What’s in a Label: Animal Welfare Certifications
Animal welfare is increasingly on the radar of today’s shoppers, and that’s a great thing because it’s top of mind for livestock and poultry farmers too.
Animal welfare is increasingly on the radar of today’s shoppers, and that’s a great thing because it’s top of mind for livestock and poultry farmers too.
Dairy farmers use technology to help their farms be more efficient and to keep their cows comfortable. From back-scratchers to fitbits, technology improves animal care on dairy farms!
In honor of Turkey Lover’s Month, I’d like to share some insights I learned from visiting a turkey farm and a cranberry bog.
As a student studying animal agriculture and science at a diverse university, I have found that one question takes prevalence over all others regarding dairy: “Why do dairy farmers take the baby calves away from their mothers?”
Farmers and ranchers are using technology to improve animal health, welfare, reproduction, record keeping and much more.
Bread, batteries and bottled water vanish from supermarket shelves; lines snake around gas stations as people top off their tanks; and plywood covers windows. This is what many do when a severe storm is on the way. But how do farmers prepare for hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, wildfires and other extreme weather events?
Farmers are dedicated to the health and well-being of their animals. So when the weather gets hot and humid, they take many steps to ensure their livestock are happy and healthy!
As children build snowmen and parents curse the wind while clearing snow off their vehicles, farmers and ranchers are making sure their animals stay comfortable.
As I took the time to think of all the reasons I’m grateful for farmers, I realized most of them centered around the sacrifices farmers make in putting others – especially their livestock – before themselves.
Some children grow up in the suburbs, others in the big city, some live in large mansions, others in small apartment buildings, but I believe I had the best place of all to grow up.