Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO) Camryn Wolfenbarger and Ryan Harlan

What is a CAFO? A Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO), is a farm for animal confinement. There is over 1000 animal units confined for 45 days a year. 1 animal unit is equal to 1000 lb.'s of live weight. 1000 animal units is equal to 1000 head of beef cattle, 2500 swine and 125,000 broiler chickens. These large farms are also known for eliminating waste through water ways, causing environmental problems.

Environmental effects - water CAFO's create millions of tons of waste ever year, when unmanaged, it can often get into water ways and cause environmental problems due to the things that animal waste primarily consists of (nitrogen and phosphorus, pathogens, pesticides etc.). One environmental problem this has caused is harm to wildlife and water quality from soluble nitrogen and phosphorus compounds. Groundwater is also contaminated from the runoff. CAFO also caused one of the biggest spills in a North Carolina lagoon killing 10 million fish.

Environmental effects- air Air is also polluted from CAFO. CAFO's release gasses such as Methane, Ammonia, and Hydrogen Sulfide. These gas emissions can lead to human health risks. CFO's are also responsible for a large percent of greenhouse gasses globally (about 18%); ultimately contributing to climate change/ global warming.

Economic effects New technology has made it much easier to produce more meat in a quicker amount of time. This means farmers can now sell meat at a lower cost, and not use as many resources to do so. CAFO's can also create more jobs for people. One problem farmers do find is that although meat sells very well, the prices can be so cheap that making a profit is difficult. 

What actions have been taken? The Clean Water act is the basis of CAFO regulations. This prohibits dumping waste into water ways, unless it is allowed by the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination system. Dumping without being authorized violates the Clean Water Act.