Ever wonder where you milk comes from? I got a chance to find out last week when I visited a dairy farm in Western Wisconsin and met 100 hard working dairy farming women.
Having only the media view of “factory” farming, I was firmly on the organic/free range/family farm side of the argument. I have to say my view has changed – still need more info, but it isn’t as black and white as I thought. I visited a dairy farm with more than 800 cows — which is huge. It is run by a family (2 brothers and their wives) and some hired help (total of 12 people I think). They’d like to have more help, but can’t afford them with the low milk prices.
I had assumed “confined” cows would be unhappy cows, dirty cows, sad — but I was wrong. Over the hour-long tour, our host constantly talked about “cow comfort” from the different types of bedding to how the feed was presented. They invest in various types of fans and misters to keep them cool – they even had motion sensitive back scratching machines for the cows. It was a bit like uncomfortable to watch one cow use it — she seemed to be REALLY enjoying it.
As anyone who has breast fed knows, if the mom is stressed or uncomfortable, the milk doesn’t flow. I hadn’t considered this concept in regard to dairy cows, but it makes sense. From that perspective, it seems ridiculous that a business person would set up a situation where conditions would limit production. No, indeed this farm was all about making the cows happy.
Our host talked about his routine and it was obvious how hard they work – long hours – and they are struggling to make a profit.
With their cute little kids running around it is hard to believe this was what Time Magazine calls a “soulless” operation.
Anyway, here’s what I’ve learned:
- The farmers I met are VERY busy, care deeply, and deserve our respect.
- There’s more to this issue than I ever imagined.
- I don’t know enough yet — it is time to get more information and start really understanding where our food comes from.
I suspect there is more than one right answer and the people who are most qualified to help me understand are the people working hard to produce our food.
So, farmers out there, please help me out!
- What should I know that I don’t?
- What do I think I know, that is just plain wrong?
- What should I be reading?
- Who should I rely on for good, unbiased, information?
I talk all the time about “grow foods” and making healthy choices. It is time for me to really understand what that means. Please make a comment below and help me share the best information with the people I serve. Thanks!
To the busy women I serve, get yourself and your family out to a working farm and see where your food is produced. Become an informed consumer and support the people working hard to put food on your table.
Get more valuable information in Eliz’s new book, The Busy Woman’s Guide to a Healthy Heart, or in her Award Winning Blog.
Eliz Greene survived a massive heart attack while seven-months pregnant with twins, struggled to lose the 80 pounds gained during her pregnancy, and searched for a way to hold on to the perspective and passion she found in her near-death experience. Drawing on her background as an adaptive movement specialist, Eliz developed simple strategies and tips to help other busy women be more active, eat better and manage your stress.
As the Director of the Embrace Your Heart Wellness Initiative, Eliz travels the country energizing and inspiring audiences in keynotes and workshops on women’s heart health. She writes one of the top 100 health and wellness blogs. Find more at www.EmbraceYourHeart.com.
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Thank you for taking time to look for the truth! As you can see, those of us in agriculture truly appreciate being heard! You compared breastfeeding to milking cows– that is exactly right! There is a saying that cows are the “Foster Mothers of the Human Race,” and farmers do truly treat them with the love and respect of mothers! Kudos for looking for the real story and thank you so much for sharing it!
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you- from the all the family dairy farms in California!!! We appreciate you sharing the true dairy life to all of your readers!
If more people would be WILLING to recognize that farmers are the world’s first environmentalist, there would be less to fight about in the Ag world. Farmers (dairy, row-crop, orchard, vine, etc…) are dedicated stewards of the land and all her resources. Without quality soil and plentiful clean water, the farming industry cannot put food on your table or clothes on your back. Educate yourselves, think for yourselves and be proud of yourselves for having done so.
Way to go, Eliz! I am so glad you took the time to see what life on the “factory farms” is all about. Most people just believe the propoganda they see on TV.
