Latest news with #dairyindustry

RNZ News
2 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
Fonterra's 6K low-emitting farmers set to benefit from Mars, Nestlé funds
They are helping farmers to produce what it labels as "low-emissions milk". Photo: Adam Simpson International food and beverage conglomerates Mars and Nestlé are helping fund Fonterra's farmers to produce what it labels as "low-emissions milk". The dairy co-operative rewarded its farmer-suppliers for environmental and climate efforts through its "co-operative difference" scheme to drive sustainable farming. Fonterra announced in February its major international customers Mars and Nestlé would help separately fund two new incentives for farmers towards the production of low-emissions milk, which included the on-farm tools and a farmer incentive payment. Around 6000 farms, or 87 percent of the co-op's 8000 farmer suppliers, were estimated to qualify for a $1500 reimbursement for an on-farm emissions reduction tool this season . Around 6000 farms were estimated to qualify for a $1500 reimbursement. Photo: 123RF Chris Appleby, director of On-Farm Excellence within Farm Source, said it received good interest from farmers on the new scheme. "There's been really good engagement with our farmers across the country on what was in behind that." Appleby said the tools were selected based on feedback from farmers over the past few months. "Then, it's about making sure that those solutions in our scalable, available right across the country, and really importantly, [tools that] actually help and we know will make a difference in terms of increasing or supporting that emissions intensity reduction as well," he said. Eligible farms under the co-operative difference scheme had to have emissions less than the co-op's 2017/2018 baseline , accounting for emissions from feed, fertiliser, livestock and drained peat soils, with carbon offsets. More farmers within the co-op were meeting this threshold over time, with 72 percent of its farmers achieving the base level or above in 2021/2022, 83 percent the following season and 87 percent in 2023/2024. Eligible farms under the co-operative difference scheme had to have emissions less than the co-op's 2017/2018 baseline. Photo: RNZ / YouTube For the emissions incentive payment, Appleby said it expected around 350 farmers, that had the lowest emissions footprint in the co-op, would be eligible for the extra 10 cents to 25 cents per kilogram of milk solids. Meanwhile, Farm source group director Anne Douglas said the on-farm solutions will help its farmers. "These will benefit a large group of farmers by supporting them to further improve efficiency gains and emissions intensity reductions, which will in turn help us make progress towards our co-op's on-farm emissions target." Tools included animal performance through LIC and CRV, pasture optimisation through Pasture or Aimer subscriptions, data optimisation subscriptions for FarmIQ or Trev, and on-farm planting using a nursery of farmers' choice. Applications open in August. Read more:
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Coca-Cola under fire after undercover investigation reveals disturbing scenes at farm: 'A habitual offender'
Coca-Cola under fire after undercover investigation reveals disturbing scenes at farm: 'A habitual offender' An undercover investigation found animal welfare violations at Woodcrest Dairy, which the report said was, at least at one time, a supplier to Coca-Cola's Fairlife milk brand. What's happening? According to World Animal News, Animal Recovery Mission (ARM) documented many cases of animal mistreatment at the Woodcrest facility in New Mexico between December 2024 and March 2025. Workers were filmed forcibly extracting unborn calves from cows not yet in labor using chains. Newborn calves were left to suffer and die from blunt force trauma and neglect. Investigators also recorded pregnant and sick cows being whipped, punched, kicked, and beaten with metal objects, including shovels, wrenches, and pipes. The abuse was carried out by various staff, including owners, managers, and ranch hands. In a statement to The Cool Down, a Coca-Cola spokesperson said the company has not sourced milk from Woodcrest since 2023 and that it was never a primary supplier, and that the company stopped sourcing milk other farms in previous investigations by ARM. "Fairlife is committed to ensuring strong animal welfare at supplying farms and has zero tolerance for animal abuse," the spokesperson said. "Woodcrest Dairy in New Mexico is not a supplier to fairlife, and upon learning about the incident in Arizona in February, fairlife stopped accepting milk from those farms and has not received milk from them since. As a milk processor, fairlife does not own farms or cows and requires all farms that supply milk for fairlife products to adhere to stringent animal care guidelines and comply with regular 3rd-party audits." This marks the ninth time ARM has found abuse at a Fairlife supplier, despite the company's public claims about sourcing from farms with high animal care standards. Since learning about these findings, Fairlife has cut ties with Select Milk Producers and quietly removed animal welfare marketing claims from its website. ARM founder Richard Couto stated, "Fairlife milk is now a habitual offender, and Coca-Cola will be forever known as the global corporate leader in animal cruelty." Why is Coca-Cola's Fairlife milk division concerning? The repeated pattern of animal abuse across multiple Fairlife suppliers points to system-wide problems in Coca-Cola's oversight of its dairy supply chain. This directly affects communities through consumer deception, as many people choose Fairlife products based on promises of ethical treatment. In February 2025, ARM released two more investigations from Arizona dairies also in Fairlife's supply chain, where cows were stabbed, beaten, shot, and electrocuted. Thousands of calves were kept in