Animal Welfare: On smaller farms, animals typically have more space to roam, better living conditions, and more humane treatment. Factory farms, on the other hand, often have overcrowded conditions, which can lead to stress and suffering for the animals.

Quality of Meat: Farm-raised meat is often considered higher quality because animals are usually raised in more natural environments, which can lead to better flavor, texture, and nutritional value. Factory-farmed meat may come from animals that are stressed, which can affect the meat’s quality.

Environmental Impact: Smaller farms often use more sustainable practices, such as rotational grazing and organic feed, reducing their carbon footprint and environmental harm. Factory farms tend to be less eco-friendly, using large amounts of water, feed, and energy, and contributing more pollution and waste.

Healthier Diets for Animals: On farms, animals often have a more natural diet, which can lead to healthier meat. For example, grass-fed cows produce meat with a better fat profile (more Omega-3s). Factory-farmed animals are often fed antibiotics and growth hormones, which can affect the quality of the meat and pose potential risks to human health.

Supporting Local Economies: Buying meat from a farm helps support local, small-scale farmers and their communities. Factory farms are usually large-scale operations that are owned by big corporations, which may not contribute as directly to local economies or communities.