Sentient
@sentientmedia.org
Stories + solutions for a changing world.
Nonprofit, nonpartisan news outlet investigating factory farms and their effect on climate, animals, health, politics and more.
Send tips to sentientmediatips@proton.me
Nonprofit, nonpartisan news outlet investigating factory farms and their effect on climate, animals, health, politics and more.
Send tips to sentientmediatips@proton.me
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Sentient
@sentientmedia.org
· Dec 22
Our Stories Are Powered by You. The Change You Made Possible in 2025
YouTube video by Sentient
www.youtube.com
This year, we saw what happens when you shine a light into places that have been ignored for far too long, from Iowans fighting for clean water to federal policy makers pushing for change.
Lets take a closer look at the change you made possible over the last 12 months:
Lets take a closer look at the change you made possible over the last 12 months:
As immigrant detention numbers creep upward, some advocates are worried that detainees could be compelled to work to fill gaps in the workforce of some of the most dangerous jobs in the country, including on factory farms and in slaughterhouses.
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February 9, 2026 at 9:45 PM
As immigrant detention numbers creep upward, some advocates are worried that detainees could be compelled to work to fill gaps in the workforce of some of the most dangerous jobs in the country, including on factory farms and in slaughterhouses.
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buff.ly/lh0tZ6f
“Trees are a habitat on the outside and on the inside,” Doug Larson, professor emeritus of Integrative Biology at @uofguelph.bsky.social, says. “The more we can shine a spotlight on these invisible worlds, the better.”
Tree Bark Microbes Capture Greenhouse Gases, New Study Finds
The process plays out separately from photosynthesis, and experts say it could improve reforestation strategies.
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February 9, 2026 at 8:30 PM
“Trees are a habitat on the outside and on the inside,” Doug Larson, professor emeritus of Integrative Biology at @uofguelph.bsky.social, says. “The more we can shine a spotlight on these invisible worlds, the better.”
A new study finds that restoring coral reef fisheries could feed multitudes, especially where food is most needed.
If We Let Coral Reef Fish Populations Bounce Back From Overfishing, They Could Feed 1.4 Million More People
A new study finds that restoring coral reef fisheries could feed multitudes, especially where food is most needed.
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February 9, 2026 at 6:45 PM
A new study finds that restoring coral reef fisheries could feed multitudes, especially where food is most needed.
Late 2025 marked the most severe three-month stretch in more than a decade for the gap between what agriculture producers pay to operate and what they receive in return. Lauren Cross reports for @investigatemidwest.bsky.social:
Ag producers in worst 3-month cost-price gap since 2015, new USDA data shows - Investigate Midwest
Late 2025 marked the most severe three-month stretch in more than a decade for the gap between what agriculture producers pay to operate and what they receive in return, according to an analysis of…
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February 9, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Late 2025 marked the most severe three-month stretch in more than a decade for the gap between what agriculture producers pay to operate and what they receive in return. Lauren Cross reports for @investigatemidwest.bsky.social:
Canada remains one of the top ten producers of horse meat in the world. The country breeds and farms horses specifically for meat, raising them on feedlots much the same as cattle.
American Horses Are Still Being Slaughtered for Meat
83% of Americans oppose slaughtering horses for food, yet efforts to ban horse meat remain stalled.
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February 9, 2026 at 3:30 PM
Canada remains one of the top ten producers of horse meat in the world. The country breeds and farms horses specifically for meat, raising them on feedlots much the same as cattle.
Health experts continue to warn that most of us don’t get enough fiber, a problem not helped by Americans’ insatiable appetite for protein. @jesslsr.bsky.social reports:
Why High Protein Diets Are a Boon for the Fiber Supplement Industry
Something unpleasant happens to your body when you stop eating vegetables.
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February 9, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Health experts continue to warn that most of us don’t get enough fiber, a problem not helped by Americans’ insatiable appetite for protein. @jesslsr.bsky.social reports:
The National Chicken Council reports that Americans will consume 1.47 billion chicken wings for the Super Bowl.
This is no surprise, as football is synonymous with masculinity, and so is meat. But because men eating much more meat than women, their climate impact is also greater.
This is no surprise, as football is synonymous with masculinity, and so is meat. But because men eating much more meat than women, their climate impact is also greater.
February 8, 2026 at 9:45 PM
The National Chicken Council reports that Americans will consume 1.47 billion chicken wings for the Super Bowl.
This is no surprise, as football is synonymous with masculinity, and so is meat. But because men eating much more meat than women, their climate impact is also greater.
This is no surprise, as football is synonymous with masculinity, and so is meat. But because men eating much more meat than women, their climate impact is also greater.
