Why are there no comments on this? We have had the plight of factory farming of chooks and swine brought to our attention in the media, yet this unacceptable treatment of cattle has gone uncommented on this page. Don't let what has happened to chickens, pigs, fish and other animals become worse, or uncommented on, here in NZ. I am not a vegetarian, yet I am appalled by the conditions underwhich we are prepared to allow the providers to keep these sentient beings. I do not object to anyone's consumption of flesh, yet I wonder at out apparent lack of concern about how these creatures are husbanded, prior to their slaughter. I can't speak for them, but the NZ farmer's I have met are pragmatic yet solicitious and knowledgable of the animals they have care of. Good husbandry makes better product than factory farmed produce. NZ should honour it's vision of "clean and green" and reject all stressful forms of food production. We have a temperate climate and a good supply of water and feed, yet with all sorts of influences we are focused on providing "fast food" for "quick bucks". Why? Instead of worrying about being the South Pacific Monetary "Switzerland", why not focus on becoming the food production "Swiss? We have amazing, talented and experienced food producers and chefs; we have enthusiasm and talent; we have natural resources and space envied by others; we have knowledge and cultural insight and input. Why not harness all our gifts and make life better for all NZ/ers? If "cheap options" are replaced by easily acceptable options, if NZer's are educated in accepting better options and practices, we will all be better off. Please take care of what we are best at, and our resources - we will all benefit.