Farming

Anna Lappé takes on agribusiness, arguing that small, sustainable farms are the way to go. Such farms typically use compost and animal manure instead of chemical fertilizer and rotate crops to build the soil, reduce irrigation, and reduce pest populations. This video also notes that eating a more plant-based diet makes much more efficient use of resources. But government subsidies overwhelmingly help large farms (and provide little or no benefit to fruit, vegetable, and nut farmers). One element missing from the film is any discussion of cost, and whether food grown on small farms that market foods regionally can compete with Big Ag. (Real Food Media Project; 2012; 6’29”)

Sen. Cory Booker on being a vegan and the environmental impact of factory-farmed meat.

Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (2015; 18’; HBO; contains vulgarities)

The beef industry celebrates 25 years of promotions as part of “American Identity”

The dairy industry positions itself as a victim of unfair criticism, presenting selective data to portray large-scale operations as environmentally responsible.

The video demonstrates how thoughtful design can reduce emissions and improve living conditions for hens.

The video highlights a promising alternative to conventional grain production dominated by industrial monocultures.

Epidemiologist Steve Wing talks about living near a factory hog farm (his work is also discussed in Wastelands)

The National Pork Producers Council’s portrayal of its industry (1’20”)

A video from the Nature Conservancy (3′)