Industrial agriculture, it must change! Intensive agriculture is the process of “employing abusive practices that maximize agribusiness profits at the expense of the environment, our communities, and the well-being of animals and also our health” (Factory Farming). These methods are used throughout the United States and have a major impact not only on those who consume the food, but also on the environment. Some believe this method is inhumane and should not be allowed. However, others argue that this process creates economically viable food and allows it to be produced at a faster rate. Therefore, the intensive livestock sector can improve its conditions in all aspects if it is reformed to successfully meet the rights that livestock deserve and the rights of those affected. This can be achieved by tightening laws and drawing media attention to the topic. As mentioned above, the treatment of animals living on these farms is mistreated and not given many rights. A shocking statistic to consider is that “ninety-nine percent of meat in the United States comes from factory farms” (Leader, The Huffington Post). This shocking number shows that awareness about this issue needs to be greater considering how prevalent it is in American culture. The Huffington Post reports that “because these animals live in close proximity, some farm operators remove the beaks of chickens, turkeys and ducks to avoid pecking each other to death, often by burning or cutting their beaks” (Leader, The Huffington Post ). Another example of mistreatment of farm animals is the process of killing chicks. “Chicks that were not needed to lay eggs for buyers were put on a conveyor belt and sent directly to a grinder” (Leader, The Huffingto...... middle of paper ......ican Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers, 2001. Web. April 16, 2014.6. Ikerd, John “The Real Economics of Factory Livestock.” Robbins, September 18, 1999. John. July 23, 2010. Web. April 18, 2014, Joseph “Animal Cruelty Laws and Social Science on Factory Farming.” Research Network, October 10, 2008. Web. April 12, 2014.9. “Organizations Urge President Obama to protect our nation's waterways." FARM. Np, nd Web. 21 April 2014.11. "Animal Welfare Act." U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Library. nd Web. 20 April. 2014.