Most farmers doing better with animals

DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle.

DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle says cruel and illegal practices are not in any way condoned or accepted by the industry as part of dairy farming.

"The vast majority of farmers care about their animals and we are committed to farming to very high standards.

"DairyNZ works closely with the wider industry in the management of bobby calves, including the transport sector, meat processors and dairy companies, as well as Federated Farmers and MPI."

Mr Mackle said the video released by Farmwatch shows some footage of transport companies and their workers, as well as some unacceptable behaviour by farmers of dragging calves.

"Last year we saw footage of abhorrent treatment and cruelty of calves at a pet food processing plant. This footage of calves being passed and loaded on to trucks is nothing like that footage, and cannot and should not be compared.

"While some of the handling is rougher than we would like, the workers appear to be following the accepted practice of loading calves by rolling them rear end first.

"Despite perception, this is the best way to prevent calves from stepping back out of the truck and causing themselves harm."

New regulations in August next year will address this, requiring farmers to have loading platforms, reducing the requirement to lift.

"Many farmers have already taken steps to put loading facilities in place well ahead of the regulations."

Mr Mackle said while formal figures are not yet available there was anecdotal evidence of significant improvement over the past season with the numbers of calves picked up fit for transport.

He also acknowledged the significant amount of work the sector, and especially farmers have done to ensure improvements. DairyNZ has focused on:

- Bobby calf focus events and training, attended by more than 2300 farmers.
- Updated resources and posters for ensuring calves were fit for transport and loading facility design.
- New bobby calf handling resources.

"While there is still work to do with a minority of farmers, it is important to remember that the vast majority of our dairy farmers are treating their animals with care and respect," Mr Mackle said.