illegal veal crates and left to suffer. The legal consequences are mounting. In 2019, Fairlife agreed to a $21 million class action settlement for false advertising related to its animal welfare claims after similar abuse was exposed at Indiana dairies. In June 2025, a new class action lawsuit was amended to include both the Arizona and New Mexico cases. Coca-Cola has made some good steps in other areas, such as water conservation and promises to reduce plastic waste through its World Without Waste plan. However, these animal welfare issues contradict the company's public statements about responsible sourcing. Editor's note: This article was updated to include a statement from a Coca-Cola spokesperson. Should companies be required to help recycle their own products? Definitely No way It depends on the product They should get tax breaks instead Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. What's being done about Coca-Cola's Fairlife practices? ARM has submitted its findings to several authorities, including the Chaves County Sheriff's Office, the New Mexico Department of Agriculture, the USDA, and the FDA for potential legal action. As a consumer, you can make a difference, too. Pick plant-based milk options. If you prefer dairy products, look for brands with third-party animal welfare certifications. Contact Coca-Cola directly through their customer service to share your concerns about Fairlife's supply chain practices. Consumer pressure often leads to corporate policy changes more quickly than government regulations. Sign ARM's petition asking for accountability and real changes to Fairlife's supply chain practices. Customer voices create public pressure that companies notice when their brand image is on the line. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Solve the daily Crossword


Sustainability Times
5 days ago
- Health
- Sustainability Times
'They Drank Infected Milk and Spread Chaos': Scientists Trace Bird Flu Outbreak in US Cows to Rampaging, Virus-Carrying Calves
IN A NUTSHELL 🦠 A recent study reveals that calves can transmit the H5N1 bird flu virus to dairy cows through nursing, affecting mammary glands. can transmit the to dairy cows through nursing, affecting mammary glands. 📈 The virus has impacted over 1,070 dairy farms across 17 U.S. states, causing a mortality rate of up to 10% among infected cattle. across 17 U.S. states, causing a mortality rate of up to 10% among infected cattle. 💡 Researchers hypothesize that 'mouth-to-teat' transmission is a key route for infection, facilitated by self-nursing and mutual-nursing behaviors. transmission is a key route for infection, facilitated by self-nursing and mutual-nursing behaviors. 💉 Two vaccines, an H5 inactivated vaccine and a hemagglutinin-based DNA vaccine, have shown promising results in protecting cattle from the H5N1 infection. The H5N1 bird flu poses an urgent threat to both animal and human health, as revealed by a recent study. This highly contagious virus, typically known for affecting respiratory systems, has baffled scientists by invading the mammary glands of dairy cows. Conducted under the guidance of Professor Hualan Chen from the Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, this research uncovers the pathway through which the virus spreads among cattle. With devastating impacts already observed in the United States, this revelation is crucial for developing strategies to control and prevent future outbreaks. The study also holds global significance for the dairy industry, emphasizing the need for immediate action. Study on Cattle in China The H5N1 bird flu has been a concern for global health since its impact on poultry and wild birds intensified in 2021. However, the situation took a dramatic turn in March 2024 when dairy cattle in the United States became the new victims. By June 2025, the virus had affected over 1,070 dairy farms across 17 states, resulting in a mortality rate of up to 10% among infected cattle. The human impact is also worrisome, with 41 dairy farm workers contracting the virus. This crisis not only threatens the dairy industry but also public health, as the virus damages mammary glands and contaminates milk. Remarkably, genes of the H5N1 virus were found in 25% of U.S. retail milk samples. The pressing question is how a respiratory pathogen infiltrates the mammary glands of dairy cows. The research involved 50 cattle housed in a high-security facility, meticulously examining the virus's replication and spread through various inoculation methods. Discover the Top Nutrient-Rich Foods that Can Assist in Your Weight Loss Journey Potential Vaccines The study revealed that the virus only replicated in the mouth and respiratory tract when it entered through the nose. When directly introduced into the mammary gland, the virus was contained, indicating that the natural infection route is through the teat. This led to the hypothesis that 'mouth-to-teat' transmission could be the pathway for infection. Some lactating cows, known for 'stealing milk' through self-nursing or mutual-nursing, might facilitate this transmission. Bovine oral tissues, rich in sialic acid receptors, are particularly susceptible to viral infection from contaminated feed and water, allowing the virus to efficiently replicate and spread. The researchers confirmed that calves with H5N1 in their mouths could transmit the virus to the mammary glands of the cows they nursed. The mystery was unraveled, paving the way for potential solutions. Could vaccination, successful for avian influenza in poultry, protect cattle as well? Tests of two vaccines in lactating cattle showed promising results. Both an H5 inactivated vaccine and a hemagglutinin-based DNA vaccine offered complete protection against H5N1, even under high-dose viral challenges. 