Justifications for farm practices and animal welfare among Norwegian livestock farmers

In the context of sustainable food systems, increased attention has been directed towards livestock farming, with animal welfare identified as a key concern. The justifications used by farmers for their livestock practices have been examined in Norway, where animal welfare regulations often exceed EU standards and public trust in agriculture remains high. The aim of this study was to deepen the insight into how Norwegian pig and dairy farmers legitimise their rearing practices in livestock agriculture. Data were collected through four qualitative focus group interviews conducted in 2022 and 2024, and the analysis was guided by the theoretical concepts of symbolic and social boundaries. We found that animal welfare was primarily framed within the logic of food production and economic viability and that farmers positioned themselves as producers of a common good, such as food security and rural sustainability. Strong support was expressed for animal welfare regulations, particularly when they aligned with the farmers' professional identity. Boundaries were drawn between those considered knowledgeable—such as veterinarians and fellow farmers—and those perceived as lacking practical experience—including urban consumers and activists. Although societal concerns were acknowledged, external criticism was often dismissed as uninformed. We conclude that farmers' justifications were shaped by their social identity and their institutional context and that while concern for animals as sentient beings was expressed, practices were largely legitimized using the animals’ role in food production. • Livestock farmers justify their animal rearing practices by viewing animals as integral to food production and themselves as essential food contributors to society. • Farmers' relationship with their animals is somewhat contradictory, as they have concerns for their animals as sentient beings beyond merely commodities in the food value chain. • It is important for livestock farmers to adopt rearing practices that align with the greater society and its understanding of animal welfare.