Dairy

Buy organic

Organic dairy farming encourages better welfare and better breeding in dairy cattle to reduce problems like lameness and mastitis.

Currently, only Soil Association organic and own label Tesco and M&S milk ensures that the male dairy calves have not been exported on long journeys to continental veal farms.

While there is no guarantee that male dairy calves have not been shot at birth, some supermarkets like Tesco and M&S have begun joining up their beef farmers with their dairy farmers so that male dairy calves can be reared on as part of their beef supply. This is really positive and should be supported but as yet there is no ‘calf friendly’ label on milk or dairy products.

Organic also encourages better welfare and better breeding in dairy cattle to reduce problems like lameness and mastitis in the herd.

When you're eating out, remember the milk in your coffee or the cheese in your sandwich is unlikely to be organic unless it says so on the menu. Talk to the manager and see if they are willing to change their dairy supplier so that bull calves are not shot at birth or exported to the continent.

Find out more about cows and their calves here.