This series looks at how the animals that feed us live, and how the business of feeding us works. What happens to animals in the factory farming system? And what does it mean for the planet?
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Controversial asphyxiation method used in 73% of culls this year despite vets urging its use to be limited -
Shearing sheep can cost more than the wool is worth so farmers are switching to breeds that shed their own fleeces
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Fewer laying birds are being placed on farms as producers respond to poor retail profit margins -
EU concern over ‘cruel’ practice of taking blood from mares to create hormone products that increase reproduction in farmed animals -
Just a handful of mink breeders in Denmark express an interest in re-entering fur industry, even if the current ban is lifted next year -
Welcome to our monthly roundup of the biggest issues in farming and food production, with must-read reports from around the web
The search for solutions
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Farm animals are being used to prevent bird strikes as numbers of geese boom around Schiphol, one of Europe’s busiest flight hubs -
Adopting insect protein in pig and poultry feed could reduce UK soya imports by a fifth by 2050, says WWF study
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It’s hoped a 12-year trial in Devon will persuade policymakers to back silvopasture to benefit the soil, livestock and climate -
Jake Takiff is part of a trend towards ‘regenerative’ farming, a more environmentally and economically sustainable model of managing the land
Explore
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World’s biggest livestock corporations ‘given free pass by governments’ over lack of clear targets to reduce emissions, say campaigners -
At least eight types of bird flu, all of which can kill humans, are circulating around the world’s factory farms – and they could be worse than Covid-19
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Exclusive: pork industry’s role in pollution of one of Europe’s largest saltwater lagoons may be greater than publicly acknowledged, investigation reveals -
As America readies to protect its pork industry, the Dominican Republic has been accused of using an outbreak of African Swine Fever to wipe out smaller producers -
An end to UK pig confinement is in sight, but producers fear they will be left carrying the cost of high-welfare options in the face of cheap imports -
About 1.35m Americans a year fall ill from the bacteria. Why are there still so many infections?
About this project
Meat plant workers
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Thousands of outsourced workers on inferior pay and conditions to fulfil demand for cheap meat, Guardian investigation shows -
Unions are calling for a Europe-wide ban on the use of subcontracted workers, kept on lower pay and conditions -
Live exports
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More demand for meat sets nearly 2 billion farm animals on the move a year despite concerns about poor transport conditions and inhumane slaughter -
Huge vessels used to transport farm animals are an attractive option for criminals smuggling drugs, arms and people -
Set of government measures will include halting most live animal exports and a ban on hunting trophy imports
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After being refused entry to several countries on health grounds, the surviving animals were ordered back to Spain for slaughter -
Activists seek ban on flying horses to Japan with thousands sent every year from Canada and France
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Concerns for animals’ welfare if Ever Given blockage crisis is protracted
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The beef industry hopes a planned deforestation-free farming zone will tempt buyers back but many fear it will drive up illegal tree felling -
As exports boom, the industry is backing plans to restrict rest periods for those doing hazardous work in low temperatures -
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Loophole allows chicken-meat farmers to retain free-range status after birds ordered indoors to stem avian flu
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Animals farmed: welcome to our series