History and our industry
Image: SChrist
I was recently discussing agriculture and livestock farming with someone who seemed to believe that cows were a source of pollution for the planet. I did mention that as an industry that has been around for about 10,000 years, there may be a reason why humans continue to raise livestock and milk them. Let’s face it, we all live in houses fired up with gas boilers and drive around in cars that burn fossil fuels, but yes, let’s look at the methane emissions of cattle. Never mind that methane’s half-life is measured in a dozen years, versus hundreds for other types of emissions.
I mean, even the mobile phones we all cannot do without, and where people Google for information, have some pretty suspect mining practices to obtain the metals to make the batteries that run them. Not to mention the rest of the technology attached to it, or even the electricity it runs from.
But let’s get rid of the cows, who are basically minding their own business and are the original vegans. Eating grass on land that humans can’t farm, and turning it into food for all, providing families globally with incomes and livelihoods. Talk about eating one’s own. No wonder the farmers are protesting. To say they feel unappreciated for feeding the planet is an understatement.
That being said, I received a very nice reminder last week of the noble history of our industry, with a box full of delicious cheese from Bradburys, which is celebrating its 140th year this year. The company sources cheese from around the UK and globally, and it will be in full celebration mode at the International Cheese and Dairy Expo on 27 June at the Staffordshire County Showgrounds.
Come along and enjoy the fruits of many cheese makers’ labours, and take a look at what the whole dairy industry has to offer, at the Expo. It promises to be a great couple of days out in the heart of the UK.
- Suzanne Christiansen, editor, Dairy Industries International.
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This blog would be better if backed by any sort of fact at all, or even one stat.
I mean, this magazine is constantly talking about how dairy is trying to improve. Guess not. Rather intolerant if you ask me. And not lactose intolerant.