Patterson Farms,
Inc. has become the first Cayuga
County dairy to complete
a voluntary cattle welfare certification program through the New York State Cattle
Health Assurance Program (NYSCHAP).
“We want our
animals to be healthy and happy. Those are the animals that are productive,”
said Robert Church, herd manager of the 980 milking cow Auburn farm.
To become
certified the farm underwent a rigorous review by two veterinarians, including
the regional NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets veterinarian. The veterinarians verified that standard
operating procedures guiding treatment and care of animals are written and
followed, that employees are provided training to follow the procedures, and
that the procedures are reviewed annually.
While
farms don’t receive market incentive for participating in the program, program
coordinator Kathy Finnerty says farms participate because of the pride they
take in caring for their animals.
“They
take pride in what they do for the cows and the third party audit verifies it.”
Patterson Farms
began the certification program in April, and recently received their
certificate. The program has been offered for two years. Across the state five
farms are certified.
“We’ve
been interested in it for quite a while,” Mr. Church
said. “One of the things I believe is the general consumer has a lot of
misconceptions about farms, particularly large farms. I want them to know that
we do care and we want to make our cows happy and comfortable.”
During
the review, veterinarians reviewed cleanliness and general health of all the
cattle on the farm. To become certified the farm must demonstrate an understanding
of animal husbandry, write procedures for animal care and for disaster
preparedness. The farm must also meet a list of standards, a few of which
include: all cattle must receive a wholesome daily diet and clean water, cattle
kept in barns should be clean and dry, and cattle are moved in a calm, quiet, careful
manner.
The
farm must apply for recertification annually and must participate in the core
module of NYSCHAP to qualify for Cattle Welfare certification. The core module
includes best management practices that benefit animal health, food safety,
product quality and ultimately profit.
Patterson’s
exemplary animal care is featured on www.dairyfarmingtoday, under the “Life on
the Farm” section. The video clips details Mr. Church’s animal care
philosophy, including daily stall freshening, new bedding three times each week
and a cow back scratcher. Designed to help consumers better understand the
dairy industry, the Web site includes real-life stories of dairy farm families,
a dairy dictionary, and an ask the farmer section.
The
New York State Cattle Health Assurance Program is an integrated disease prevention program that utilizes a team of
advisors to develop a farm-specific herd health plan. The objectives of this
plan are to increase the herd's health, productivity and
profitability; assure food safety, public health and consumer confidence
in dairy products; and promote environmental stewardship. More information
about the program can be found at www.nyschap.vet.cornell.edu.
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