FAQS

What is an ILO or CAFO?

Definition

An ILO (Intensive Livestock Operation) or CAFO (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation) is defined as a farming operation having 200 or more animal units.

Thousands of animals are reared in large barns where they never see the light of day. The floors of these barns are constructed to keep maintenace to a minimum. Feeding is generally by automated systems requiring little or no human intervention.

With so many animals confined in a small area, the animals are regularly fed antibiotics to avoid disease, as well as steroids to enhance growth.

These operations employ few people. The owners generally do not live in the area. In fact the owners are usually large agricultural corporations.