“If not appropriately handled, animal welfare concerns could threaten the long-term viability of several livestock industries. Even though the industries operate within their legislated requirements, there is a real risk they could lose public acceptance.”
This excerpt reportedly from a brief by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Department for the incoming Minister Ludwig makes sense. Farmers don’t have a monopoly on caring about animals and everyone has a right to feel comfortable that the food they’re eating is ethical. At the moment, much of that is based on trust that we farmers will do the right thing but when that trust is sufficiently shaken, Aussies will understandably demand that we are made to do the right thing.
In the wake of the Indonesian cruelty revelations, who could blame urban Australians for asking more questions about animal welfare, whether at the abattoir on the farm? Rather than being defensive about farming practices, I think it’s time to open the “farm gates” and show everyone what really goes on so they can judge how we are doing for themselves.
The Milk Maid Marian 
Too right Marian
Families can be confident that reponsible Australian farmers are dedicated to producing affordable and nutritious and ethicallty produced food and clothing
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There are many agendas surrounding farming and animal welfare. I truly believe education is part of the key. We rely on farmers – they are the key to our survival! In a world where so many people have no idea where their food comes from, there is so much scope for misinformation. Being reactionary will not fix problems, but having open and honest conversations
between consumers and those in Primary Industries sure goes a long way.
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Hi Marian
Apologies if you have addressed this question elsewhere. I have only recently come across your blog and so haven’t been able to go through all your posts as yet (have enjoyed what I’ve read thus far however!).
You obviously take great care in looking after your animals and while you do this by choice, I was wondering whether or not there are requirements imposed on all Devondale farmers, as a cooperative, for the treatment of their animals? More specifically; are cows required to have access to pasture and grazing land? Do any bobby calves get sent overseas? And, I know your produce is milk, but I was wondering whether you knew whether or not the butter produced by Devondale was done so on Australian soil?
Sorry for the bombardment of questions, I just couldn’t find much information on the mgc website.
Any help or links to information would be great!
Thank you
Christy
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Hi Christy,
Thanks for reading the blog and for your questions!
Our farm no longer supplies the Murray Goulburn Co-op, which makes Devondale, and of course I can’t speak for it.
But, I might be able to help with some more general answers.
To my knowledge, there is no Australian requirement for cows to spend time outside but there are only a handful of Australian dairy farms that are fully housed. They are so rare, farmers go on bus trips to see them.
I don’t think bobby calves are sent overseas, no. There are strict welfare guidelines that apply specifically for them, which you can read at http://www.dairyaustralia.com.au/~/media/Documents/Animal%20management/Animal%20welfare/Calf%20welfare/DACaringForBobbyCalves_www.pdf.
Yes, Devondale butter is made in Australia from Australian milk. You can read more about Devondale at http://www.devondale.com.au/
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