Multiple animal activists groups have argued for years that dairy farming is no less than animal cruelty. Despite their actions being denounced by dairy owners, industry groups and the American Association of Bovine Practitioners, activists are making headway. Market forces and the coronavirus pandemic are helping their cause, too. Scientists are working to show ways the industry can improve. This article, despite some production inaccuracies, deserves a thorough read or two.
Source: New York Times, December 29, 2020. Link to article. Link to PDF. Professor von Keyserlingk says she can empathize with farmers who resent being lectured by urbanites disconnected from animal husbandry. Still, part of her job is helping persuade dubious farmers to accept improvements in animal welfare backed by science.
As a little girl, I castrated thousands of calves without pain-relieving drugs and never thought to tell my dad, ‘This isn’t OK,’” she said “But would I castrate a calf now without pain mitigation? Absolutely not.”
INSIGHTS: The author is no dairy expert, nor should he be. A key takeaway is that customers’ perspectives are important and need to be understood and respected, no matter how “out there” we or dairy producers think they may be.
This article is excellent fodder to discuss basic husbandry practices, vaccinations and day-to-day cattle management. It is also a reminder that customers are watching what we do and have a right to know why we do things a certain way. You can access and print the PDF as often as you wish.