PETALUMA, Calif. – In a stretch of Northern California known for scenic shorelines and celebrated vineyards, hundreds of brown-bodied hens waddle around a large barn at Weber Family Farms.

“You provide them a stress-free environment with water, with food, with fresh air at all times, make them free of illness — and they’re going to reward you whether they’re going to give you milk, eggs or meat,” owner Mike Weber said, proudly showing off his business that has hundreds of thousands of chickens.

But some animal rights advocates say such large farms like Weber’s are a problem.

Kristina Garfinkel said she doesn’t believe in confining tens of thousands of chickens in facilities that provide no access to the outdoors, and she argues that these massive operations are actually crowding out small egg and dairy farms and making it hard for them to stay in business.

Residents in Sonoma County, which is home to half a million people north of San Francisco, will vote this fall on a measure aimed at putting an end to large-scale confined animal agriculture in the region. The proposal would require the county to phase out concentrated animal feeding operations, or farms where large numbers of animals are kept in a confined setting.

The measure is supported by animal rights activists but has also stoked a tremendous backlash from residents who oppose it for various reasons.

Weber, whose family farm has been in operation for over a century, believes that the measure could put his business out of operation, impacting not only his livelihood but also the local economy.

Supporters of the measure argue that it is about the humane treatment of animals and creating awareness about farm animal welfare.

The debate continues as residents prepare to vote on the measure in the upcoming election, with both sides presenting their arguments on the future of animal agriculture in Sonoma County.