National Farmers decries Ohio case of animal cruelty

     AMES, IOWA (May 28, 2010)—After consumers view the Ohio dairy farm video depicting cow cruelty and abuse, most react quickly, and with emotion. It’s no different for dairy farmers.
     “A true dairy farmer would never treat their animals in any way, shape or manner the way the video depicts,” said National Farmers President Paul Olson, a Taylor, Wis. dairy producer. “It’s not only reprehensible behavior, but something hard-working, responsible dairy families find as emotionally disturbing as consumers do.”
     Animal mistreatment is an issue livestock and dairy producers take very seriously. So much so, that new national standards for animal stewardship by the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) have been welcomed by the industry.
     “We know responsible producers take excellent care of their dairy herds, and following the guidelines of the new animal care program, Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) helps consumers understand that,” said Olson. Developed by animal scientists, veterinarians and dairy industry experts, the FARM program contains a comprehensive set of animal care best management practices.
     “In a responsible dairyman’s world, it doesn’t make economic sense to mistreat your animals, not to mention the animal husbandry standards you learn growing up on a farm are 180 degrees different than the case in Ohio,” Paul said. When you view the video, it just breaks your heart.
     National Farmers is a price negotiation and risk management organization for the nation’s dairy, grain and livestock producers.