Animal Health and Care

Download our animal health Issue Primer

Raising healthy, safe and comfortable cows is vital to dairy farmers and a moral obligation.

Animal abuse is not tolerated.

99% of dairy farmers voluntarily participate in the Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Animal Care Program, which outlines best management practices to ensure cow health and welfare.
Cow comfort is essential to produce high-quality, wholesome milk.
Cows have 24-hour access to food, clean water and dry bedding.
Cows eat a balanced, nutritious, scientifically formulated diet developed by a nutritionist.
Calves are bottle fed individually to ensure they receive the proper nutrition.
Cows receive periodic checkups, vaccinations and prompt treatment of illness by veterinarians.
Fans, sprinkler systems, curtains or wind breaks control barn temperatures in hot or cold weather.
If antibiotics must be administered to treat illness, the cow is isolated so that her milk does not enter the food supply. Any milk that tests positive is disposed of immediately.