Intensive-farmed

Intensive-farmed describes agricultural practices focused on maximizing output from a given area of land. It typically involves high input of resources like fertilizers, pesticides, and antibiotics (in animal agriculture) alongside high densities of crops or livestock. This often prioritizes efficiency and profit, but can raise concerns about environmental impacts, animal welfare, and the long-term sustainability of the land. Such farms usually rely heavily on mechanization and specialized breeds or varieties.

Intensive-farmed meaning with examples

• The chickens on the intensive-farmed poultry operation were packed tightly together in large sheds. This farming method, while efficient, raised serious ethical questions about the animals' well-being. Concerns included the spread of disease, as well as the amount of stress these birds face in cramped conditions. Many consumers are now seeking to buy eggs from free-range systems instead.
• Intensive-farmed corn fields in the Midwest contribute significantly to the region's agricultural output, however, this type of agriculture often requires large amounts of irrigation and can lead to significant soil erosion. Sustainable agriculture advocates encourage crop rotation as an alternative. Fertilizers used can also pollute local water sources.
• The rise of intensive-farmed aquaculture, or fish farming, has allowed for rapid expansion of seafood production, providing a cheap source of protein for many people around the world. However, densely populated fish ponds also promote parasitic and bacterial outbreaks, sometimes requiring the overuse of antibiotics. These concerns also include the threat of escaped farmed fish to wild populations.
• Driven by growing demand, the use of intensive-farmed farming techniques resulted in a significant increase in pork production. However, the practices of raising pigs in factory farms, where animals were confined to small pens with little room to move, prompted widespread criticism from animal rights groups who argued for improvements to the animals' living conditions.
• While many believe that intensive-farmed produce has provided affordable food to a large consumer base, some health experts claim that the heavy use of pesticides and herbicides may impact nutritional value or even carry health risks to humans. Consumers are encouraged to purchase organic produce as an alternative to limit their exposure to chemicals.