Plus new laws being phased in to allow cows extra space could force dairy farmers who have recently built new freestall barns to reduce their cow numbers in the future.
The long-awaited Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Dairy Cattle replaces its predecessor developed in 2009; the new code comes into effect April 1, 2024. It was designed, regulated and released by the National Farm Animal Care Council and the Dairy Farmers of Canada.
The code is regarded as a powerful tool for meeting increasing consumer, marketplace and societal expectations relative to farmed-animal welfare. Its development was led by an 18-person committee that includes participants from across Canada – including dairy farmers, animal-welfare and enforcement representatives, processors, researchers, veterinarians and government representatives.
Some aspects of the code will take effect in later years, giving farmers time to adjust to the new requirements. Any part of the code that falls under “requirements” means it must be implemented by the date mentioned. Anything labeled “recommendation” is a suggestion or good advice. Most of the latest updates to the code are aimed at improving the welfare of cows and calves, following trends that Europe has already implemented. It’s been quite a heavily guarded secret until now but the new code will provoke some questions during the next few months.
