Rise of US-style factory-farmed cattle in Britain

FACTORY farming cattle yards are on the rise, according to an investigation.

The US-style ‘feedlots’ involve thousands of beef cattle crammed into enclosures, raised on hard floors rather than grass and often fed supplements to fatten them up.

The industrial units are designed to minimise costs and protect profits at a time when retailers are under pressure to stem food price rises. Farmers are also trying to cut costs as millions switch from red meat to vegetable-based substitutes.

The Bureau of Investigative Journalism and the Guardian claim to have established that the UK has nearly a dozen industrial-scale fattening units with herds of up to 3,000 cattle in grassless pens for extended periods. They named the Co-op, Lidl and Waitrose among those allegedly sourcing beef from the intensive farms.

Green Party MP Caroline Lucas said the rise of such farms was ‘gravely concerning’ and could herald the adoption of more US industrial farming practices. Chris Mallon, of the National Beef Association, said the large-scale units were designed to increase efficiency.

The British Retail Consortium, which speaks for supermarkets, said: ‘Our members take their responsibilities to animal welfare very seriously and work closely with trusted suppliers so that high welfare standards are upheld.’