Help for Cattle Farmers, Cows & Calves
There’s no point having a ‘them vs us’ argument with cattle farmers, for those of us who don’t meat or dairy. The fact, most people do – so it pays to find useful resources to help cattle farmers look after their herds, especially if they have financial problems.
Outdoor-reared cattle often have to come inside during winter due to freak weather changes. But most beef cattle spend the end of their lives crammed in pens to fatten them up before slaughter. Compassion in World Farming wants indoor housing to have clean comfy resting peace with straw bedding, until they can enjoy the outdoors.
The Farming Community Network is an umbrella of charities that have helplines for struggling farmers. From providing free feed to livestock to offering help with finances and tenancy.
Know how to prevent bovine TB
- Culling badgers to stop cattle TB is both bad science and cruel, and thankfully soon to stop. The evidence is already out on how to prevent it (vaccination and reducing cattle-to-cattle transmission).
- Read how to prevent TB in both cattle and badgers.
Preventing and treating mastitis in cows
Industrial dairy farming also leads to many issues like painful mastitis (udder inflammation) that can affect most of a herd. It’s mostly caused by being housed indoors for long periods, contamination of milking equipment or bedding, and lack of rest.
- Always wear gloves when milking cows, to prevent infection spreading. Sterilise all teats before milking. Free-range cows that are looked after well have less chance of infection. It’s proven that cows with access to pasture have higher immunity. Find a qualified farm vet, for help and advice.
- Homeopathy at Wellie Level offers courses for farmers, endorsed by vets. It has a book to help mastitis and udder problems. Read a case study of a cow treated successfully (alongside a qualified homeopathic vet).
Transfarmation (better welfare, more profits)
Transfarmation projects is when charities help you transition (with training and seeds) over from livestock farming to the more profitable oat milk market, selling locally in glass bottles.
This market is huge, yet most oat drink sold in England is still imported. This can save family farms, bring in more income, and let existing animals live out their lives in peace.
How we can help farmers
Cows are sweet friendly animals that spend most of their time chewing cud in small herds, babysit other calves and even play hide-and-seek! The Met Office says it’s a myth that cows can predict the weather – if they are lying down, it’s likely they are just having a rest!
Although humans and dogs enjoy countryside walks, it’s really important to follow the Countryside Code, which mostly uses common sense, in order to keep your pets (and barnyard friends) safe.
Report concerns of farm animals in the first instance (most will be thankful you did). If you can’t find them (or have no joy), call RSPCA (or Crimestoppers to remain anonymous).
Don’t judge farmers, many have financial needs (Farming Community Help can help with free food for livestock and other goods).
