DAIRY NEWS
HAVE YOUR SAY ON THE FUTURE OF DAIRY FARMING IN CANADA By Dairy Farmers of Canada
CONTRIBUTOR
T
he Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Dairy Cattle is undergoing important updates and farmers’ input is needed. Your feedback will help organizations behind the code better understand how the proposed changes will affect farmers and, since the code forms the basis for proAction’s animal care module, any updates to the code have a direct impact on all dairy farm operations in Canada.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD IS NOW OPEN This is your chance to speak up and help shape the future of dairy farming in Canada. Farmers can submit their comments on the code during
the public comment period, which is open for 60 days from Nov. 29, 2021 to Jan. 27, 2022. Individuals and organizations can provide submissions, but duplicate or “template” submissions, such as multiple submissions that are substantially similar or come from the same IP address, will be treated as one submission. If you’re short on time, you can make a single comment that applies to the whole code or comment on just one or two requirements. If you don’t comment, your voice will not be heard on these important upcoming changes. A step-by-step guide to participating in the public comment period is available at www. nfacc.ca/codes-of-practice/dairy-cattle.
WHY IS THE CODE IMPORTANT? The code is a set of national guidelines for the care and handling of dairy cattle. It is
QUICK TIPS: • Be constructive; • Be specific and objective; • Ensure your comment is helpful for the code committee.
For each new or revised requirement, ask yourself: • Can I implement this requirement easily? With acceptable effort? Not at all? • If not at all, can I not implement the whole requirement or just part of it? • Could I manage with a simple revision or with more time to adjust? • What kind of economic impact will this revision have on my operation?
If you do not support a requirement: • Include the rationale and specific details so the committee understands your position. • Consider proposing an alternative suggestion that will help address the animal welfare issue the revision is attempting to address. • Consider if there is a legal obligation or other regulation that prevents you from meeting the requirement or that would take significant time to achieve (i.e. seeking a permit).
To further ensure farmers’ positions are well-reflected, consider: • Talking to other producers in your community to ensure they are aware of the public comment period and encourage them to participate; • Encouraging your family and staff members to comment; • Raising issues in the proposed code of practice at your barn staff meeting; • Discussing topics with your extended team (i.e. vets, advisers) and encourage them to comment. 14
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intended to promote sound management and welfare practices through recommendations and requirements for housing, management, personnel training, transportation, feed and water, and other animal husbandry practices. Requirements under the code either reflect a regulatory requirement, or an industryimposed expectation outlining acceptable and unacceptable practices. Some Canadian provinces reference the code of practice within their provincial animal welfare legislation. The code of practice development process is led by the National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC) and the current code was released in 2009. Dairy Famers of Canada (DFC) initiated the update process with NFACC to bring the code up to current expectations and reality. A series of briefing sessions for farmers was organized by DFC in December and farmers can consult the draft code at www.nfacc.ca/ codes-of-practice/dairy-cattle.
DFC SPONSORS NEW PODCAST FOR DAIRY FARMERS DFC is excited to announce its sponsorship of The Canadian Podcow, a new podcast made by Canadian dairy farmers for dairy producers, as well as the broader dairy community and their friends. Hosts Sarah Sache and Andrew Campbell explore issues and provide analysis, offering their perspectives about dairy farming and the dairy value chain both in Canada and internationally. A French version of the podcast called Entre deux traites is hosted by Sabrina Caron and Jean-François Janelle. A special episode of The Canadian Podcow focused on the code of practice aired in January. It is available for download at https://rss.com/ podcasts/canadianpodcow/. Stay informed with DFC’s Dairy Express Sign up for the Dairy Express e-newsletter. Email communications@dfc-plc.ca to have your name added to the mailing list.
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