Yes, we want the best for our animals and land. We want food to be healthy and abundant. We want the freedom to run our business. And, yes, we want to make a profit while we are at it. I grew up on a dairy and am so glad my kids are experiencing the same lifestyle that I had as a kid. They are learning to work hard, respect and take care of the gifts God gave us, and to aprreciate the “milk” of our labor.
As a former milk, yogurt and cheese lover I can tell you how I understand everyone’s need to avoid some other truths about the dairy industry… True, the cows may be happy “confined”; yet comfortable – Certainly, they would love fields of grass and sunshine better – But, they are “giving” milk – nonetheless. Still, even as severe as war conditions can be… The Nazi occupation and concentration camps as an example… Those nursing mothers who were used for other purposes such as experimentation – and were allowed to keep their babies – still gave milk under the most horrific conditions. I think biology has more to do with it than what we can give credit to as “happiness”.
Also, I think it’s so sad that these beautiful cows are sent to make hamburger at such an early age… After all, they are only teenagers when they are sent to slaughter – usually crippled and “unproductive”.
And it’s a pity that they are impregnated every year or so – to only have their calves torn from them – As I understand some will bellow and cry for days… Sometimes the calves they mourn for are already ground and packaged as “bob veal” – or are at least tethered to their tiny space in line for their turn to become some other packaged variation.
No… Many can say these animals are “happy” and that it’s a “good life” – but surely, upon closer inspection these are all very tragic circumstances. And all without necessity for goodness knows, no icecream cone can be worth this amount of suffering.
I don’t expect you will post this – or at least leave it up for too long… You have a 100% thumbs up on the dairy industry comments. I’m sure you wouldn’t want to spoil it all with some sour truth about milk. Thank you anyway for allowing me to state my view.
Bea, thank you for taking the time to post your comment. I am posting it because I invited people to share their thoughts. What I asked is to be better informed about where my food comes from – I’m interested in all voices even if they challenge my opinions.
Congratulations to you for choosing to get the facts for yourself and not just go on what others say. There are many farms and farm families (98% of all farms in the U.S. are owned by families, family partnerships or family corporations) that would gladly share their operations with you and let you look at other industries other than just dairy, such as poultry, swine and beef cattle.
We do work long, hard hours on our ranch but we love being outside, with our families and caring for our land and livestock. We couldn’t imagine a better life for our kids than learning about the cycle of life and our responsibility to care for God’s creations.
Regarding Bea’s comments, I believe her reference to Nazi camps is not only incorrect (how do you know about the quality and quantity of milk produced by those women?), it is incredibly disrespectful to the people that had to suffer that unthinkable torture. Our animals are NOT tortured. All of their needs are met including shelter, water, and a diet that is scientifically balanced to meet all of their dietary needs – hence the lack of obesity in farm animals!! We do work hard to provide for the needs of our animals – you can call this “happiness” or meeting their needs, but they simply do not do as well in situations that challenge their health – blizzards for our cattle that have to be outside, extreme heat in the summer, inadequate pasture due to drought. We work hard and spend much of our income to continually improve our facilities to better care for these creatures. When the time comes, they give their lives so that humans can receive nutrition, life-saving pharmaceuticals and clothing rather than allowing them to suffer and die while we attempt to find a way to dispose of their carcass. Everything lives, Everything dies and Death with a purpose, gives full meaning to life.
We will continue to work hard and make the best use of the resources that we have to feed the ever-growing population of this world. If people choose not to eat animal products, that is fine but there are millions of starving people, even in our own country, that need us to be as efficient and diligent as we can so that we may feed the world. That is our calling and we are up to the challenge!
I appreciate your willingness to travel to a working operation and learn more, especially as 4th generation rancher in Arizona. I think it is important to hear from the producers themselves as you are doing. Also to note that science based facts our agriculture industry uses. We try extremely hard and put a lot of money into 3rd party research so when we explain nutrition to consumers it isn’t based on emotions. If there is anyone reading this and would like to learn more about production agriculture in Arizona I invite you to contact me at my blog and I would gladly help you learn more!
