Over my time of blogging for agriculture, I have realized that animal agriculture has a perception problem. For example, many people that are completely supportive of other modern agricultural production methods think that farm animals are widely abused. While we don’t have animals on our farm and it doesn’t directly affect me, I hate to see that my animal farmer friends are so poorly viewed.
To combat some of these misconceptions, I asked animal farmers pertinent questions about animal welfare, animal care, and the intersection of profits. In this 3-part series, you can get some perspective and feedback from actual farmers on these issues. If you want more information, feel free to check out the link after each answer directing you to the farmer’s Facebook page.
What does animal welfare mean to you?
To me, animal welfare means doing the right thing for your animals basic care because it is the right thing to do. Ashley Kennedy, Messy Kennedy, Michigan, Dairy
Animal welfare means that you are making sure all of your animals needs are met. Do they have ample feed? Clean, easily accessible water and shelter with dry bedding? Good animal welfare means you are doing everything in your power to have a healthy animal, living with adequate care. Jodi, Of Kids and Cows, Ohio, Dairy
When I hear “animal welfare”, I think of the ‘welfare’ (well being) and provision for the animals under my care. One of the first things that come to mind is the word RESPONSIBILITY. I have the honor of taking on the responsibility to get to know each animal and their needs and to provide shelter, feed, water and health care for them. Nothing is more satisfying than knowing that when I go to bed each night (myself warmed and fed), that my animals have all the feed and fresh water they need and shelter from the elements. I also think understanding their behavior and therefore interpreting their actions correctly and not humanizing them is fundamentally important in providing the best in care. Angie, Douglas Falls Creamery, Washington, Assorted Animals
To me, animal welfare is making sure the animals are clean, happy and healthy. It is making sure they have a comfortable, dry place to rest, plenty of space to live and a nutritious diet. It is caring for them when they are sick or injured and doing everything possible to help them regain health. It is working with them calmly and kindly. As a dairy farmer, treating animals well is not only the right thing to do, but it is also my job. Annaliese Wegner, Modern Day Farm Chick, Wisconsin, Dairy
Animal welfare is something that farmers practice daily. It means giving the care an animal needs. This is done by looking at the animal’s perspective of what it requires and needs—not what we as humans would want or need. Much of our animal welfare is determined by working closely with our animal care experts and our animal nutritionist. On our farm, both of these individuals are part of our team. Wanda, Minnesota Farm Living, Minnesota, Hogs
Animal welfare on our family farm is number one priority. As their caretakers, it is our responsibility to make sure they have the best life possible while in our care. We have a close working relationship with our veterinarian. The cows get bi-annual visits from our hoof trimmer, a well balanced diet, a consistent schedule, a clean barn & bedding area. Everything we do is focused around animal care which results in nutritious milk to provide for others. Krista, The Farmer’s Wifee, Washington, Dairy
It is a privileged I work with diary cattle and not a right. As a dairy farmer the welfare of my cattle is of the highest priority and part of the reason that I became a dairy farmer is because I enjoy taking care of livestock. To me animal welfare is giving my animals the best life possible. They provide my family with a living so in return I owe them the upmost care. Dairy farmers are in the barn 365 days of the year looking after their cattle and they are milked at least twice a day so we are very attuned their needs and we can address any welfare concerns promptly. Tim May, Farmer Tim, Ontario, Canada, Dairy
I’m sure that the animal farmers care about the animals they care for. If they truly do call themselves animal lovers, they really should put those words into action — and stop genetically manipulating them into meat and other animal ‘product’ producing freaks of nature, and stop cruelly confining them for life…. and most importantly they should stop killing them. What part of being an animal lover, what part of loving someone involves taking their life ?
You are absolutely wrong on the issue. Animals are not confined nor abused. If you are referring to farrowing crates for sows, those are only used during times near and after birthing. This is for the safety of the animal, the farmer and most of all the piglets. What the stupid HSUS won’t tell you is that many sows eat their young!!! Sows are mean vicious animals that would kill you and eat you in a heartbeat. Those piglets should be factored into your equation! It is infuriating for people who have zero knowledge nor experience trying to tell seasoned farmers how to do their jobs!!!
Until you have helped birth, cows, hogs, horses, goats, or any animal, and raised it to be a productive adult, just keep your whining to yourself!! Better yet, come on down and work in the hot house a while!!!!!
Ty,
First of all… the proper term is euthanasia. Law abiding ‘Livestock producers’ only use euthanasia procedures that are set in place by the government. Secondly… animals are only euthanized after they have reviewed the quality of life questions 1) can they walk, 2) get to food, 3) get to water, 4) are they likely to recover in a few days? Only then is the decision made. Please try to remember. Livestock are the producers sole livelihood. Each one lost is a loss to the operation. Euthanasia is the result of deciding quality over quantity of life for each individual. If you had to choose to live a rich and fulfilling life to 60 years or live crippled/painful for 100, would you still choose quantity over quality? And if sending them to market in their healthiest of prime and the eating of livestock, is your problem then take it up with our Lord God Almighty because he, Ty, is the reason for the circle of life. Confinement: sorry but studies prove happy animals grow faster and healthier, thus being more lucrative for business. If livestock is growing fast and healthy in confinement then I’d say they’re pretty content not having the stress of the alternative. Ex: Possible threats of predators, finding food sources, difficult weather conditions is a big one. I’m so sick and tired of people who live their luxurious, pampered lives with shelter over their heads, food on every corner, protection from danger (to some degree) and yet they want the animals to all free range. Outdoors. Hello! So who does it sound like loves animals more? Those who feed and care for hundreds or thousands of animals everyday or those who just want to complain about animals need a more natural life? Huh? Again use your brain…..Quality or quantity?
I spent two years at an Agricultural College. I know what goes on. I participated in this abuse. Do these things to dogs or cats and find yourself in jail, and ostracized from your community.
There is absolute no need whatsoever to continue to genetically manipulate, treat like things, enslave, and confine for life, and kill nonhuman animals.
They wish to live free just as much as you and I do.
In ten years this debate will be moot. Cultured meat will have taken over. You will no longer have to kill others to make your living. Although I’m sure you like to reassure yourself, safe behind the blinders of culture and tradition, in a state of deep self-interested denial that you love these animals, as you take their lives.
I take it Ty is one of these people that thinks keeping any animals for any kind of products is just not acceptable. These animals would not survive in the wild, Ty. They don’t want to be “free.” Caring for them is not abuse.