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An intensive dairy development planned for the South Island is being called "factory farming" by critics who say keeping thousands of cows in cubicles for months at a time could do immense damage to the country's clean, green brand.
The plan is to house approximately 18,000 animals and the first of the planning hearings was held on Monday. The practice is called free-stall dairy farming and there are around 20 of them around the country already, where cows are kept inside for the colder months of the year.
We asked you what you thought about the plan and you responded in huge numbers. The overwhelming majority of you were opposed to the idea with JohnJ leading the protests saying: "I am not a greenie, but on this issue I am right behind them. This government should think again if they believe Kiwis will accept such cruel treatment of livestock. You don't need an expensive report to see that this is a crazy idea, just common sense."
Next up is virtual_chris who says: "What a mess! If animal welfare regulations say it's ok to confine cows to stalls for 24 hours a day they need revising. Cows are designed to move around not be confined. If the cows can't lead a normal life then the people involved are trying to dairy farm in the wrong area. All New Zealand dairy exports will become contaminated with the image of what's being proposed and in a world increasingly being driven by ethical and environmental consumer choice, this will spell disaster for exports."
A view echoed by lordbyron who says: "This sort of farming is not welcome in our country. We do not want our image soiled by such a grotesque method of farming."
Even dutchman_83, whose family already operate a cow barn, is against the plan.
"I am strongly against housing them inside 24/7 for 8 months of the year and then only 12 hours a day for the other 4. Our cows are inside 24/7 to provide milk for the domestic market during winter only, which is otherwise unmanageable and unprofitable. Also cows are under less stress and are healthier and happier inside 24/7 than out on muddy swede bogs 24/7 during winter."
Meanwhile, proud2bkiwi, has witnessed this kind of farming first hand and was not impressed.
"I recently travelled to Turkey, I visited 3 indoor dairy and beef raising units and at first I was wowed by the business/clean look of the place, until i saw the cows, at first I didn't see but then after we learnt that they are there from calves to fully grown animals i was brought to tears. I thought how wonderful our farming industry is and that our cows get to at least feel the grass under their feet! Yes they do stand in their own 'poo'! We dont believe this is how any animal should b kept."
And traceym says she came to New Zealand from the UK precisely because of the green farming image the country currently has.
"I came from uk and after seeing some of the sad ways the farmers raised their animals i was glad to see nz didn't. What would a rural view be without the calm sight of cows grazing on green pastures It would not be a good move. Please don't spoil the way people see the New Zealand image."
Not everyone is against the plan though. Kris Kent says the evidence from elsewhere suggests that free-stall dairy farming is good for consumers, cows and they environment.
"What you are talking about is pure Bull Poo! I have been to Europe, happy cows living indoors. Happy healthy cows! I have been to Omarama and that is a disaster with unused land being over-run by wilding pines. What a waste. There is water, there is land in abundance, and no "natives" at risk so whats the problem, just the usual Poo stirring self seekers pushing their own barrow of self interest. Fonterra should know better or are they afraid of something."
Marika agrees and wonders if any of those opposed to the plan have ever visited a cow farm.
"Is housing cows that bad for cows? Has anybody actually visited a barn with cows? Those cows have a really good life inside. The have the best food 24 hours infront of them. It is fresh and good quality and fed on clean concrete. Those cows dont have to walk hours to the dairy shed, they dont stand in rain and cold weather, they are in really good condition and are actually very happy!!! They are still free range, they walk around all day and they have a special cow matras to sleep on."
But, the final word goes to GreenGreenGrassofHome who strongly opposes free-stall dairy farming and recommends that we all go orgnic instead.
"This has got to be the most irresponsible, cruel and selfish alternative to dairy farming that is available. Besides the irrigation and effluent issues the whole concept tarnishes the region and NZ. This can not be allowed and should be outlawed. Go organic!"
What do you think about the practice? COMMENT on our messageboard below.
Add a Comment:
Post new commentBM said on 2010-01-28 @ 22:24 NZDT: Report abusive post
So the Prime Minister is confident New Zealand's clean green image won't be hurt by free stall farming and doubts consumers will be put off buying our dairy products . I previously had hope in your leadership John. Now I see your just another big business lackey. You've definately got this wrong just read all the coments on this subject John to see this. You just lost my vote and I am sure lots of others.
kberry said on 2010-01-27 @ 17:29 NZDT: Report abusive post
Why is NZ in such a hurry to become like America? Anyone who has done any research can see just how far we have become removed from the natural order of things in how we grow and treat our food. Cows are grazers. They eat grass, not corn, in pastures, not sheds. This will only promote deformity and disease. Food will be full of more chemicals, and hormones, and will simply NOT BE GOOD FOOD. Check out the film "FOOD INC." to see the state of feed lots in the USA. Simply disgusting. SAY NO!!!!!!!
jillhh100 said on 2010-01-27 @ 17:20 NZDT: Report abusive post
Having lived overseas eating and drinking dairy products produced by this type of farming I dearly hope we don't head down this route. The products just don't taste as good!! As an environmental engineer I'm confident that solutions can be found for the enviro issues - but the damage the this does to taste and our quality brand in the market, that can't be repaired.
BM said on 2010-01-27 @ 17:07 NZDT: Report abusive post
Kris are you saying the meat will be sold cheaper? I can't imagine this at all. Why would the producers sell cage meat at a cheaper cost than field produced meat? This is all about money making and greed. Even if the meat was sold cheaper the real issue is the inhumane treatment of the animals. This farming method is cruel.
BM said on 2010-01-27 @ 16:50 NZDT: Report abusive post
New Zealand is suposed to be clean and green and humane. Overseas this method of keeping animals is used. However we should take the lead and reject this cruel inhumane method of animal farming. I say keep those applying for consent in the conditions they expect the animals to live in for a year and if after this they still want consent give them it. They won't apply for consent having endured the barbaric conditions of course.