Researchers have developed an algorithm that uses satellite imagery to rapidly pinpoint industrial livestock farms, manifold faster than humans can do by manually analyzing maps. Now, the researchers think their new analytical tool could help regulators to identify farms that may be breaking environmental laws. The research, led by a team from Stanford University, was premised on the fact that intensive animals farms are notoriously difficult to monitor and regulate in the United States – while also being a huge source of freshwater pollution. Over 40 percent of the country’s livestock now comes from concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), defined as sites…
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