Dairy Farm Tour - Cow Barn

[Lovelyoldman]

you look after your animals well. They do need lots of exercise

[idoitmovie]

cows produce more milk when they are comfortable so farmers have incentive to treat cows nice. also farmers lose a quality bonus for not having clean milk so farmers do keep barns clean. the only people who criticize dairy farms are people who don't know what they are talking about. i've grown up on a farm and would not disagree with any of this vidio

[AhmedElbayoumi4]

Cleaner more comfortable cows = more profit..

dairy farmers don't hit their cows, we even play music for them in the parlors!!!

[rubytails]

As a dairy farmer that has been to thousands of dairy farms in my state, this video is a fair representation of how dairy cows are really treated. This is a truthful video and I would invite those who are skeptical to visit a dairy farm. I do the best to care for my cows to make sure they are healthy and comfortable.

[kdg5232009]

If this video is "propaganda" so are all the videos trying to expose dairy farms as horrible places. A video can be manipulated either way. I am an animal science student and work at my university's dairy farm. Our farm in managed very similar to what is shown in this video, which shows how many typical dairies are run. If the cows on an operation are not healthy and having all their needs met, they will not be productive- bottom line.

[Gormound9]

I've been researching the dairy industry for a while and I've noticed they are becoming very interested in this type of propaganda.

The male children of dairy cows become veal. The "ladies" themselves are killed and become meat. The industry has every incentive to treat cows as inanimate objects.

There is absolutely no need to consume dairy products. Milk is loaded with pus and fat. Calcium is abundant in the plant kingdom. Don't give these people your money so they can hurt animals.

[Hendrik1293]

@Gormound9 wow dude wow. just wow. do some research on what all dairy products make and how much you actually consume. all food comes from agriculture.

[MargeSimpson20]

There is something quite dramatic about seeing cows in a field at night.

[johnwantling]

These cows do not appear to eat grass. The consequence, there will be pathogens in the milk and it will be dangerous to drink, and so it will then be pasteurised to make it safe. This means dead pathogens will be in this pasteurised milk. Do I want to drink that milk. Not really. These barns are unethical and the farmer needs educating on how to produce good quality milk. The farmer may be happy, but the cows in this barn will be constantly medicated and also very sad animals.

[joeyjojojnr1981]

There have been a few questions asking what happens to the calves. Can a dairy farmer please answer this question.

[kevinwolfe7522]

@joeyjojojnr1981 some farmers keep the calves at the farm to be raised others will send the female calves to a place the specailizes in rasing them and sell the males to a place that will raise them for meat.

[gothesheeep]

How come there was no footage of calves being pampered in this video? Cows make milk for their calves and their calves only after all. Oh wait, the calves were already at the slaughter house getting their throats cut, weren't they. And what happens to the cows when they are too old to produce enough milk? Do they get pampered too? Sure don't! They end up having their throats cut in a slaughter house too. Yeah, those cows sure sound pampered!

[cowsaremypassion]

@gothesheeep As a dairyman’s daughter, I know firsthand the amount of care and dedication dairy farmers provide every single cow on their farm, every single day of the year. I’m really proud of the care farmers give their animals, and the nutritious products their cows produce!

[kevinwolfe7522]

@gothesheeep why in the heck would they send their replacement animals to slaught?

[DontRepYourCity]

This may be off topic, but I wonder what its like to live on a farm or a ranch. I imagine it being better than living in the city. I heard it's less crowded & the air is cleaner.

[dialdairy]

Thank you for sharing this video! As a fourth generation dairy farm, our family cares for our cows just like the video shows. We provide good care for our cows, which enables us to produce a healthy product for consumers. We love the rural lifestyle and are proud to be a part of the agricultural industry. If you have questions about how cows are raised, ask a farmer or visit a farm.

[hastingsdairy]

I’m a proud 3rd generation dairy producer from Ohio and can tell you this video is an accurate representation of U.S. dairy farms. All the dairy farmers I know, regardless of size, take good care of their animals. Our #1 priority is the health and wellbeing of our cows and calves. To learn more about dairy, visit a dairy farm or ask a dairy farmer.

[nutritiongirl62]

Great video. Take time a visit a local dairy farm. Get to know the people that give a new meaning to hardworking and passionate. There are generations of information passed down from family to family and all of the little details are completed each day in order to provide a wholesome, healthful product. These dairy products are important nutrients in our diet and each dairy farmer feels comfortable feeding these products to their families! That says a lot.

[smseifert5]

Dairy farmers such as myself are always making sure our cows get the best care possible. This video does accurately show the hard work and care we put into our animals each day. Please feel free to check out our channel to see cows...that you can't accuse of being prepped.

[OneiroscopeB]

Why are these poor animals tethered? Do they ever see the sun, grass or a real paddock? This is just so cruel for the animals.

