Drone footage uncovered a disturbing scene at a California dairy farm, showing the reality of mass cattle-raising operations.<\/p>\n
“EXPOSED: Dairy farms across California are sending calves to massive calf-raising operations in the Central Valley where they are housed in tiny crates for months on end,” reads the caption of the video (warning: the video contains footage of animal mistreatment, including one calf being shot) shared<\/a> by Direct Action Everywhere<\/a> (@DirectActionEverywhere) on social media.<\/p>\n “This is Grimmius Cattle Company,” the post continues. “This is the real California dairy industry.”<\/p>\n As startling as the footage is, even more upsetting may be the fact that this is not the only farm operating under similar conditions. As the demand<\/a> for meat and dairy rises, conditions on the factory farms that supply these products can worsen.<\/p>\n The video’s text claims that Grimmius Cattle Company has three farms that hold a total of 200,000 calves and has ties to major brands and retailers. Brands and retailers listed include Brandt Beef, Land O’ Lakes, Costco, and Walmart.<\/p>\n In addition to animal welfare concerns, such operations present widespread and well-documented environmental impacts. Livestock can produce hundreds of billions of pounds<\/a> of planet-warming methane annually. Manure and chemicals used in agriculture can pollute soil and groundwater.<\/p>\n The footage may be hard to watch for many, but those who made it through had plenty to say.<\/p>\n “Beyond heartbreaking,” one said. “Seeing the scale of this is hugely confronting and this is only one of these horrific places.”<\/p>\n “Unbearable to watch this,” another added.<\/p>\n “So horrific,” agreed one more. “We have to act now.”<\/p>\n While the problem is enormous, small everyday actions can help.<\/p>\n As many commenters noted, asking legislators to act and voting for candidates<\/a> who care about the causes that matter to you are two actions you can take.<\/p>\n You can also consume less meat<\/a> and dairy. Incorporating meat alternatives into your diet and skipping meat even one day a week can make a difference and help reduce demand.<\/p>\n Get TCD’s free newsletters<\/a> for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices \u2014 and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD’s exclusive Rewards Club<\/a>.<\/p>\n