Since the intense media coverage of livestock abuse on a dairy farm down in central Ohio, I have had conversations with several local dairy farmers about this unfortunate situation. Without exception, they found it hard to believe that anyone who is devoted to caring for dairy animals would be so abusive. With cow comfort the number one priority on their dairy farms, they were appalled by what they saw and read.

Local dairy farmers, and most of them across the state and nation, know they must make sure their cows have nutritious feed and clean water at all times. Providing adequate housing and veterinary care that helps prevent and treat any diseases including humane treatment of sick or injured animals are part of every day management of the herd.

As one of my dairy farm friends said "The mistreatment of the animals shown on the video footage is unacceptable and it doesn't represent how we or our neighbors take care of our cows at all!" Ohio's dairy farmers do not condone such actions or bad actors. They do support those farms that are doing things right and following best management practices.

Dairy farmers around the area are concerned that the animal rights group that made this undercover film will use this negative publicity to try to reflect on all dairy farmers. As one said "they will use one example to say all dairy farms are bad", which is simply untrue.

While most dairy farms today are much larger than in the past, herd owners are still very concerned about the care their herd gets. "We like to walk our herd at least once every day and more often if possible to check for cows that may be sick, lame or off feed. Then we care for them" one said.

Dairy groups across Ohio have quickly responded to this problem. The Ohio Dairy Producers Association (ODPA), a group representing dairy farmers across the state, issued this statement: "What's important to know is that the actions shown in the footage absolutely do not reflect on how Ohio's dairy farmers as a whole care for their cows and calves. Ohio farmers have a moral and ethical obligation to provide excellent care of their herds every day, and they do so, because it is the right thing to do and it ensures they can continue to produce safe, wholesome, quality milk and dairy foods."

ODPA went on to warn dairy farmers that these animal rights groups are traveling across the state trying to get employed on farms so they can make films, some that are staged and not genuine examples of abuse. Farmers need to be alert to strange vehicles traveling up and down the road in front of their farm or parked a short distance away with someone outside with a camera.

If strange vehicles or people are trying to access the farm, get license numbers, make and model of the vehicle and other identification information. Then call the local Farm Bureau Office in Orwell to report this information.

The Ohio Farm Bureau in their statement said "We are also concerned that this incident will be manipulated for political gain by animal rights activists. Any attempt to portray these horrific acts as commonplace on Ohio farms would be deceitful. Farmers take care of their livestock because it is what decent people do, and because comfortable animals are productive animals. Farmers should not be judged by this aberrant and disgusting event."

And as one person said "we don't know if this film is all genuine or if some part of it was staged for financial gain by someone." And another one added "why is it the TV media play up these negative situations but we can't get them to do feature stories about the excellent care we give our animals?" Good question!