Quality care equals high quality milk and dairy products.

Dairy farmers care about their cows and work hard to make sure each cow receives a nutritious diet, medical care, and comfortable places to live and exercise.  The ultimate goal is the health and well-being of the cows.

Cows spend most of their day resting or lying down, often 13-14 hours a day. This is why dairy farmers provide plenty of clean and comfortable places for their cows.  Bedding includes sand, wood chips, recycled rubber, compost, paper and even water beds or air mattresses.

The next largest part of a cow’s day involves eating and drinking.  Cows will spend between five and six hours a day eating and staying hydrated.  They have access to water and a balanced meal throughout the day, which allows them to eat when they want.  Many farms work with a nutritionist who makes sure the cows are getting optimal meals with the right ratio of carbohydrate, protein, fat and fiber.  Cows and people alike benefit from a nutritious and balanced diet.

Many cows are milked twice a day, some three times. On average a cow spends about 30 minutes a day being prepped and milked.  Dairy farmers establish formal milking routines to increase comfort and reduce stress.  These standard procedures ensure high milk quality and excellent care for the cow.

Dairy cows are social creatures and spend much of their day socializing, moving around and getting exercise.  Most of this time is spent inside comfortable barns and seasonally at pasture during drier weather.  Farmers use both barns and pastures to protect their herds from bitter weather and the grass from being stomped on when wet and fragile.