Mega sheds of Continuously-housed cows

POPPYOSCAR

I started to buy only organic milk when I watched a program on this subject.Apart from the welfare of the cows(which I admit I just assumed they were all outside) they did tests on the actual milk produced and the organic milk had higher levels of nutrients in it. I have only bought organic since.

Auntie-Dolly

I did say: I don't change where I shop to whoever has the cheapest milk. Just because the supermarkets say "the public are demanding cheap milk" doesn't make it true. Do you know anyone who is demanding it? I don't. The supermarkets only do what is in their best interests. As soon they realise there is support for farmers and cow welfare they will soon be launching campaigns to tell us how well they treat their dairy suppliers!

RAS

Auntie-Dolly wrote: »

I did say: I don't change where I shop to whoever has the cheapest milk. Just because the supermarkets say "the public are demanding cheap milk" doesn't make it true. Do you know anyone who is demanding it? I don't. The supermarkets only do what is in their best interests. As soon they realise there is support for farmers and cow welfare they will soon be launching campaigns to tell us how well they treat their dairy suppliers!

Since the data is not public knowledge (commercially sensitive) it is pretty hard to know whether the public do follow the cheapest milk/bread or anything.

What is clear is that the supermarkets do whatever gives them the highest margin, which means reducing the prices they pay whenever possible.

There is a portion of the population that will pay a sensible price for their food, particularly if the situation is explained to them. There are a lot of people whose incomes do not make that an option. Both currently assume that the bucolic pictures advertising dairy products represent the real world, not an ancient past.

On the other hand, the infrastructure and distribution costs of diarying are so high that I wonder whether a more localised distribution network might allow both sides to win, as well as possibly improving welfare.

With respect to housing of livestock, it all depends where you are in the UK and what sort of farm you run. Cattle can be out-wintered in a few areas or if you operate foggage. But they tend to poach ground if allowed out when it is very wet. Grass stops growing at about 42 degrees F, so much of the winter they need to be fed preserved food or concentrates.

That is however rather different to a milk factory, where they are housed indoors all the time and all food is imported into the shed.

moonrakerz

RAS wrote: »

What is clear is that the supermarkets do whatever gives them the highest margin, which means reducing the prices they pay whenever possible.

Fact - certain items are sold at below cost price to entice people into the store. They are willing to sell milk/toast bread/sugar/eggs at a loss so that you will buy their fruit/veg/meat/cheese at inflated prices.

Auntie-Dolly wrote: »

Just because the supermarkets say "the public are demanding cheap milk" doesn't make it true. Do you know anyone who is demanding it? I don't. The supermarkets only do what is in their best interests.

You really are somewhat naive when it comes to the way the supermarkets operate.........
The supermarkets know that cheap milk is a good way to get shoppers into their store and not the one down the road. They don't need 5000 people parading with "cheaper milk - now" banners to fathom that one out. Every supermarket in every country does the same thing.

Your logic also needs brushing up too........
You seem to agree that the supermarkets say "the public are demanding cheap milk" - then you say that this may not be true - in that case why are they selling at below cost price ?

[Deleted User]

This topic is not intended to be a vehicle for sarcastic digs at people. There is no need for that.

Please can we be respectful to other MSer's.

Auntie-Dolly

Moonraker, I think you are mis-understanding me (actually, I'm not really sure I understand what your opinion is). Supermarkets sell milk at a low price because it is in their interest to get shoppers through the door - I understand that. They then say 'we have to do that because shoppers are demanding cheap milk'. I don't believe that. They are using 'the public' as an excuse for their marketing decisions. I want to say 'not in my name'. I want to pay a reasonable price for my milk and ensure dairy farmers get a fair lick of the lolly. If that make me naive, so be it.

POPPYOSCAR

I have to agree with you.

If milk is a certain price customers will just have to pay it.I use the same amount of milk regardless of the price.If it were cheaper I would not use any more than I do already.

attila_

This thread appears to be more concerned of the financial aspects rather than animal welfare.

I have visited both types of cattle management, housed all year and open field. Housed farming has moved a very long way since what people may have seen on tv. Parlours are very well kept with much larger walking areas. Cattle are free to walk around very large parlours and are milked electronically when they are fed.

It is not ideal granted, but welfare has improved enormously since the days when people's subjective pictures were formed.

Please dont take this as trying to convince its ok. If it makes u feel better buying organic then do so. However please dont read news reports as credible reference asnit is very often...bias.