Dairy farming has undergone significant welfare reforms over recent decades, with ongoing progress on key issues including calf welfare, lameness, and cow longevity.
Dairy welfare improvement demonstrates that commercial farming and welfare progress are compatible when economic incentives align and industry leadership exists. Measurable progress on mastitis, lameness, and longevity shows what is achievable. Remaining challenges including calf welfare, heat stress, and transition disease require continued focus. Consumer, retailer, and producer collaboration can accelerate progress across all welfare domains.