Moving past the systemic failures that impact farmed animal welfare

In his new blog post, UUAM Executive Director Rev. John Millspaugh summarizes his recent,  36-page follow-up report on Alexandre Family Farm, which reveals how regulators, certifiers, law enforcement, and retailers collectively failed to protect animals and consumers—even after USDA investigators confirmed dozens of serious welfare and organic violations that Alexandre itself ultimately admitted. Far from being an isolated scandal, the report shows how systemic “humanewashing” in programs like USDA Organic, Certified Humane, and other “regenerative” and animal welfare labels can mask diesel-soaked cows, painful procedures, severe neglect and preventable deaths, all while products remain on store shelves.

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At the same time, this new piece highlights concrete, achievable reforms—from truly independent certifiers and stronger consumer education, to clear, enforceable government standards and organic rules that no longer incentivize withholding antibiotics from sick animals—and hopeful developments, like two lawsuits, new watchdog investigations and complaints, and retailers quietly beginning to drop Alexandre products as 2025 draws to a close. If you want to understand how reassuring labels can hide institutionalized cruelty—and what can be done right now to change that—this blog post is a powerful invitation to stay engaged, feel part of a broader movement, and keep pushing together for a food system that does not depend on deception or suffering.