Farmer attitudes toward livestock sentience significantly influence on-farm welfare outcomes. Research into the social and cultural factors shaping these attitudes informs more effective welfare interventions.
Farmer attitudes to animal sentience are not simply a matter of individual belief — they are shaped by professional culture, economic pressures, regulatory environment and social norms within farming communities. Research consistently shows that positive attitudes toward animal sentience correlate with better welfare outcomes, and that interventions targeting attitudes rather than just knowledge or regulation produce more durable welfare improvements. The most effective approaches are those that work with farming culture rather than against it — framing welfare improvements as expressions of good stockmanship, demonstrating economic co-benefits, and using respected peer farmers as change agents. Veterinary professionals who are trusted advisors on farm represent a particularly valuable channel for welfare influence.