Largest Dairy State in Country Expects 100 Farms to Close in 2012

dairy cow.jpgDairy industry experts are predicting the closure of over 100 dairy farms in California, the largest dairy state in the country, due to bankruptcies, foreclosures, and slower sales stemming from the increased cost of feed.

This year’s drought throughout the Midwest caused feed costs to more than double, which has led many farms to start slaughtering dairy cows at a younger age and for less money.

Although the California Department of Food and Agriculture adjusted milk prices through tax subsidies earlier in the year, it has said it will not do so again, likely resulting in increased milk prices for consumers beginning in November.

The environmental inefficiencies inherent in dairy production make the practice of raising millions of cows to produce milk unsustainable and more vulnerable to drought and other extreme weather, which scientists expect to be exacerbated by climate change for years to come. Approximately 70% of all grain grown in the United States is fed to farmed animals, and more than half of all water used in the country goes to livestock production.

Apart from depleting our resources, the dairy industry treats cows as mere commodities to be used for profit, resulting in the rampant and horrific mistreatment of these intelligent animals on factory farms across the country. MFA’s recent investigation at Bettencourt Dairies, one of the largest dairies in the nation, revealed workers shocking and beating cows, violently twisting their tails to deliberately inflict pain, and dragging a downed cow by her neck using a chain attached to a tractor. Previous investigations at the E6 Cattle Company, Conklin Dairy Farms, and Willet Dairy revealed similar callous treatment of dairy cows.

We can contribute to a more sustainable and humane food system every time we eat by choosing plant-based options. Visit ChooseVeg.com for a wide array of delicious non-dairy recipes and meal ideas.