Adverts such as this paint an incorrect picture of the UK dairy industry and dishearten the nation’s dairy farmers, for whom the health, welfare and care of dairy cows and calves is incredibly important.
About half of our beef production comes from the dairy herd – a vital source of both calves for prime beef production and cow beef. For calves to reach their potential they need to be happy and healthy, whether the future is within the dairy herd or within the beef supply chain.
Nearly all British dairy farms are Red Tractor assured which means they are inspected against animal health and welfare, environmental and food safety standards. It also means they comply with specific standards, for calves and cows. This includes calves having visual and tactile contact with other calves.
Dairy farmers have had a horrendous two years of sustained low milk prices and we are grateful for the fantastic support we have received from the British public. Shoppers can be confident in dairy products displaying the Red Tractor logo and we urge them to continue to back and value British dairy farming.
Michael Oakes
NFU dairy board chairman and dairy farmer