Animal Welfare & Humane Standards

What Are Animal Welfare Standards?

Animal welfare standards are guidelines and requirements for the care and treatment of farm animals. They address housing, handling, nutrition, health care, and end-of-life practices. Standards come from multiple sources—regulatory requirements, industry programs, third-party certifications, and customer specifications—and increasingly influence market access and public perception of dairy farming.

Why Welfare Matters

Beyond the ethical imperative to care for animals properly, animal welfare has significant business implications:

• Market access: Major buyers increasingly require welfare certifications
• Consumer trust: Public concern about animal treatment affects dairy's reputation
• Performance: Well-cared-for animals are more productive and efficient
• Employee retention: Workers prefer jobs where animals are treated well
• Regulatory environment: Proactive welfare practices may prevent restrictive regulations

Key Welfare Standards and Programs

FARM Animal Care Program

The National Dairy FARM (Farmers Assuring Responsible Management) Program is the industry's primary welfare program. Most dairy cooperatives and processors require participation. The program includes:

• Second-party evaluations every three years
• Annual farm assessments
• Mandatory corrective action for non-conformances
• Continuous improvement requirements

Certified Humane

Third-party certification from Humane Farm Animal Care. Specifies detailed standards for space, shelter, handling, and care. Annual inspections and certification fees required. Provides consumer-facing labeling.

Animal Welfare Approved

Third-party certification emphasizing pasture-based systems. Higher space and outdoor access requirements. Prohibits certain practices. Annual audits required.

Global Animal Partnership

Five-step rating system from minimal to most stringent requirements. Primarily used in beef but expanding to dairy. Step ratings communicate different welfare levels to consumers.

Organic Standards

USDA Organic includes some animal welfare requirements—outdoor access, living conditions, and restrictions on physical alterations. New Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards strengthen these requirements.

Core Welfare Areas

Housing and Comfort

• Adequate space for movement and rest
• Appropriate bedding and lying surfaces
• Proper ventilation and temperature control
• Access to feed and water
• Clean, dry conditions

Nutrition

• Adequate feed quantity and quality
• Continuous access to clean water
• Body condition appropriate for stage of production
• Nutritional management during transition periods

Health Care

• Preventive health programs
• Prompt treatment of illness and injury
• Pain management for procedures
• Appropriate euthanasia when needed
• Veterinary relationship

Handling

• Low-stress handling techniques
• Facilities that enable safe movement
• Training for all handlers
• Prohibition of abuse and neglect

Transportation

• Fit-for-transport determination
• Appropriate loading and unloading
• Rest, water, and feed during long hauls
• Non-ambulatory animal protocols

Implementing Welfare Standards

Assessment

Start by evaluating current practices against relevant standards. Identify gaps and prioritize improvements based on animal impact and feasibility.

Training

All farm personnel should understand welfare expectations and proper techniques. Include welfare training in new employee orientation and ongoing education.

Documentation

Maintain records of health treatments, animal movements, and welfare-related activities. Documentation demonstrates compliance and supports continuous improvement.

Continuous Improvement

Welfare standards evolve, and programs expect ongoing improvement. Regularly review practices and look for opportunities to enhance animal care.

Cost Considerations

FARM Program participation is typically required by milk buyers and included in cooperative membership. Third-party certifications involve annual fees ($500-3,000+) plus audit costs ($1,000-3,000). Infrastructure improvements for welfare may require significant capital investment depending on current conditions. Many welfare improvements—better cow comfort, reduced stress—provide ROI through improved performance.