[nutritiongirl62]

@OneiroscopeB Living on a dairy farm for an animal is not cruel. Most dairy farmers treat their animals better then some parents treat their children.

[The391956]

@nutritiongirl62

That is so true.

[kevinwolfe7522]

@OneiroscopeB they are not tethered in this video. the thing you probably see on the is a device that identifies the cow. there is a device in the milking parlor that identifies her so the farmer knows how much milk she produces. If there is a sudden drop in production the farmer can have a vet to look at her more closely to see if she is sick plus there are alot more records they can keep with the computer that she is conected to yoo.

[anneforest]

What happens to the calves after they are born? Do they spend time with their mummy? I guess not...

[Fishbowl4QB]

Great video! I felt like I was really out on a dairy farm!

[Fishbowl4QB]

Great video! I felt like I was really out on a dairy!

[brandylovesag]

I would highly suggest that you personally visit a dairy yourself, in order to get the proper conception of the dairy industry. You will be surprised at how much real dairies relate to this video, and I am proud of the industry for doing such a great job and working so hard.

[emevans6102]

It's about time that a youtube video tells the truth. I was born and raised on a dairy farm and I am proud of it. People need to realize that just because you see one bad video doesn't mean that all farms are like that. Our cows are provided with the best feed, the cleanest water and the best environment possible. Throughout the years of bad milk prices, one thing has kept us going: happy cows. In fact, more money has spent on keeping our cows happy in my lifetime than on any of us kids.

[theclad123]

and the cows die 10 years earlier than their normal life expectancy. did you forget to mention that?

[nogerdsurg]

I feel like crying tears of joy. This is how cows should be treated, and the way they should live. God bless you over and over again. This vid was so refreshing, especially after all of the horrible ones I've seen about factory farming. Why can't these types of farms replace the inhumane factory farms where cows never see the light of day, and are cramped, sick, tortured and beaten. You have made my death, God bless you.

[MapiyaKiche]

When the cows have their heads in the metal bars are they able to take their heads out and leave if they want or are their heads stuck there? Please don't think I'm stupid for not knowing but in New Zealand where I live, cows roam free in padocks 24/7 and are not put in barns. Can someone please answer my question becuase it's kind of upsetting me. Thank you!

[cowsaremypassion]

@MapiyaKiche, the housing you see in the video is called a freestall barn. The great thing about this housing is it allows cows to come and go as they please. They can lay down, eat fresh feed, drink clean water and walk around whenever they choose. The metal headlocks you questioned is where the cow will stick her head to get the fresh feed. If the farmer needs to give her extra attention, the headlock will keep her in one place, ultimately protecting her and the farmer. Great question!

[kevinwolfe7522]

@MapiyaKiche they are called head locks. the farmer can lock all of the cows in them. they are tripped when the cow sticks its head in for food. it also makes it easier to seperate cows too. you can keep the one you want to seperate lock in and run the other cows out of the barn then move just that one by itself.

[LoneWolfHowl1]

I watched a video of about how badly some animals are treated in 'Factory Farms', which I found quite distressing.

Its such a relief to see that there are people who don't treat their animals like dirt.

[FFAismylife]

@LoneWolfHowl1 its not all true what you hear on the web in fact farmers pay about 1500 dollars or more just to be able to buy one cow not incluing feed cost and other things it seems to reason that if dairy farmers treated there animals badly why would they pay so much for them!

[chrisfur123]

The people who rely on their animals for a living don’t mistreat them. Admittedly, every industry has its bad apples, but the majority of us treat our livestock with respect and care. A happy animal lives and produces much better than a suffering animal. The science that goes into making cows happy is astounding. No one loves their animals more than farmers.

[Gimmal1492]

One word - Cool! I grew up in the San Joaquin Valley, in California. Though my own family wasn't as close to farming, in my generation, as my family certainly would've been, in my grandparents' generation and previous to then, but I was at least aware of there being a number of diary farms in the area. I think it's great to have a look "behind the scenes", as such - I suppose one can't exactly make milk on a Hollywood movie set, after all >< Thanks for sharing this vid with us!

[mermaidcandy]

My family came to USA from Norway. They were dairy farmers. I salute you for bringing milk to my table. I love milk. Moo, moo.

candy

[ProDairyAndBeef]

I applaud you people. This video shows the truth. Unlike the horrid videos commonly posted by unknowledgeable people, this video just goes to show that their are more farms out their that actually take care of their animals, rather than being abused, like what is so often seen in anti dairy/beef vids.

[sahholsteins1]

It's them dairy that have over 1000 cows that give dariy farming bad name because they care about having more cows not how the cows are managed I own a dairy farm we have 240 cows dairy farming is about cow comfort and milk quality

[lenkedpaul]

.animal liberation NOW!

[kevinwolfe7522]

@lenkedpaul are you one of these animal rights people that think animals shouldnt have any fences? You would change your mined when you have one coming right after you!

