Chandler - many large companies are steering away from farrowing pens (mainly because of these groups). What I remember about farrowing outside or open pens was sows exposed to the elements, and a high death rate with the pigs (mainly from getting stepped on or laid on by mamma). This is just one example of change which isn't necessarily bad but is deffinitely going to cost more for the consumer! There are bad eggs in the ag sector but most care very much about the animals they take care of 365 days of the year (it's their way of life). I suppose one could have gone to Texas during the past year and videoed lots of skin and bone cows or seen skinny cows belly deep in a mud hole trying to get some water and put it on TV talking about animal abuse. My point is the industry hasn't and will never benefit from these groups, they don't care about the animals - that's just how they get people to support them. These groups are not dumb they are brilliant at what they do, the objective for them isn't to get all cows and pigs on grass in the sun, it's to get rid of the pigs, cows, etc. There are lots of things on any farm that could be videoed and twisted around and displayed to a public that has no rational line of thinking about where their food comes from!
ONe thing I like about PETA is hey everybody knows it is animal rights with some crazies in it. But there are several other of these groups that are lots bigger than PETA (HSUS) and are alot less known (as far as their true dealings -wolves in sheep clothing). These groups aren't going to stop until every last cattle, hog, chicken, turkey, dogs, cats, etc. operation or owners are no longer (obsolete is the goal)!
Maybe PETA should look into club calf calving ease?