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 Certified Professional Consultant, you verify 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 Verification can be conducted by the milk market field staff, nutritionist or a licensed veterinarian, who will identify and score the dairy in areas including locomotion, cleanliness and hygiene, and body conditioning.
  • 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 and Premium Plus Verification Processes both prioritize improvements if needed and identify the veterinarian's expertise in animal wellbeing as the leader in educating the producer and employees.
What is the difference between Premium and Premium Plus?

Response:

The enrollment or first step into the Voluntary Verification Process is the Premium Program on your dairy.

The Premium Process serves as the spring board to the Premium Plus Process. The producer's desire and interest to nurture an attitude of quality and demonstrate high animal well being standards can only be achieved with the Premium Plus Verification status.

How are verifications arranged?

Response:

Verifications are arranged by contacting the Dairy Quality Center either directly by the producer or through a milk market field representative or 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

What is the cost?

Response:

Efforts to reduce costs plus corporate support keep the fees minimal. Registration fees are typically $25/herd plus 10¢/cow in the milking string. Some milk markets make special adjustments to meet their needs.