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Factory farms are large scale corporate farms created with the singular purpose of producing the most livestock at the lowest cost. As a result, they are a big problem for Canadians for many different reasons: animals are abused, local farmers are driven out of business and dangerous chemicals and hormones can be used.

Factory farms are sadly becoming a larger part of the Canadian landscape. Though the number of factory farms isn’t increasing quickly, the amount of livestock kept in these facilities is continuously on the rise.

This guide from the Beyond Factory Farming Coalition is for activists who suddenly discover plans to create a factory farm or an existing facility in their communities. From calling town hall meetings to organizing efficient campaigns against the farms, the guide covers all of the basic bases of what activists can do to mobilize their communities on short notice. It’s also Canadian, so many of the references, including the legal ones, are relevant for citizens.

This manual on how to confront a factory farm from the Socially Responsible Agriculture Project is also good to have on hand. It covers a wide variety of educational resources as well as several options for organizing. Though most of the information carries over to a Canadian context, the zoning and land appraisal advice should be checked through your municipality.