How Dairies Are Verified

How do producers demonstrate responsible animal care?

Response:
Consumers want to know the truth--dairy producers have to provide dairy animals with the utmost care in order for the cows to provide an abundant supply of wholesome milk.

Producers provide:

  • Food and water
  • Clean areas to rest
  • Shelter from the sun and environment
  • Healthcare when needed
  • Biosecurity programs to prevent diseases
The Dairy Quality Center assists producers uphold and document animal wellbeing standards used on their dairies. As a DQ Center Certified Professional Consultant, the veterinarian verifies for the DQ Center that a producer is being responsible.

What is a voluntary verification process?

Response:
  • The dairy seeks their milk market representative or their licensed veterinarian to assess and verify their animal wellbeing practices on their dairy.
  • The Premium Plus Verification process is implemented with the licensed veterinarian and dairy manager to identify and guide improvement based on science and educational resources.
  • The Premium Plus Verification Processes prioritizes pre-harvest improvements when needed. The veterinarian's expertise in animal wellbeing, and as the leader in educating the producer and employees, is essential.
How are verifications arranged?

Response:

Verifications are arranged by contacting the Dairy Quality Center either directly as the producer or through a milk or dairy beef market field representative or as a veterinarian.

Contact Information:
801 Shakespeare Avenue
PO Box 497
Stratford, IA 50249
Phone: (515) 838-2793
Phone: (800) 553-2479
FAX: (515) 838-2788
e-mail: info@agri-ed.com

Is there a cost?

Response:

Yes and no. Arranging audits, training auditors, recording data, and interpreting data require fees. These fees are kept to a minimum and usually are based upon a per head in the milking string - - 10¢/cow/year for example.

Other expenses are normally shared by the dairy beef or milk market, the food retailer, and by the producer.

In actual practice the investment dollars are shared by the entire beef or milk industry.