You asked for it

I find it interesting that a lot of people ask for tougher and tougher regulations on farms, such as more stringent pesticide laws, water quality regulations, higher wages and benefits and reductions in noise, dust and odors. While all of these things theoretically are great, it is also important to notice that many of the same people who demand them also oppose "corporate" agriculture.

The fact is, many small farms simply cannot afford to do business in a climate of ever-increasing costs and regulations. It is only natural that larger, more efficient operations have the "economies of scale" to incorporate these changes into their operations, oftentimes absorbing smaller farms that can no longer make it.

Its one thing to want the best for workers and the environment. It’s another to criticize the farms that are making those changes and still operating at a profit.