Wisconsin is known as America’s dairy land, and one of the larger agricultural producers in the Midwest. In this lesson, students will learn about conventional Wisconsin farming practices and how these practices impact the environment and our food system, as well as new, emerging farming practices, through class activities and a guided discussion.
Background Information/Additional Resources:
- General Information
- CAFOs (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations)
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Environmental Effects of Conventional Farming?
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CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture)
Activities:
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As a class or individually, visit the Local Harvest website to find CSA’s and farmer’s markets in our area.
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As a class, or individually, visit the Factory Farm Map to look at statistics and facts about Wisconsin factory farming.
- Compare Wisconsin to other states.
- Compare trends over the past decade
- Discuss what these trends might imply about environmental quality.
Discussion questions:
Q: What is a CAFO?
A: CAFO stands for Confined Animal Feeding Operation. These are facilities where large numbers of animals, like cows, pigs, and turkeys, are kept. Conditions in these facilities are much smaller than traditional pastures and many animals never see grass or sunlight. CAFOs are popular because they can be efficient in raising lots of animals in minimal space.
Q: What are some things we can do to improve the effects of agriculture on the environment?
A: Solutions can start with consumerism. Purchasing sustainable foods influences legislators and farmers to commit to changing farming practices. Organic foods are grown without the use of chemicals that can be harmful to the environment, for example, and local foods require less transportation and support local economies. These practices are sustainable because they lead to improved environmental quality, require less energy input, and aid local economies.
Q: What is Community Supported Agriculture? How is it beneficial to the environment as well as to our communities?
Discuss the differences between conventional farming practices and the CSA model. Write on the board the characteristics of each system and contrast the benefits of each system. From an environmental standpoint, which system is more sustainable? From a social standpoint?
Focus the Classroom 