Having recently returned from the US and seen first hand the impact of factory farms on the animals and surrounding environment, I am shocked to return to my home country and discover that this practise is being considered for our own fair lands. Clean green New Zealand indeed! Keep factory farms far from New Zealand, they are not needed and will NOT be accepted!
I am origionally from Ireland and have been brought up with cows that are housed for up to six months per year. They are at their happiest when housed. Most farmers who feed their cows correctly would see an imediate milk drop when cows go out to pasture because of lower energy fee, exposure to the elements and walking distance. I challenge any so called animal lover to visit a feed lot where animals are well cared for and then visit a large scale grass based dairy in the waikato where cows are often marched 7 kms per day in 30 degree heat to give 10 litres of milk. cast your expert over these cows and then tell me which is the happier cow.
SHAME - this is just greed! we have seen dairy farming in canterbury where it never was before, now this is horrible. boycott fonterra brands - anchor milk, mainland tip top, this is the only way we have a voice. This is not what New Zealand is about - it is just GREED. GREED GREED! shame on those who support it