The proliferation of concentrated animal feeding operations, commonly called CAFO's or livestock factories, has prompted a nationwide growth of grassroots citizen's groups to confront the impacts caused by such operations. F.A.R.M. (Families Against Rural Messes) was organized to educate the public about the facts surrounding livestock factories, to promote responsible agriculture, and to work with decision makers in crafting laws and statutes that balance the needs of agriculture with the needs of the environment and society. Our efforts reflect a support for independent family farmers in the humane and sustainable production of safe food for mankind, which in turn promotes the health of rural communities, responsible stewardship of the land and protection of the environment.