ANIMAL WELFARE

Why is animal welfare on the watchlist? Producer-funded dairy checkoff programs are actively engaged in dairy animal care initiatives as part of broader efforts to build demand for dairy products and protect consumer confidence in dairy producers.

The following update is provided by Dairy Management Inc. DMI, which manages the national dairy checkoff program, is a producer-funded, nonprofit domestic and international planning and management organization responsible for increasing sales of and demand for U.S.-produced dairy products and ingredients.

Activist video prompts animal welfare, food safety concerns
This issue exploded into the national conversation in January, when the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) released a disturbing video depicting mistreatment of culled dairy cows at a California meat processing facility.

HSUS used an “undercover investigator” to gather the footage, which included images of non-ambulatory cattle being dragged by chains and forklifts at the facility. National media, including the Associated Press, Washington Post and CNN, covered the story.

The tone and volume of media coverage ratcheted even higher in the weeks following the video’s release, with the U.S. Department of Agriculture taking unprecedented action by ordering a recall of 143 million pounds of frozen beef from the processing plant – the largest U.S. beef recall ever, even though officials stated the potential human health threat was “likely small.”

As part of the checkoff-funded issues management system, Dairy Management Inc. (DMI), National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) are working together to monitor the situation and develop short- and long-term plans to help the dairy industry address the allegations and demonstrate its long-standing commitment to animal care.

Most recently, DMI and National Cattleman’s Beef Association (NCBA) hosted a producer leader dialogue on challenges and opportunities with animal care, where participants identified the need for educational workshops and new resources for producers on animal handling philosophy and techniques.

Should I respond?
Yes, when asked. To protect the image of dairy farmers and the dairy industry, it’s important to respond to animal welfare allegations made by the public or special interest groups.

DMI proposes the following ways to respond.

• The vast majority of dairy operations, auction markets and meat processors handle animals with proper care. We – and they – reject ill treatment of animals as deplorable, and bad business.

• We support USDA’s efforts to reach out to states and industry groups to address this issue.

Use these key points to help you communicate how dairy producers take good care of their animals:

• Dairy cows must be healthy and well cared for in order to produce pure, wholesome milk.

• Dairy cows receive regular medical care, including periodic check-ups, vaccinations and prompt treatment of illness.

• Dairy farmers depend on healthy cows for their livelihood. The public can be assured that dairy farmers care for their herd by providing a nutritious diet, good medical care and healthy living conditions.

• For example, on my farm ... (share personal stories about how you care for your dairy cows).

Related resources
The National Dairy Animal Well-Being Initiative is an industry-wide coalition – comprised of dairy producers, dairy co-ops, animal health care companies, feed companies and others – that launched last year. This year the coalition will announce uniform principles and guidelines to further assure the public that the dairy industry is meeting its ethical obligation for animal well-being. Visit www.DairyWellBeing.org for more information.

Contact your local dairy promotion organization for assistance with media interviews and community relations opportunities: www.dairycheckoff.com

Background on HSUS:
www.activistcash.com/organization_overview.cfm/oid/136

Dairy Farming Today: www.dairyfarmingtoday.org

Beef Quality Assurance: www.bqa.org

Test your answer
Do farmers send “downer” animals into the food supply?

ANSWER: While I cannot speak for other farmers, I can tell you that the activities seen in recent video footage at a meat packing facility are violations of state and federal laws and are not accepted industry practices. I abide by laws stipulating that only healthy animals are allowed into the food supply. Further, I do everything I can to make sure my animals are treated with care while on my farm. Let me tell you what I do on my dairy to care for my animals ... (insert personal examples).