Indiana agriculture has grown increasingly industrialized over the past several decades. One result of this industrialization has been the proliferation of CAFOs (Confined Animal Feeding Operations) throughout the state. By definition, a CAFO is a livestock feeding operation with at least 1,000 cattle, 2,500 hogs or sheep, or 100,000 fowl. Right now, Indiana has more than 500 CAFOs.

Because they involve a large number of animals living in close quarters, CAFOs result in the concentration of a large amount of animal feces and urine in a small area. Airborne bacteria and ammonia from this waste gets into the air and can cause illness in nearby communities. It poses an even more serious threat to nearby water sources, further contributing to the risk of illness.  And the use of low-level antibiotics in daily water and feed – to prevent infection in unsanitary conditions and to promote faster growth – can lead to outbreaks of antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as MRSA.
More than 25 counties now have zoning or health ordinances in place to protect both citizens and farmers.  However, these ordinances are in danger of being overturned.

CAFOs don’t have to be a fact of life for rural Hoosiers. The good news is that a movement has emerged in the livestock industry that fosters more modern and healthier production practices. Contrary to the arguments of their supporters, CAFO’s are not the inevitable result of market forces. Rather, their proliferation is largely the result of suspect public policies that can – and should be changed.