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Myth: As farms have become more industrialized, dairy cows are considered mere units of production, and are often treated inhumanely by those who work with them.

Fact: Dairy farmers, regardless of their farms’ size, depend on healthy cows for their livelihood.
  • Many dairy farmers, like other business owners, continuously improve their on-farm management practices, including animal care, to support their families and to provide the public with high-quality and affordable dairy products. 

  • According to the USDA, of the nearly 55,000 dairy farms in America today, most are smaller farms with less than 200 cows.  The vast majority (98%) of dairy farms – big and small – are family owned and operated.


  • Nutritious diets, healthy living conditions and good medical care are among the many animal welfare practices routinely used by dairy farmers. 


  • Cow comfort is important to dairy farmers because a comfortable cow will give more milk.  Dairy farmers provide clean, dry bedding to their cows and access to food and water 24 hours a day.

  • Dairy is one of the most regulated and inspected industries in agriculture.


  • Want to learn more? Click here to view our fact sheets about life on the farm.

 


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