Considering Insect Welfare in Farming (and Research)
September 21, 2026 3:30PM - 5:00PM
Natural Science Building, Room 244 (Zoom link available upon request)
Contact: Heather Lenartson-Kluge lenartso@msu.edu
Speaker: Meghan Barrett, Indiana University
Host: Hannah Burrack
Contact the host to make an appointment with the speaker.
Seminar Description: Trillions of black soldier flies and yellow mealworms are farmed each year for use as food and feed, and the industry is projected to grow significantly in the coming decades. At the same time, evidence is mounting for insect sentience, resulting in a changing ethical landscape regarding insect welfare both morally and with regard to public perception. Insect welfare science can provide frameworks and data to help producers (and researchers) navigate this challenge successfully. Accordingly, the first part of this talk covers: the ethical principles grounding concern for animal welfare, the growing evidence suggesting insect sentience is plausible, some social science indicative of public and professional concern for insect pain in farming or research settings. I end by sharing some research insights from our lab's work on welfare concerns that manifest for farmed and research insects and some data from insect welfare science that highlights how practical solutions can help insect practitioners employ welfare-positive best practices.
Seminars are at 3:30pm on Mondays in Room 244, Natural Science Building, unless otherwise noted. Snacks are provided at 3:15pm.
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