[ELkuken]

All these luxuries for the cows must cost a fortune. Kind of weird how cheap milk is.

[morguebabe]

@1:15 Yup looks like TLC there.

[AgrarianTech]

I'm sure you have seen a great deal of videos about dairy farms that show the ugly side of poorly managed farms, but on farms that find value in their animals, the farms do remain clean both in the barn, milking parlors, and on the grounds. No dairy farmer can sell Grade A milk without meeting strict standards. Also, many farms use an open concept expansion barn which allows the cows free roam while protected from the elements. Again, assuming that they are REAL dairy farmers.

[AltairEgo1]

Any controlled grasslands that you let them roam around?

[rafael55]

I wonder how you make a profit with the low prices of milk?

[horseyzozo]

@rafael55 its very difficult to make profit in dairy these days, thats why many farmers are forced to compromise welfare. but if you can streamline your business side then no welfare cuts need to be made.

[kevinwolfe7522]

@horseyzozo if you comprimise cow comfort you lower milk production wich intern lower your profit margine.

[haodi13]

Does Dairy Farm kill old cow when they can not give any milk ?

[cowsaremypassion]

@haodi13 When cows are no longer productive members of the herd, they are sold and add to our food supply as a valuable source of safe and nutritious meat.

[horseyzozo]

@haodi13

yes unfortunately that does happen. im not sure about america, but on my farm in england, our cows live until theyre around 15 to 16 years old, even though at that age they produce much less milk.

[kevinwolfe7522]

@haodi13 yes they do that is the reality of the business. a farmer cant afford to keep cows that dont give milk any more or that dont give enough milk to pay to feed her. It cost $8.00 or more a day to feed a cow.

[smseifert5]

I agree with tbtamartin1: to say all dairies are bad is very unfair. At our dairy, we care for our cows EVERY day, 365 days a year, because they deserve the BEST that we can give them. In fact, thanks to another MN winter, I have just arrived home from working 16 hrs straight, to care for my cows-making sure that their needs come first.....and I know many of my dairy farming neighbors did the same. We give our cows the very BEST that we can.

[VeganButterfly]

The best that you can give them is freedom from exploitation and being treated as property.

[woodyhux]

@VeganButterfly and just what would you do turn them loose ? cows would die as prey to wild animals,sickness,cars etc mabee you should think this thru

[kevinwolfe7522]

@VeganButterfly do you have a dog or cat? they are your property but you sstill give them the best care that you can right?

[tbtamartin1]

As a third generation dairy farmer and mom. I often relate my business with motherhood. The care, devotion, love that you give your children will make them productive and confident adults. With our dairy we use the same concept. There is of course bad apples everywhere but a bad dairy farmer will not be able to make a decent living and can not keep practicing profitably for too long. Saying ALL dairy farmers are dirty and bad is down right prejudice, judgemental and unfair. It's hurtful!

[maximum411]

One word- propaganda.

These dairies were purposely chosen and prepped to look good for this video. Even the best commercial dairies are never this clean, and the worst look like bovine torture camps.

[DairyFarmingToday]

As a member of the Dairy Farming Today team, I want to assure you that dairy farmers take great pride in the care they give their animals. By keeping their animals healthy and safe, and facilities clean, dairy farmers are able to provide us with safe, nutritious dairy products. The dairies featured in these videos maintain the high animal care standards that are shared by dairy farmers across the country.

[maximum411]

But it's not though.

I've seen plenty of dairies, and even at the best dairies, cows are forced to stand in one spot all day staring at a wall and aren't able to see the outdoors for months on end. This is an extremely unpleasant experience for any animal.

And videos like this just show how bad it can get.

[horseyzozo]

@maximum411

im sorry but thats just not true.

[haarstad88]

@maximum411 haha! just visit any dairy farm in the western world all is running by that concept

[BenRichards87]

lol, wow you are clueless. you know what? go to a farm. check it out. you will see that its not what peta says it is. i have been to hundreds of farms through out the midwest. every one cares for its cows. maybe if you would actually go to a farm and talk to a farmer, you would know that the more you care for cows, the more milk they produce. now, there are bad employee's. but they don't last too long on the farm. don't judge something that you know nothing about.

[Saphsavr]

@BenRichards87 ...please try not to use PETA as a standard...watch what's happening now with PETA,,,shame on them...37 pups in garbage bags tossed in dumpsters...Shame on you PETA

[happycows4]

@maximum411 it is sad what a warped idea people like you have about dairy farms . I happen to be a dairy farmer and I must say my cattle are treated better than most people in the world . I will say sad to say some farms do look like dumps and animals are crappy but that is the minority and the public image that leaves is sad cause most farmers love their cows and treat them very well

[carneiro5358]

@maximum411 You could not be more wrong. my cousin in spain runs a dairy farm and this video is really precise. If the cows are treated poorly then they do not produce as much milk. This video is excellent.

