JC I have yet to visit any dairy farm I would describe as a “factory farm”. Dairy farmers care for their cows, both because they are the foundation of their farm operation and because it’s simply the right thing to do.
Are all dairy farmers paragons of virtue who never have a cross moment and greet every set-back with a happy smile? No.
Are there any dairy farmers who don’t enjoy their job to the extent that it would be better for them and the cows if they ceased to farm? Unfortunately, yes.
We have a duty to the industry to identify and improve or remove the small proportion of producers or workers who do not treat their animals fairly and with compassion
Jude Capper, livestock sustainability consultant
Yet this is no different to any other profession – we can’t pretend every teacher, doctor, mechanic and supermarket cashier is happy, fulfilled and treats their fellow workers or employees well.
We have a duty to the industry to identify and improve or remove the small proportion of producers or workers who do not treat their animals fairly and with compassion, not least because this damages the reputation of every dairy farmer.
However, we need to remember good dairy cow welfare does not mean every practice on a dairy farm would be regarded as cruelty free to the untrained eye.
The average consumer has little agriculture knowledge and therefore cannot immediately understand the rationale for practices such as forcing a cow to her feet or dehorning calves, even when the short- or long-term health or welfare implications make it necessary.
We face a dual challenge – to educate the general public about farming practices, while maintaining farming systems where we would not be ashamed or troubled by a consumer walking on to the farm on any given day.
EN I would suggest anyone who still gets up day in and day out to work with dairy cows despite the enormous challenges the industry has faced over the past 15 years must be insane or in love
Given the level of commitment it takes to be a dairy farmer, I’d say the latter was more likely.