Raising healthy, safe and comfortable cows is vital to dairy farmers and a moral obligation.
Animal abuse is not tolerated. We support the National Dairy FARM Program and promote “See it, stop it.” If animal abuse is witnessed it should be immediately reported.
Dairy cows should be provided:
- Access to feed and fresh, clean water 24 hours a day.
- A balanced, nutritious, scientifically formulated diet developed by a nutritionist.
- Access to shade and shelter as needed while in the pasture.
- In free-stall barns, the ability to eat, drink and sleep whenever and wherever the cow chooses, and sanitary living conditions with fresh bedding provided frequently.
- Medical care directed and monitored by a veterinarian, including period check-ups, vaccinations and prompt treatment of illness.
Antibiotics sometimes must be administered to treat illness. A cow treated with antibiotics is isolated from the milking herd and placed in a separate area so her milk does not enter the food supply. She is not returned to the herd until the antibiotics have cleared her system.
All milk is strictly tested for antibiotics on the farm and at the processing plant. Any milk that tests positive for antibiotics is disposed of immediately and does not enter the food supply.