'Your Breath Is a Signature': Scientists Reveal Human Breath Is as Unique and Traceable as a Fingerprint Strategies for Disease Management The successful demonstration of vaccine efficacy provides a critical strategy for protecting dairy herds and safeguarding public health. The study suggests that implementing vaccination programs could be a viable solution for controlling H5N1 outbreaks in cattle. This approach not only shields cattle from infection but also helps maintain the integrity of the milk supply chain. Furthermore, the research underscores the importance of monitoring and managing cattle interactions, particularly focusing on calves and their nursing behaviors. By understanding the specific transmission routes, farmers and veterinarians can implement targeted measures to disrupt the spread of the virus. The study also highlights the need for global collaboration, as the lessons learned could inform strategies in other countries facing similar threats. « This brewing habit could silently hurt you »: these common coffee preparation methods directly linked to increased heart disease risk Implications for Global Health The findings of this study, published in the journal National Science Review, have significant implications for global health and the dairy industry. As H5N1 continues to spread, it is imperative to adopt comprehensive strategies that incorporate vaccination, surveillance, and biosecurity measures. The research conducted by Professor Chen and her team offers a roadmap for managing the disease not only in the United States but also in other countries at risk. By addressing the root causes and transmission pathways, the dairy industry can mitigate the impact of future outbreaks. The study serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of animal and human health, urging stakeholders to prioritize proactive measures. As we navigate the complexities of H5N1 and its impact on cattle, the need for further research and collaboration becomes evident. How can the global community come together to effectively combat this threat, and what additional measures can be implemented to ensure the safety of both animals and humans? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.4/5 (21)
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
US dairy industry to remove synthetic dyes from ice-cream, RFK Jr says
In what Trump administration officials dubbed a 'major announcement', health and agriculture department leaders said the US dairy industry agreed to voluntarily remove synthetic dyes from ice-cream. The announcement continues the Trump administration's pattern of voluntary agreements with industry – from health insurers to snack food makers. 'This is relevant to my favorite food, which is ice-cream,' said the US health secretary, Robert F Kennedy Jr. 'Since we came in about five and a half months ago and started talking about eliminating dyes and other bad chemicals from our food, we've had this extraordinary response from our industry.' Representatives of the dairy industry said that more than 40 ice-cream companies agreed not to use synthetic dyes. Kennedy also alluded to the future release of new dietary guidelines, which would 'elevate' dairy products, including full-fat dairy, to 'where they ought to be in terms of contributing to the health of our children'. The head of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Dr Marty Makary, also announced that his agency approved a new plant-based dye: 'gardenia blue'. Related: Kennedy touts ultra-processed meals he once called 'poison' The value of full-fat dairy is an ongoing subject of debate in nutrition research circles. For decades, government health authorities have cautioned against too much saturated fats, sugars and refined grains because of their link to obesity and heart disease. Some high-profile researchers now argue that full-fat dairy may not be as harmful as once thought. That is a perspective shared by the US dairy industry, which has funded nutrition research and fought against government controls on dairy in school lunches since the Obama administration. The issue is also important in rural communities across dairy country, where farmers began displaying hand-painted hay bales outside farms with messages such as: 'Drink whole milk 97% fat free.' The Trump administration has held a close relationship with the dairy industry for years, stretching all the way back to the president's first term. In 2019, then agriculture secretary Sonny Perdue toasted dairy lobbyists with a glass of chocolate milk to celebrate the reintroduction of once-banned flavored milks back into schools. 'This is a great day for dairy and a great day for 'make America healthy again,'' said Michael Dykes, the president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association. 'We're so happy with the voluntary industry-led commitment.' Notably, the Trump administration's effort to reach voluntary agreements with industry has also shown the strategy's limits. For instance, Mars, the maker of Skittles and M&M's, resisted Kennedy's efforts. Meanwhile, on health insurance, experts have expressed skepticism that an agreement with private insurers will significantly help Americans.


The Independent
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
‘Insensitive' vegan charity advert showing baby being taken away from mother banned
An advert from a vegan charity which shows a baby being taken away from its mother has been banned after the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) branded it 'irresponsible'. The 50-second spot from Viva! shows a baby sleeping in its cot with its mother coming in the room to check on it when an ominous man dressed in all black appears. The baby suddenly disappears and when the distressed mother asks where her child is gone, the man replies: 'You can't keep your baby because we want your milk.' The charity said the advert - titled Scary Dairy - was meant to replicate the unsettling process experienced by dairy calves being separated from their mothers. The ASA said it was 'insensitive' especially to 'those with experience of loss or trauma around parenthood'.