I feel so sorry for Bea, she obviously has not had the opportunity to visit a farm like you have. We farm because we love the animals, on a per hour basis we all make less than any hourly wage earner you know and today dairy farmers are losing their years of equity and many are losing their farms because the cost of production is less than the payment received. I talk with people who raise their chickens free range and speak of losing whole flocks to coyotes, dogs and coons, and organic producers who have to sell an animal that gets sick and need to be treated for a respiratory infection or injury..and this is the type of production some food fadists think is good for the animals? It is the goal of some out there today to stop the use of all animals, food, research or entertainment, it is only through those of you that see for yourselves that we can combat their lies…
Thank you for taking the time (from your obviously busy schedule) to visit the Wisconsin farm and for being willing to challenge your own perceptions on modern food production.
You asked producers what you should know. I work with and have come to know many American farmers, especially livestock producers. It pains them to see how their life’s work and passion for farming is conveyed to the public through blatant lies and twisted statistics by those to wish to disparage American agriculture. Perhaps the most damaging has been the Humane Society of the United States. The general public believes this organization is the same as their local dog and cat shelter. Most have no idea that the goal of HSUS is to abolish animal agriculture in the U.S. PETA is someone less threatening because their extreme activism is at the forefront of their tactics. Conversely, the “mainstream” perception of HSUS, along with their incredibly large budget, is a real threat to animal agriculture and has many producers concerned.
Thank you for being a voice of reason in the fear-fueled campaign against modern agriculture. I am convinced, if it was possible for each American to see modern livestock operations, like you did, we wouldn’t have this problem. They would realize, as you did, that our farmers are stewards of the land, take their moral obligation to their animals to their communities very seriously, and take a lot of pride in feeding the world with wholesome, safe, and nutritious products.
Thank you for sharing your story!
Just found these two sites today that may have info and discussions you are looking for:
http://www.ilovefarmers.org/
http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/knowyourfarmer?navid=KNOWYOURFARMER
Thanks for the great links!
this particular farm may have had more conscientious operators but it does not represent all industrial agriculture. the conditions for most animals raised in massive industrial settings remain horrific.
Zach, I wish you had been more informative in your comment. Have you visited a farm where the conditions were as you describe? I’ve met many farmers and haven’t met one yet that doesn’t deeply care about the animals in their charge. Have you, personally, had a different experience?
Eliz,
First, I want to thank you for your willingness to share your new found perspective. It can be difficult to not only alter your perceptions about an issue, but also to share your new opinion.
I know that you review your posts before they are publicized. I understand this response is long, feel free to post it in its entirety, only the informational portion, or not at all.
As a seventh generation agriculturalist (both sides of my family is involved in many aspects of farming), I am personally compelled to respond not only to the request for information, but also to counter some points in previous posts.
Biology does have a lot to do with the amount and quality of milk a dairy cow produces. The dairy industry invests thousands of research dollars (and hours) into discovering optimal conditions to maximize production. “Happy” cows have the most potential to maximize their biological ability to produce milk.
To dispel some of the myths, dairy COWS are not slaughtered at an early age. Also, cattle, including dairy cows, are not usually “crippled” or “unproductive” when slaughtered. I know this from personal experience. I have been to packing plants; I have seen it first hand. The animals entering our nation’s food system are healthy and very much “productive.”
Every baby, regardless of species, must be weaned. Much research has been conducted to find the optimal time for weaning and the best method to reduce separation stress for both the cow and the calf. As for the calves, many are moved to “stocker” operations where they are grass fed for several months…in the “sunshine.”
So to recap the “tragic circumstances,” dairy cows have thousands of people working toward maximizing their comfort. Yes, there are some “bad apples” out there, as with any industry. But the dairy that you visited is NOT abnormal. The condition for many animals in American agriculture is as optimal as the farmer can make it. Farmers care deeply for their land, their animals, and their way of life.
