FAQs

For more FAQs, please visit: http://www.bestfoodfacts.org/

Are farm animals today are raised on “factory farms” and not family farms?
The vast majority of U.S. farms are owned and operated by farm families. In fact, USDA data shows that 98 percent of farms are family-owned and operated. These farms are very diverse, producing a wide variety of crops and livestock.

Many of today's farms do look different than those in the past. Just as technologies have helped consumers improve our lives, farmers have adopted new technologies that allow them to provide better care for their animals and better protect the environment.

For example, today's farm animals are housed in barns designed to protect the health and welfare of the animal. Modern housing is well-ventilated, warm, well-lit, clean, and scientifically-designed to meet an animal's specific needs – including temperature, light, water and food.

Today's technology allows farmers to raise livestock in housing that protects livestock from predators, disease, and bad weather or extreme climate. All of these elements in the past made raising livestock difficult for both the animal and farmer. Today's housing makes breeding and birth less stressful, protects young animals, shields them from South Dakota's extreme and unpredictable weather and makes it easier for farmers to care for both healthy and sick animals.

If you would like to visit a farm check out our Events Calendar for upcoming farm events or contact us directly to schedule a farm tour.

Are farm animals in CAFO's (confined animal feeding operations) more prone to diseases, forcing farmers to routinely use antibiotics and other drugs to keep them alive?
Animal scientists, veterinarians and on-farm experience have shown that modern housing actually helps keep animals healthier because they are protected from disease, the elements, and predators. Just like each of us, farm animals do sometimes get sick. And, just like we would go to the doctor to prevent or treat illness, livestock receive check-ups from veterinarians when needed and receive treatment when sick.

All animal health products are approved and regulated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA).

How do I know the videos of farm animals being mistreated is not normal on farms?
Those videos are disturbing. We do not condone or support mistreatment of animals.

The vast majority of farmers work hard every day to provide the best possible care for their livestock. Treating animals humanely and keeping them healthy is their livelihood. It's how they produce high-quality products that feed all of our families.

Each segment of animal agriculture has their own program designed to ensure animal safety on the farm and consumer confidence about where their food comes from. Here are a few examples of these programs. Please follow the links for more information.

Beef – Beef Quality Assurance (BQA)
Pork – Pork Quality Assurance (PQA)
Dairy - Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM)
Poultry - United Egg Producers' 5 Star Egg Safety Program

We also encourage anyone who is concerned about on the farm treatment of animals to tour area farms. If you are interested in touring a farm to learn first hand from those involved in production agriculture how livestock is cared for please follow this link for more information.

Is it safe to use antibiotics in food animals?
Yes. Antibiotics used in animal production must go through rigorous testing before the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure that they are safe and effective.

The FDA also has a mandated withdrawal time for each antibiotic used. Food or milk from animals that have been treated with an antibiotic may not enter the food supply until a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the animal's last dosage. By law any person who administers antibiotics to livestock must follow each drug's specific withdrawal period.

The FDA and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) have coordinated a surveillance program to ensure adherence to the withdrawal regulations. Samples found to be noncompliant are destroyed and the producer faces stiff penalties.

U.S. farmers and veterinarians are committed to protecting public health, animal health and animal well-being through the responsible use of antibiotics.