Warning this post is going to be very controversial and I write it in the knowledge that I risk bringing the wrath of the gods down on me
But as a person who has milk in my veins and has supplied it to 50,000 Australians for their breakfast everyday I have been wanting to write a post like this for a long time and then this video came along and gave me the perfect vehicle
Please watch it here
In the first instance it shows just how naive many people who join animal activists groups can be
In the second instance it asks Animal Activists the question I have been wanting to ask them for years and that is ‘Just what happens to the cows if we stop drinking milk and “set them all free”?
Thirdly I learnt something I didn’t know and that is PETA runs animal welfare shelters and they have killed over 100,000 domesticated animals that have apparently been given ‘sanctuary’ in these shelters.
Yes cow’s milk is for baby cows. Its also the perfect nutrient dense cocktail for human beings and the science tells us having access to this delicious, nutritious staple ( which thanks to Coles is now cheaper than water in this country) is one of the reasons we all have the chance to live into our 80’s
And yes the male of the species is a challenge for the dairy industry in that it doesn’t produce milk. My goodness an industry where the female rules. Heaven forbid.
I can tell you as 6th generation dairy farmer everyday I think of how we can give the best life we can to the male of the species and the answer to that lies in the hands of conglomerates like Coles
When Coles and their counterparts devalue milk and the cows that produce it so its cheaper than water and convince their customers that its all about price and not animal care and the good of the planet – ultimately the life of the baby bull calf is in the hands of those who put $1 milk in their trolleys and fridges.
Then there is this grim reminder of how hard it can be when you let chooks ‘roam free’
Consumers everywhere (and we are all consumers) like it or not its time to think about your definition of “value” when thinking about dairy,eggs and other Australian grown products.
And believe me PETA and Animals Australia et al do not have the answer. Not drinking milk is NOT the best option for cows or the planet or people for that matter.
Ultimately whether we like it or not every 20 years the number of people depending on one farmer will double. Currently 650 people depend on one Australian farmer. Common sense dictates that the answers lie in producers and consumers working together to get the best outcomes for everyone
Excellent, excellent, excellent. Loved the video, and what great presenters.
Something to consider, there are a lot of people out there, who while they feel PETA are absolute nutbags have serious questions about factory farming of pigs and chicken and live export. They are the people farmers have to have a conversation with, without labelling them as animal activists.
Absolutely Beeso totally agree at all levels.
Firstly I imagine most of the people who join organisations like PETA are very well meaning they just haven’t thought about the long term consequences for animals of what they advocate.
Secondly yes there alot of people who don’t join animal activist organisations who have concerns about modern farming practices and as farmers there is nothing more important beyond the farmgate than engaging with these people and having those pivotal two way conversations with the long term aim of a win:win for people, animals and the planet.
Thirdly as anybody who has given it a go knows its very challenging to commercially farm in a world where the majority of consumers readily admit they are only interested in price and convenience.
Lets keep the conversations going and find innovative ways to close the loop and create opportunities for producers and consumers to have pragmatic dialogue about the challenges for farmers and the expectations of consumers and how we can come to agreement
BTW just love your avatar