Some will say this is still industrialization. To those people I ask: Why would a dairy farmer invest finances in a farm and a herd if there were no profit to be made? They have to feed their families. Unfortunately, “profit” for farmers is not a paycheck at the end of the week. Farmers invest their lives in their operations and there is no blueprint for success. Every farm is different and thousands face bankruptcy every year. There is nothing lazy or greedy about farmers getting up before the sun and going to bed after. They work long, difficult hours because they love what they do. They are the original “work-aholics.” There are no hobbies, benefit packages, or early retirement for farmers; just cows to feed.
For more information on today’s world of agriculture check out these resources:
On Facebook, the Animal Agriculture Alliance fan page can provide a lot of information and links. Be sure to check out the AAA’s “favorite pages.” These pages cover a wide spectrum of issues in agriculture.
For an EXCELLENT web site on the journey your food takes to get to your plate, check out Feedstuffs Food Link at http://www.feedstuffsfoodlink.com/ME2/Default.asp.
To read commentary on the importance of spreading the message of agriculture, visit Advocates for Agriculture blog at http://advocatesforag.blogspot.com/2009/07/dealing-with-misinformation.html.
For dairy-specific perspectives, check out the Facebook fan page “The Wife of a Dairyman” and this dairy farm informational video available through YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJRy82i8e5Q.
Eliz, I hope you find this information useful. Once again, thank you for keeping an open mind and informing yourself!
-Laici
Thank you Laici for your wonderful and informative comment. I’m pleased to include all of it! I feel like I’m learning more all the time – but that seems to lead to more questions. I guess at this point I know enough to know I don’t know enough — and I’ll keep learning! Thanks again!
Thank YOU for taking a look at an industry that CARES about their animals.I can’t tell you how much we love our “girls” in just a few words,but they are totally with personality and character! Cows are awesome! I can vouch that most dairymen take better care of their cows than alot of people do their pets!!
Thanks,you did a great job and anytime you want to tour some more farms,let me know!!
Bea,
Unfortunately, you seem to be missing the points about what really happens. The amount of milk women produce when they are not receiving adequate nutrition and water is diminshed. Our dairy farmers who want to make a profit are surely not withholding food, nutritional supplements and water.
I can assure you that most of the cows do not bawl for days when separated from a calf. The majority are not crippled teenagers when they go to slaughter. The teenage years of a cow are before she has her first calf which is usually about two years old. The majority of them make it through five cycles of milking and calving before they go to market. If they are crippled, they cannot even go to the market. They have to be able to walk freely.
One more thing for the author, not all farms will welcome guest because of the need to prevent disease or because of insurance, or its their busy season with cows neeeding attention. Please do not make assumptions if someone is unable to host a visitor, just ask if they know someone who does host visitors.
Zach,
I am concerned that you indicate there is a pervasive problem and yet you do not give details to indicate that you personally witnessed such horrific conditions. I have been in dairy my entire life and have seen very few that are not managing well. One of them was a man who had just been hospitalized with a life threatening problem. He and his wife were the only ones running the farm, so while he was hospitalized she was trying to keep up. We were there to purchase the cows because they could not manage his health and the farm. Incidentally, it was not a large scale farm, it was a small family farm.
Can you provide some evidence for your comments.
Eliz
From a Clifornian who supports dairy farmers’ efforts to grow more nutrient dense forages for their dairy herds, a BIG THANK YOU for your open minded attitude to learning more and your humility about what it is you don’t yet understand. AMAZING!
This facebook group may be of interest to you as you search for new understandings of the complexities surrounding this issue.
http://www.facebook.com/Farm2U?ref=nf
Eliz –
I really enjoyed hearing your presentation Sunday in WI. I have learned to juggle my balls a bit better in recent years, but also recognize taking care of “me” is usually not one of them. Thank you for giving me more to think about. And thank you for sharing your farm experience. I have come to appreciate the fact that farming enjoys great diversity, but the farmers share a core value, and that is their dedication and compassion to their livelihood, land and animals. Donna
I agree with your details, fantastic post.
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