Resources For Education

My Friends at the Farm
Humane Education Video

My Friends at the Farm is an exciting video produced by Farm Sanctuary. Narrated by actor Casey Affleck, it is the first video ever to introduce the realities of factory farming to children as young as 8 years old in an age-appropriate way. By contrasting the peaceful lives of individual sanctuary animals with lives of billions of animals raised for the food industry, children are encouraged to think critically about the consequences of their food choices. Dan Piraro's cartoon narratives take three animal "ambassadors" from the factory farm to their new homes at Farm Sanctuary.

Kids both on the farm and in the classroom express their feelings about animals who they may have viewed as only "breakfast, lunch, and dinner," but now may see as living, feeling beings with their own love of life. The video is an excellent companion to our Cultivating Compassion teacher's guides, and comes with an accompanying My Friends at the Farm brochure for kids. Working teachers can obtain a complimentary copy by completing our online request form, the video or DVD can be purchased on Farm Sanctuary's website.

In the words of one teacher:

"This educational video handles an important and thought-provoking topic in a delicate and sensitive way. Children can relate to this video. It gives them a positive message and empowers them to do something. Children and adults might be surprised to learn what goes on in farms today, but Farm Sanctuary shows the truth while still being age appropriate. I would recommend the video to teachers who want to encourage an engaging dialogue among students about the treatment of animals."

Comments from kids:

Takira, age 11:"I think it is a good movie to watch to learn about factory farms, and how we get meat, and how the animals feel."

Qweshon, age 10: "I think it is sad the way animals are treated."

Maya, age 10: "This video is great because usually, people are tricked into thinking that the meat they're eating had a wonderful life, but this movie tells the truth."