What Does Humane Farming Really Mean?
At FACT, we talk a lot about humane farming, but what does that actually mean in practice? Everyone wants to eat food that’s safe, nourishing, and healthy. But how can you be sure that what you’re eating and feeding your family meets those standards?
That’s why we created our Humane Farming Consumer Information section, where you can easily learn what humane farming looks like and why it matters. These resources break down the standards and benefits of humanely raised, pasture-based meat, dairy, and eggs — helping you make informed choices that align with your values.
The Five Foundations of Humane Farming
At FACT, we define humane farming through five key categories — the foundation for raising animals with care and respect:
Environment
Nutrition
Behavior
Health
Mental State
These standards form the basis of humane animal care. You can dive deeper into each category on our Humane Farming Standards page.
Questions to Ask Your Farmer
Once you know what humane farming means, the next step is asking the right questions when you shop for meat, eggs, or dairy — whether at a farmers market, through a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program, or even at your local grocery store.
Here are four great questions to get you started:
Do you routinely give antibiotics to your animals, even when they’re not sick?
Do you use farrowing crates for your pigs?
Do your animals have access to live pasture?
Do you feed a medicated starter feed to your animals?
These questions can open up valuable conversations with your farmer — and help you find food that aligns with your priorities. Learn more in our guide, Farmers Markets and CSAs.
Look for Humane Certifications
If you’re feeling shy or short on time, look for products that carry a humane certification label. These labels indicate that a farm meets specific animal welfare standards. Keep in mind, though, that certification can be time-consuming or expensive for small family farms — so a farm may follow humane practices even if it’s not officially certified.
You Can Help Support Humane Farming
FACT is proud to provide trusted information that helps consumers make compassionate, informed food choices — but we can’t do it without your support. Your gift helps us continue this vital work to ensure our food is safe, healthy, and raised humanely.
Please consider contributing an amount that’s meaningful to you today.
Together, we can build a food system that’s better for animals, farmers, and families alike.
If you have any questions about our consumer resources or want to learn more about FACT’s work, please reach out to us at hrhodes@foodanimalconcerns.org or 773-525-4952.