Two dairy companies made headlines this month when making statements about conditions their dairy farm suppliers must meet in regards to animal welfare.

Ben & Jerry's called for an end to tail docking from their suppliers Dec. 16. As part of the ice cream company's Caring Dairy program, farmers must end tail docking by the end of 2016. See the statement here.

Illinois-based Lifeway, the largest U.S. manufacturer of kefir, implemented a policy supporting polled cattle, according to a PETA news release.

Lifeway updated its mission section online to explain the announcement:

"Lifeway encourages all of the farmers and cooperatives who supply us with milk to support efforts that promote the enhanced welfare of cattle, including proper grazing systems, the disuse of artificial growth hormones and responsible dehorning practices. While the practice of dehorning is necessary for the protection and welfare of the cows and the farmers who work with them, we believe polled breeding is a viable future option, eliminating the need for dehorning. We ask that strong consideration be given to promoting the polled option as a sustainable alternative to dehorning throughout your dairy supply chain. Until such time as polled dairy cattle herds are dominant, Lifeway supports the adoption of best management practices, including procedure timing and the use of analgesics and/or anesthetics for dehorning."

PETA claims their organization had been in talks with Lifeway for three years on this issue.  PD

—Summarized by Progressive Dairyman staff from cited sources