Sentient is the only non-profit, nonpartisan news outlet that’s solely dedicated to the factory farm beat.
All reader donations made in 2026 will be matched $1 for $1 by a generous donor — up to $50,000. Double your impact today ➡️ shorturl.at/dFeaL
All reader donations made in 2026 will be matched $1 for $1 by a generous donor — up to $50,000. Double your impact today ➡️ shorturl.at/dFeaL
February 6, 2026 at 10:30 PM
Sentient is the only non-profit, nonpartisan news outlet that’s solely dedicated to the factory farm beat.
All reader donations made in 2026 will be matched $1 for $1 by a generous donor — up to $50,000. Double your impact today ➡️ shorturl.at/dFeaL
All reader donations made in 2026 will be matched $1 for $1 by a generous donor — up to $50,000. Double your impact today ➡️ shorturl.at/dFeaL
Although studies on farm animal cognition have been scant, that’s beginning to change.
Cows Can Use Tools. Are We Underestimating How Smart They Are?
Meet Veronika, a Swiss Brown cow who uses a broom to scratch her back.
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February 6, 2026 at 8:50 PM
Although studies on farm animal cognition have been scant, that’s beginning to change.
Using ecological and fisheries data, the researchers found that rebuilding coral reef fish populations could significantly increase the number of sustainable fish servings produced each year, particularly in countries already facing high levels of malnutrition.
If We Let Coral Reef Fish Populations Bounce Back From Overfishing, They Could Feed 1.4 Million More People
A new study finds that restoring coral reef fisheries could feed multitudes, especially where food is most needed.
buff.ly
February 6, 2026 at 6:45 PM
Using ecological and fisheries data, the researchers found that rebuilding coral reef fish populations could significantly increase the number of sustainable fish servings produced each year, particularly in countries already facing high levels of malnutrition.
Promoting dairy milk of any sort is not exclusive to the Trump administration, nor the Republican party. @kennytorrella.bsky.social reports for @vox.com:
Why the government really, really wants you to drink (whole) milk
Washington’s obsession with dairy didn’t start with RFK Jr.
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February 6, 2026 at 5:30 PM
Promoting dairy milk of any sort is not exclusive to the Trump administration, nor the Republican party. @kennytorrella.bsky.social reports for @vox.com:
ICYMI: Join @ninaelkadi.com and @greymoran.bsky.social TODAY to learn how to turn a public records request into a story ⬇️
Public records requests are an invaluable tool for reporters. But knowing how to use them can be challenging.
Join Sentient’s @ninaelkadi.com and @greymoran.bsky.social for this exclusive training by becoming a member of the Food and Farming Journalism Network: buff.ly/6UOsbbA
Join Sentient’s @ninaelkadi.com and @greymoran.bsky.social for this exclusive training by becoming a member of the Food and Farming Journalism Network: buff.ly/6UOsbbA
February 6, 2026 at 3:18 PM
ICYMI: Join @ninaelkadi.com and @greymoran.bsky.social TODAY to learn how to turn a public records request into a story ⬇️
As some high-end restaurants reintroduce meat, young vegan cooks are adapting. Caroline Saunders reports via @grist.org:
Vegan Fine Dining Had a Moment. Now What Comes Next?
As some high-end restaurants reintroduce meat, young vegan cooks are adapting.
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February 6, 2026 at 2:00 PM
As some high-end restaurants reintroduce meat, young vegan cooks are adapting. Caroline Saunders reports via @grist.org:
To keep meat on the tables of Americans, meat processing industry lobbyists collectively spent $5.5 million in Washington, D.C. in 2024, according to @opensecrets.org.
February 5, 2026 at 9:45 PM
To keep meat on the tables of Americans, meat processing industry lobbyists collectively spent $5.5 million in Washington, D.C. in 2024, according to @opensecrets.org.
While horse slaughter has ceased within the United States itself, the slaughter of American horses for meat has not. It has simply shifted across borders. @jesslsr.bsky.social reports:
American Horses are Still Being Slaughtered for Meat
83% of Americans oppose slaughtering horses for food, yet efforts to ban horse meat remain stalled.
buff.ly
February 5, 2026 at 9:12 PM
While horse slaughter has ceased within the United States itself, the slaughter of American horses for meat has not. It has simply shifted across borders. @jesslsr.bsky.social reports:
The strategic relaunch of meat, from industry-aligned influencers to lawmakers declaring meat alternatives as threats to tradition, positions it as more natural, essential and all-American. And it’s working.
