Last week saw an exciting flurry of media activity surrounding our research into the rising numbers of cattle megafarms in the UK. This recent interest follows the launch of our Factory Farming Map earlier this year – part of our End.It campaign – which showed there has been a 20% increase in large-scale factory farms – or megafarms – in pig and poultry units across our countryside.

Widespread coverage

The BBC were particularly interested in our data relating to beef and dairy cows which resulted in a BBC Online article and news pieces on BBC Breakfast and News at One bulletins, as well as several BBC regional radio stations.

Radio 5Live then featured a 20-minute discussion with an intensive dairy farmer and Anthony Field, our Head of our UK Office and BBC Radio Wales interviewed our Chief Policy Officer, Peter Stevenson, who commented: “If you’re keeping cows indoors, no amount of good management will compensate that cow for the fact she never goes out.”

Hot topic

Other media outlets suddenly wanted to also explore the subject of megafarms. On GB News they asked is it ‘Time to boycott beef?’ and pitted a conventional farmer against a nutritionist who explained the benefits of eating pasture-fed beef over intensively reared beef.

Jeremy Vine’s breakfast show on Channel 5, then had a lively discussion with two panelists who referred to the BBC Online article and debated livestock management, animal ethics and imports.

Spotlight on megafarms

“It’s brilliant to see our megafarm exposé get so much traction,” said Anthony Field, Head of our UK Office. “Cattle farms have quietly expanded across the UK and intensified to become US-style megafarms. Often hidden from public view, they have gone unnoticed. Our deeply concerning data though, finally grabbed the attention of the BBC and other media outlets, shining a spotlight on their sheer scale and the desperate, broken, and unsustainable food system we have created.

“In megafarm systems, higher yielding dairy cattle are kept inside all year-round in crowded conditions, which can lead to health conditions such as lameness, mastitis, metabolic disease, infertility and weight loss.

“And these systems aren’t just bad for farm animals – they have hugely negative impacts on climate change and biodiversity loss to disease and food insecurity. Higher yielding cows eat a higher proportion of concentrated foods which may be human edible and are commonly the product of intensive arable farming which is damaging to soils and biodiversity. Higher levels of ammonia from cattle kept continuously indoors contributes to air pollution and is a major source of concern for human health. This needs to change. The solution is clear. We need to End It and move towards nature-friendly farming practices and getting cows back on the fields where they belong, is not only better for animals but for people and the planet.”

Your voice counts

We need to transform the way we farm before it’s too late. There is a solution, but we must act. Sign the petition End.It urging governments to end factory farming and unite for a food & farming reform.

Cattle megafarms receive mega media interest