This debate has been around for decades and will be around for decades more yet. I write in support of the sound contribution from Ross Cutler and Greg Cronin.1 I was one of those who 40 years ago was encouraging farmers to house their pigs and that included the use of dry sow stalls. For those who want the pigs back outside, I list a few of the problems with pigs outdoors in Australia. Social stress and bullying, sunburn, lack of individual attention from the stockman, worrying by dogs, interactions with feral pigs and escaping. Diseases such as mange, worms, swine dysentery, thin sow syndrome and bowel impaction with sand and gravel. Biosecurity risks from exotic and endemic diseases, some of which are zoonoses such as salmonellosis leptospirosis and erysipelas. Pigs root in the soil and do lots of damage, destroying plants and disturbing the soil and contributing to soil erosion. Free range pigs need a lot of space, which escalates costs. Housing pigs does not prevent all the problems listed above, but it does make it possible for the stockman to see health problems and treat them in a timely and effective manner. Pigs that are mostly outside are difficult to handle and distressed by handling unless the group size is small. Housed pigs are usually much more easily handled and this difference is substantial and much of the reason for housing pigs. Pig production is very competitive and those still in production are only there because their skills and commitment allow them to continue. About 25 years ago I was the first speaker at a seminar for pig farmers. My topic was Management of the Sow and Litter. There were about 90 people present and I needed to check on who I was talking to, so I asked for a show of hands of those who had that morning worked in their piggery. Most of those present put their hands up. Then I asked how many had talked to their pigs? Two hands went up, then some more and I waited and gradually all the same hands went up. I, a veterinarian, had their attention. Livestock management comes from being receptive to the needs of the stock. Calling that factory farming is derogatory and misleading. The next issue to address is the background of the people voicing concerns about factory farming and sow stalls. Do they enjoy eating pork? Have they discussed their concerns with a pig farmer or at least someone who is properly abreast of all the issues that concerned people raise? Welfare Codes have been worked on at length. Situations change, so changes may be needed, but I think it legitimate to pause while consideration is given for the reasons to change and who is calling for the changes.