Animal care and well being is a top priority of Twin Birch Dairy LLC, in Onondaga County, and the farm has received Cattle Welfare Certification through the voluntary New York State Cattle Health Assurance Program (NYSCHAP) program to confirm this.
"We're extremely proud to get this certification, and very proud of our employees," said Dirk Young, general manager of the 1,138 milking cow Skaneateles, NY farm. "We're doing the best job that we can for both the environment and the animals. We wanted to take the farm to the next level and wanted assurance from an independent, outside firm that we're continuing to do all the right things to meet and exceed current standards."To receive Cattle Welfare Certification the farm underwent a rigorous independent 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. Since the program was first developed four years ago16 farms across the state have been certified.
"This is not a new effort for the farm. They have been working on cattle welfare for years before the NYSCHAP program was developed," said Finnerty. "They take pride in what they do for the cows and the third party audit verifies it."
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.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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