go through to volunteer in taking in factory farm animals to care for and rehabilitate?

Again, thank you. I applaud you and others for standing up against these horrors. I wish the best for you and your organization. If there is anything I can do directly to help I really would love to do all I can to help moving this issue in the right direction.

Again, thank you. I applaud you and others for standing up against these horrors. I wish the best for you and your organization. If there is anything I can do directly to help I really would love to do all I can to help moving this issue in the right direction.

where should we buy chicken products and how, in order to help farmers and hit these guys where it hurts?

Great questions! I'd suggest that you ask at your local farmers market. whole foods is also an option, but not everyone has one near them. Finally, please do ask wherever you shop and eat to do better! That's how things change!

Why is this bad for the public if we get cheaper chicken? Also, isn't this bad for farmers in the same way forcing Comcast and Time Warner to compete is bad for them?

Yes, absolutely bad for farmers. The chicken companies use a payment system that pits farmers against each other. And the only thing that gets them to the top of that tournament system is 'efficiency', getting the bird as big and fast as possible. Dan Charles from NPR wrote about it here: http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2014/02/20/279040721/the-system-that-supplies-our-chickens-pits-farmer-against-farmer

Yes, I have a question. How are you answering these so fast?

little known fact. I won the third grade typing contest. and played piano since I was 7. My third grade teacher would be proud. Also, I drink a lot of coffee.

How else do you people propose we organize things in order to supply the high demands? It's nice and all to get all worked about something perceived to be wrong and even, but these systems exist because they work, not because they're moral. Instead of getting worked up over something you didn't know existed until you read an article, take action for something you can control.

The drive for more and more meat is unsustainable. We really need to dial back now. It's so destructive. It's not actually working. Nearly a billion people go to bed hungry every night in the world.1/3 of all our arable land is used to raise feed for farmed animals, 1/3 of all of the fish caught is used to feed factory farmed animals. 1/2 of all food int he US and EU is thrown away. With soon 9 billion people to feed, we need to take a cold hard, analytical look at our food system, We've really taken a wrong turn here. If we were to start all over again, we'd never ever chose such a cruel, wasteful and unsustainable system for making food.

Why not do an expose about chicken farmers hiring ILLEGAL ALIENS?

Actually, contract growers are mostly plain old Americans. You can see then featured in our film on www.better-chicken.org. Maybe you are thinking about processing plants. And frankly, legal or not, that is the worst job in the universe. Oxfam and Southern Poverty Law Center have extensively the human rights abuses there.

Is organic chicken any more humanely treated than non-organic? I am woefully under informed about factory farming, but as far as I know, organic as an option seems mostly to exist to placate people who think GMOs are bad. I'm just wondering if it has any bearing on the animal's welfare.

Thank you!

You are not alone! It intentionally difficult! Unfortunately the animal welfare standards for organic are not what they should be. Organic in the US is more about the environment, no animal welfare. If you want animals welfare standard, look out for Global Animal Partnership, Animal Welfare Approved or Certified Humane .

Is there a animal farming version of Monsanto who control plants/farming - or it just bad regulations?

Not one company alone. But there are only 4 companies that control the genetics of the world's chickens - Hubbard, Aviagen, Ross and Cobb Vantress (owned by Tyson).

If I was in a supermarket right now, would there be any way for me to find out whether the meat that's beeing sold came from animals that were raised under acceptable conditions?

Unfortunately, there are only a few place selling higher welfare chicken right now. whole foods is one of them. Central Market at HEB has some pastured raised chicken too, in case you live in TX. But don't loose heart! For exactly that reason, we need to tell store managers that we want better. check out our Better Chicken Initiative. www.better-chicken.org

Is it really rigged against the consumers as well though? Because chicken is the cheapest meat on the marlet afaik.

They are horrible people, but the meat has never been cheaper.

The cost of cheap chicken is externalized. It costs our health care system, our environmental clean up cost, and the loans that are given to the industry and farmers. That's our tax dollars paying for the cheap price of cheap meat. .

How's your day been?

Well, I'm really so happy everyone is asking such good questions! (also I'm going to have to ice by fast typing fingers after this.);)

Is there non-competitive clauses in their contracts that prohibits farmers from starting their own free-range and organic farms? If the competition is so fierce, and it's unreasonable to expect people to just stop eating Purdue chicken, how else are these farmers supposed to support their families? Is there any chance for the government to force their hand at making these mills become more transparent? If we can't force people to stop eating unethical food, maybe just exposing people to the truth of the situation will make them turn heads.

Thanks for the AMA

I agree. Exposing the truth of the situation will make people stop in their tracks. We need to return to transparency, integrity and compassion in our food system.

What do you think about John Oliver's segment about this issue last year? Do you think he did a good job covering the fundamentals?

Edit: https://youtube.com/watch?v=X9wHzt6gBgI

John Oliver lays it out like no one else dares. We love him! Also our footage was featured on the John Oliver show! http://action.ciwf.com/ea-action/action?ea.client.id=1872&ea.campaign.id=32809

Why should I care? Why should I remember this is happening a day or a week from now? You say there is a risk to public health but these methods of farming have been going on for decades and the public health risk hasn't been going up much if at all, what makes you think now it will be any different? You say I should care about the farmers but I don't know any farmers personally so why should I care about that?

Why should I spend significantly more money going to Whole Foods when I myself do not care about the well being of these chickens especially since their lifespans are so short?

Why should I care?

Why should you care? well, just read the headlines on foodborne illnesses. No, these methods of farming are getting worse by the day. Line speeds at slaughter plants are being regulated,meaning sick birds are getting onto our dinner plates. We have to fix the root of the problem - at the farm. We need a healthier, more humane system right now. EDIT: Also, you don't have to go to Whole Foods. McDonalds UK does free-range (yes free-range eggs), organic milk and beef from cows with pasture access during the growing season, and pigs from RSCPA’s Assured standard, meaning “bright, airy environments, bedded pens and plenty of space for pigs to move around.”

This is all on a pound saver menu. This proves that higher animal welfare products are possible at a cheaper price and I think the industry here enjoys exaggerating how much more it will cost to give the animals a decent life.