U.S. Dairy's Commitment to Animal Welfare
Dairy farmers in the United States, regardless of herd size or farm style, are committed to providing the best care for their herds. Ensuring high animal welfare standards is a cornerstone of U.S. dairy farming. It goes beyond meeting regulatory requirements; it represents a deep-seated belief that healthy, well-treated animals are essential to producing high-quality milk.
One way the U.S. dairy industry has emphasized the importance of animal welfare principles is by encouraging farmers to participate in the National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM). FARM is an initiative by the National Milk Producers Federation and the U.S. Dairy Export Council's parent company, Dairy Management, Inc. (DMI) The program provides science-based standards and best management practices for farmers, helping to ensure excellence in the dairy industry. Notably, more than 99% of the U.S. milk supply is sourced from farms which participate in the FARM Animal Care Program.
Some key animal welfare tenets of the FARM program include: comfortable living conditions, cow health and nutrition, humane handling, consistent livestock monitoring, and antibiotic stewardship.
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Comfortable Living Conditions
U.S. dairy farmers prioritize a comfortable living environment for their cows. Dairy farms feature modern facilities with ample space for cows to move freely. Many farms invest in climate-controlled barns to protect animals from extreme weather conditions, be that the extreme heat in the American Southwest or the extreme cold of the upper Midwest. These barns, called "free stalls," are often equipped with ventilation systems and fans to ensure a steady supply of fresh air, which helps maintain a comfortable temperature and improves overall air quality. Other farms choose open lots that allow easy access from housing to open land. This style of farm, often called "dry lots," includes shade and wind protection.
Cow Health and Nutrition
Proper nutrition is crucial to the well-being of dairy cows, and U.S. farmers work closely with animal nutritionists to design balanced diets that meet the nutritional needs of their herds. These diets typically include a mix of forages, grains, protein supplements, vitamins, and minerals. Some farms in the United States are pasture-based, meaning they get all or part of their nutrition from grazing. However, most are conventional operations where the feed is mixed and delivered to the cattle. Regular veterinary check-ups and preventive health measures, such as vaccinations and parasite control, are also standard practice to ensure cows remain healthy and productive. FARM has influenced animal care standards on U.S. farms by including cow health and nutrition protocols that are science-based, regardless of farm size or style. These standards were developed by farmers, veterinarians, dairy welfare academics and other industry experts. Because of this work, FARM is the first livestock animal care initiative in the world to be recognized by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
Humane Handling
In addition to health and nutrition, U.S. dairy farms prioritize training employees on humane handling techniques to minimize stress and ensure animal safety. This training, which includes understanding cow behavior and using gentle, low-stress methods when moving or interacting with the animals, is a key part of the commitment to animal welfare. Many farms employ low-stress handling systems, such as non-slip flooring and wide pathways, to reduce the risk of injury and create a safe environment for the cows as they move in and out of the milk barn.
Consistent Livestock Monitoring
Technology plays a significant role in enhancing animal welfare on U.S. dairy farms. Many farmers use advanced monitoring systems, such as collars or pedometers, to monitor each cow's health and behavior through sensors. These sensors can detect early signs of illness or stress, allowing farmers and veterinarians to intervene promptly and provide the necessary care. This monitoring allows farmers to regularly analyze the data and update their protocols to align with the needs of their cows.
Antibiotic Stewardship
U.S. dairy farmers adhere to strict guidelines regarding antibiotics and other medication to ensure the health and safety of their cows and the quality of the milk. These medications are administered judiciously and only when necessary to treat specific health issues, following veterinary prescriptions and regulatory protocols. Farmers prioritize preventive healthcare measures, such as vaccinations and proper nutrition, to minimize the need for antibiotics. When treatment is required, withdrawal periods are strictly observed to ensure no residues remain in the milk, safeguarding consumer health.
FARM promotes the safe and responsible use of antibiotics. The Antibiotic Stewardship program within FARM provides ongoing education on the use of antibiotics to keep cows healthy and the milk supply safe from antibiotic residue. Antibiotic stewardship standards are also evaluated within the second-party FARM Animal Care program evaluations.
Commitment to Animal Welfare
U.S. dairy farmers are committed to sound animal welfare principles, ensuring that their cows live in comfortable, healthy environments where their health and nutrition needs are met. By adopting humane handling practices, prioritizing antibiotic stewardship, and leveraging advanced technologies U.S. dairy farms continue to set the highest standards in animal care. The FARM program is one tool that helps set U.S. dairy farmers apart. These efforts benefit the animals and contribute to the production of safe, high-quality milk, gaining the trust and respect of the global dairy industry.
To learn more about the FARM initiative and what farmers all over the United States are doing to be the leaders in animal welfare, check out the FARM website.
