Dairy farming can be reformed to significantly improve cow welfare through changes in housing, breeding, and calf management while maintaining economic viability.
Dairy farming welfare reform is possible and is being demonstrated in pilot programs and higher welfare farms around the world. Pasture access, which dramatically reduces lameness and enables natural behavior, is required in organic certification and implemented on many conventional farms as well. Extended cow-calf contact programs that allow calves to nurse for weeks or months are being piloted and show welfare benefits for both animals. Selective breeding away from extreme milk production toward healthier animals reduces health problems. These changes often come with costs but many can be recovered through premium pricing, reduced veterinary costs, and improved longevity.