How Meat Became Cool Again in 2025
Going into 2026, political and influencer messaging could continue framing meat as more natural and beneficial, despite climate and public health concerns.
buff.ly
February 5, 2026 at 8:30 PM
The strategic relaunch of meat, from industry-aligned influencers to lawmakers declaring meat alternatives as threats to tradition, positions it as more natural, essential and all-American. And it’s working.
Sprinkled across the United States — more often than is being reported — rural residents are experiencing threats to their water health, soil health and community by way of large-scale industrialized animal operations.
How an Oregon Community Group Fought a Factory Farm and Won
“These operations are not farms. They’re factories.”
buff.ly
February 5, 2026 at 6:45 PM
Sprinkled across the United States — more often than is being reported — rural residents are experiencing threats to their water health, soil health and community by way of large-scale industrialized animal operations.
Inspired by YouTube creators, some people are limiting beef to a handful of ‘feast days’ a year to cut their climate impact. Rosie Peters-McDonald reports for @theguardian.com:
The rise of ‘beef days’: why even meat lovers are cutting back
Inspired by YouTube creators, some people are limiting beef to a handful of ‘feast days’ a year to cut their climate impact
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February 5, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Inspired by YouTube creators, some people are limiting beef to a handful of ‘feast days’ a year to cut their climate impact. Rosie Peters-McDonald reports for @theguardian.com:
Sentient’s analysis finds 38 different agricultural companies were cited for noncompliance with NPDES permits, and only one was fined.
Iowa Food Companies Routinely Violate Water Pollution Permits — and Rarely Face Penalties
Sentient’s analysis finds 38 different agricultural companies were cited for noncompliance with NPDES permits, and only one was fined.
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February 5, 2026 at 3:30 PM
Sentient’s analysis finds 38 different agricultural companies were cited for noncompliance with NPDES permits, and only one was fined.
A rising number of antibiotic drugs that are essential for human health are now being sold for use in farm animals, according to @fda.gov data.
Read more in The Core:
buff.ly/R6HvwK4
Read more in The Core:
buff.ly/R6HvwK4
February 4, 2026 at 11:00 PM
A rising number of antibiotic drugs that are essential for human health are now being sold for use in farm animals, according to @fda.gov data.
Read more in The Core:
buff.ly/R6HvwK4
Read more in The Core:
buff.ly/R6HvwK4
Agriculture and data centers are rarely mentioned in the same breath. But both are competing for the same dwindling, finite resource: freshwater.
How Agriculture and Data Centers Compete for the Great Lakes’ Most Precious Resource
Water demand is spiking from both agriculture and data centers. Without intervention, the Great Lakes could be strained past their limit.
buff.ly
February 4, 2026 at 9:45 PM
Agriculture and data centers are rarely mentioned in the same breath. But both are competing for the same dwindling, finite resource: freshwater.
Nitrate pollution is straining small water facilities in Iowa, even when they have advanced filtration systems.
What Does a Small Town Do When the Water Is Undrinkable?
Nitrate pollution is straining small water facilities in Iowa, even when they have advanced filtration systems.
buff.ly
February 4, 2026 at 8:30 PM
Nitrate pollution is straining small water facilities in Iowa, even when they have advanced filtration systems.
Fruits, leafy greens and water were the only types of food that people reported consuming more of in the study.
GLP-1 Users Lose Weight, and Their Taste for Meat
People taking blockbuster drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy report eating less meat, dairy and processed foods. These shifts could reshape the food system.
buff.ly
February 4, 2026 at 6:45 PM
Fruits, leafy greens and water were the only types of food that people reported consuming more of in the study.
“Our study finds that trees not only absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis, but the bark of trees harbour trillions of microbes that can remove other greenhouse and harmful gases,” writes study co-author Pok Man “Bob” Leung.
Tree Bark Microbes Capture Greenhouse Gases, New Study Finds
The process plays out separately from photosynthesis, and experts say it could improve reforestation strategies.
buff.ly
February 4, 2026 at 6:45 PM
“Our study finds that trees not only absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis, but the bark of trees harbour trillions of microbes that can remove other greenhouse and harmful gases,” writes study co-author Pok Man “Bob” Leung.
U.S. meatpacker Tyson Foods reported higher-than-expected quarterly earnings on Monday as increased demand for its chicken products overshadowed hefty losses in its beef business. Tom Polansek and Angela Christy report for @reuters.com:
Tyson Foods beats profit estimates as chicken demand rises
buff.ly
February 4, 2026 at 5:04 PM
U.S. meatpacker Tyson Foods reported higher-than-expected quarterly earnings on Monday as increased demand for its chicken products overshadowed hefty losses in its beef business. Tom Polansek and Angela Christy report for @reuters.com: