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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Farmageddon summary
Philip Lymbery
Isabel Oakeshott
The True Cost of Cheap Meat
31 mins
Brief summary
'Farmageddon' by Philip Lymbery with Isabel Oakeshott uncovers the disturbing reality of how industrial farming is damaging our health, environment, and animal welfare.
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Farmageddon
Summary of 13 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 13
Factory-like, “mega” farming of meat, milk and eggs is replacing traditional methods.
When you think of a farm, it’s easy to imagine a pastoral wonderland full of lots of different types of animals that joyously roam around in the sunshine and grass. But nowadays, such traditional, diverse farms are practically extinct, replaced by industrial agriculture.
That’s because agricultural techniques have experienced a massive revolution over the last several decades. Human labor has been almost entirely replaced by machinery and traditional farms that employ farmhands are mostly a thing of the past. What’s more, just 8 percent of England’s farms raise more than one type of animal.
But the disappearance of these farms isn’t as scary as what’s replaced them: factory farming. This refers to farms that grow only one type of animal and lots of them, cramming them into tight spaces, overloading them with drugs and using machines to handle them just to maximize profits. At this point, a whopping two-thirds of the world’s 70 million farm animals are raised in such conditions.
And factory farming isn’t just for meat; it’s increasingly being used for milk production as well. In mega-dairies, vast quantities of cows are stabled together and milked with industrial methods. A big one can contain up to 10,000 cows in a single space.
Not just that, but they’re popping up all over. The first mega-dairy was built in California in 1994. Now there are 1,620 dairy farms in the state, collectively housing a total of 1.75 million cows and producing six million dollars' worth of milk a year.
And our eggs?
The vast majority are from factory-raised hens. Unsurprisingly, these chickens are stuffed into overcrowded factory farms to produce more eggs with the lowest possible cost. So 60 percent of the world’s eggs are laid by caged hens.
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What is Farmageddon about?
Farmageddon (2014) is an in-depth guide to the dark reality of cheap meat. These blinks explain how industrial farming has replaced traditional methods and how it’s draining our resources, poisoning the environment and making us unhealthy.
Farmageddon Review
Farmageddon (2014) sheds light on the heartbreaking realities of modern farming practices and their devastating impact on animals, the environment, and our health. Here's why this book is a must-read:
- By uncovering the dark side of industrial agriculture, this book provides a sobering wake-up call, urging us to rethink our food choices and support sustainable farming.
- The authors' meticulous research and firsthand experiences offer a comprehensive and eye-opening view of the hidden consequences of factory farming.
- Through compelling narratives and compelling evidence, Farmageddon exposes the urgent need for a global shift towards humane and sustainable food systems.
Who should read Farmageddon?
- Anybody interested in how we can sustainably meet the world’s food needs
- People curious about how exactly our meat is produced
- Anyone who wants to make healthier dietary choices
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Farmageddon FAQs
What is the main message of Farmageddon?
Farmageddon exposes the destructive impact of industrial farming and advocates for a more sustainable and ethical way of producing food.
How long does it take to read Farmageddon?
The reading time for Farmageddon varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Farmageddon a good book? Is it worth reading?
Farmageddon is a thought-provoking book that sheds light on the hidden consequences of our food choices. It is definitely worth reading for anyone interested in sustainable agriculture and global food production.
Who is the author of Farmageddon?
Farmageddon is authored by Philip Lymbery with Isabel Oakeshott.
What to read after Farmageddon?
If you're wondering what to read next after Farmageddon, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Losing Earth by Nathaniel Rich
- Project Animal Farm by Sonia Faruqi
- A World Without Ice by Henry Pollack
- Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson
- Speed Reading by Kam Knight
- In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts by Gabor Maté
- Let There Be Water by Seth M. Siegel
- The Art of Reading Minds by Henrik Fexeus
- On the Origin of Species by Charles Darwin
- The Light Eaters by Zoë Schlanger