It’s okay to pay farmers poorly because they love their work.
There’s a certain bias that as long as you love your job, it’s okay to get paid next to nothing for it. And for some reason, it doesn’t affect all occupations. People…
Feminization of agriculture is the predominant global trend
The first myth is that the feminization of agriculture is the predominant trend in global agriculture, closely associated with male labor outmigration, women playing greater roles in smallholder agriculture, and increased participation…
Women “left-behind” are passive victims and not farmers
The second myth is that women are “left behind” in the rural village as passive victims of rural change while men choose to leave the village and earn higher income elsewhere. Women…
Cows compete with humans for food
Activist groups often cite the quantity of feed or land used by cattle production as evidence we should not consume beef or dairy products, suggesting we could feed far more people if…
Male dairy cows are shot on farm
NB Yes, a lot do get shot, but I think it’s a small percentage and we can reduce these numbers further by improving sexed semen. If we can construct the supply chains…
Cow hormones in milk are damaging to human health
JC Every food that we eat contains hormones and cow milk is no exception. However, we need to examine whether the types or concentrations of hormones in milk and other dairy products…
Humans don’t need dairy in their diets
JC Activist groups often promote this myth based on the fact young animals are weaned, and few adult animals actively seek milk as a food, therefore suggesting we should wean ourselves from…
Farmers use growth hormones and antibiotics
JC Supplemental growth hormones are used in some regions of the world (including the US), but have not been registered or approved for use in livestock within EU countries, therefore this myth…
Milk is naturally red from blood secreted into it before it’s bleached white for retail
JC A photo recently circulated on social media of a jar in a milking parlour containing what purported to be blood-stained milk – given that most consumers haven’t seen a cow being…
Cows have ankles manacled together out of cruelty
EN The only time a cow could have a shackle is if she had an injury to her leg for example, and required the additional stability in order to stand. They stop…