[imfarmraised]

@maximum411 yeah i think that the torture camp farms is where the propaganda is.

[AgrarianTech]

@maximum411 I'm sure you have seen a great deal of videos about dairy farms that show the ugly side of poorly managed farms, but on farms that find value in their animals, the farms do remain clean both in the barn, milking parlors, and on the grounds. No dairy farmer can sell Grade A milk without meeting strict standards. Also, many farms use an open concept expansion barn which allows the cows free roam while protected from the elements. Again, assuming that they are REAL dairy farmers.

[gingrichb]

@maximum411 A majority of the modern farms are like what this video shows. The welfare of our animals is extremely important to us dairy farmers. Besides moral reasons, it's in our best interest and the cows' best interest to keep barns this clean and provide the best cow comfort available today to ensure that the cows are in good health and in an optimal environment for them to thrive.

[21min56secs]

@maximum411 there really are good farming companies out there but the stupid thing is many are being bombarded with treats from major companies because it doesn't meet "regulations". many good farms give in and have their produce taken into the system because they can't afford the lawsuit expenses

[21min56secs]

this video doesn't specify whats in the feed. it doesn't have preparing the cows for the cycle such as dehorning or removing the testicles from the male cows. also haven't seen a healthy looking cow like that in years! i wonder who they paid off to use the cows or how long it took to breed normal looking cows..

[miletteriis]

@maximum411 i agree it does look a lot like propaganda... but i dont even think the dairies in this video look good! why are the cows in cages? they need grass... and we haven't even seen them being milked, i bet they're not QUITE as calm as they are here.

[smf85]

@maximum411 that is with out a doubt the dumbest comment on this video...thanks for your input PETA

[burgerg13]

@maximum411 Can I just say, that the most professional videos are those that are made by organizations such as Dairy Farming Today. PETA videos are ridiculously over the top and even sometimes sound staged. Who says that PETA and other organizations didn't find the WORST farms of American and choose to show them? How many actual dairy farms have you been to? I've grown up around dairies all my life and I'm about to major in Agriculture, and I have never stepped in dairy any worse than this.

[bmangenz]

*Cough* "nutritionalists". Never mind that the cows are given hard-feed like corn, which is extremely bad for the cow. It makes the cow grow quickly at the cost haling rumination, increasing the acidity of the digestive fluids and blood, increasing the risk of haemorrhagic bowel syndrome and causes the cows to constipated.

Raising bovines for maximum profit is a balancing act. The idea is to accelerate the animal's growth and keep it at the point between sub-optimal growth and death.

[maximum411]

yeah omnivore's dilemma!!!

[cowsaremypassion]

@bmangenz My family has always been in the dairy industry so I know firsthand the amount of time, dedication & passion that goes into caring for all animals. We work with a nutritionist to create a scientific diet for our cows and routinely test their feed to make sure they receive the nutrients needed to stay healthy & provide wholesome milk. Dairy cows receive a more balanced diet than most humans because of the steps that farmers take to assure their feed is raised, harvested & fed correctly.

[Traveler24]

They are mothers and should be treated that way!!

[cowsaremypassion]

Traveler24, I completely agree that cows should be treated well, on my farm our cows have access to a fresh supply of feed, a barn for protection, comfortable bedding and fresh water. We have the veterinarian out for regular medical exams and work with a nutritionist to provide a well-balanced diet. I encourage you to check out the other videos on the dairy farming today channel, they show all the steps we take to ensure our cows are well cared for to provide safe, nutritious dairy products.

[orbit15]

nice set-up and a positive video explaining the dairy bus. thanks. B

[DairyFarmingToday]

As a member of the dairy farming today team and someone who grew up on a dairy farm, I thank you for watching. These videos show a cross-section of the entire dairy industry. While all dairy operations are managed differently, all farmers have the same dedication to their animals because they in turn provide for us and our families. Im glad you visit local farms (and drink your milk). I encourage everyone to visit a real-life farm to see for themselves what dairy farming is all about.

[Virginiasensomia]

I do not come from a farming backround, but I do my research. These videos are designed to clean up the image of large scale dairy production. The recent documentations of livestock mistreatment has forced the dairy industry to reasure consumers with PR videos like Dairy Farming Today. Personally, I try to get my milk from Smaller family operations near where I live in Virginia. It does not have to be organic either.

[PwnBucket]

I live in virginia as well. I'm a vegan.

Nice to meet you. :P

I just don't think we should be stealing the milk from mother cows. But...other people think we have to have this milk...so....

[kevinwolfe7522]

@Virginiasensomia animal rights people will show the worst of the worst and try to make it look like all dairy farmers are like that so the the good dairy farmes have to come up with something to show what good dairy farmers are like.