Dairy farming - are there any ethical options for us??

[fi1980]

Hi

I've just read a horrible article about the terrible truth of dairy farming. I guess I have always wondered what went on, how cows kept producing milk, what happened to their calves etc but I never really questioned it too much. I think I chose not to question it earlier because I knew the truth would upset me... well now it has

So what can I do?? I've tried to find information on ethical dairy farming but can't seem to find much at all and I'm wondering if anyone knows of any small dairys that may have a more ethcial approach to dairy 'farming'. It's becoming much easier for people to access free range meat & eggs but what about cows milk and cheese products?

I wont lie.... I love milk!!! So it will be hard for me to give up which is why I'm wondering if there are any more ethcial options.

I hope someone can help me!

Thanks,
Fi

[Malyna]

Perhaps organic and biodynamic dairy products are an option?

[STARRYSKY]

Im in SA and always try to buy this brand, it can be hard to get, http://www.bdfarmpariscreek.com.au/organic.html
I found this site, http://www.ethical.org.au/company/?company=77, might help?

[Artechim]

Can you tell me what is unethical about dairy farming?

[fi1980]

Thanks for the suggestions Maylna and Starrysky, I will look into those!

Artechim, have a read of the article I have attached it gives a good overview of the industry.

http://www.smh.com.au/environment/an...128-1a7tb.html

[*Ash*]

You could try dairy alternatives like soy milk and rice milk.
It is not necessary to consume dairy to obtain calcium. Other sources of calcium include almonds, legumes, leafy greens and tahini. Most soy and rice milks are calcium fortified.

BTW that is a great article in SMH. Have you seen the video on YouTube? It's very distressing. I don't know how the industry can argue that it is ethical for a newborn calf to be denied food for 30 hours, let alone be taken from their mother shortly after birth.

[luna moth]

I don't know how the industry can argue that it is ethical for a newborn calf to be denied food for 30 hours, let alone be taken from their mother shortly after birth.

Organic and biodynamic dairy doesn't stop those ^^ practices from happening. Organic/biodynamic means it's better for the land, but doesn't take into consideration the treatment of the animal.

Giving it up isn't that hard. Once you get past the first six weeks, it gets easier and easier.