Most of us grew up thinking that Old McDonald had a farm with happy cows and happy chickens, not necessarily making the connection between those critters and our Happy Meals. As sustainable family farms give way to industrialized factory versions, the romantic farming dream is quickly being tossed into the slop pile.

However, some family farms are not just surviving, but thriving. Take Tramar Farms in Iowa. Now on their 3rd generation of farmers, this small, sustainable operation doesn’t intend to compete with huge chicken ranches, but wants instead to build lasting relationships with customers. On top of that, Tramar Farms is building good karma with animals. They clearly state that they are stewards of the land (and they intend to leave it better than they found it) and that their animals are to be raised ethically and humanely, with access to fresh air, green grass and clean water.

Contrast that to a typical factory farm, which treat animals like unfeeling meat-producing machines, routinely use chemicals and cruelty, and leave the surrounding lands destroyed by huge polluting pools of manure.

It may cost a little more to get your meat, milk and eggs from a healthy family farm, but you are what you eat, and your money supports whatever you spend it on. What’s it worth to you?

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Image: thadman