NOT SO SUPER DAIRY

Published 03/03/2010

Compassion in World Farming and WSPA have united to oppose the plans for Britain's biggest factory dairy farm.

Compassion in World Farming and WSPA believe that this proposed development represents the industrialisation of a traditionally pasture-based system. The cows will be kept indoors for most of the year. They have been bred to produce more milk than can be sustained on grass without suffering from a range of health and welfare conditions such as lameness, poor body condition and infertility, with a likelihood of early slaughter.

Suzi Morris, Director for WSPA UK said: "Cows at this level of productivity are at high risk of a short lifespan. Even if these problems can be avoided by professional management, the cows are likely to be kept indoors for most of the year and spend most of their time processing food to maintain high levels of milk production. We need to find a better way to support Britain's dairy farmers to deliver larger quantities of milk to the consumer without sacrificing welfare standards. WSPA is concerned that if Nocton's planning proposal is approved, it opens the floodgates for intensive dairy farming."

Phil Brooke, Welfare Development Manager for Compassion in World Farming, said: "This application would represent a serious leap in the industrialisation of dairy farming in this country. The breeds of cows chosen should be able to sustain production on pasture without health and welfare problems. We urge the authorities to carefully consider the implications for UK dairy farming and to refuse permission for this development".

Compassion in World Farming and WSPA believe that dairy production must have a balance which provides a good free-range life for cows and a decent living for small dairy farmers. Consumers should look for organic milk, cheese and butter and ask their supermarkets not to stock dairy products from cows prevented from grazing.