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Nine of Guernsey’s 13 dairy farms have now received RSPCA 'Farm Assured' status for cattle welfare standards.
RSPCA Assured is the RSPCA’s ethical farm animal welfare and food labelling scheme, dedicated to ensuring that livestock enjoy a high quality of life. It covers every aspect from feed and water, to the environment animals live in, to their healthcare.
“It is important for islanders to know that the ‘Guernseys’ in our care are well looked after," said Michael Bray, President of Guernsey Farmers Association. "The RSPCA Assured scheme provides that reassurance as it is the highest standard a dairy farm can attain."
To achieve RSPCA Assured approval, the farms must demonstrate that their cows have access to the outdoors, and that any buildings they use are well ventilated.
Pictured: Guernsey Dairy Managing Director Andrew Tabel said RSPCA compliance will showcase the island as a "centre of farming excellence".
Cattle should also be provided with brushes to scratch on, comfortable, clean beds, and the specific needs of calves have to be met. These standards must be well-documented and detailed records maintained. Assessors also carried out a visual inspection of all the cows and young stock.
Mr Bray said the remaining four farms are in "various stages of the RSPCA assessment criteria."
"This delay is due to administrative/material shortages from covid, rather than any welfare related issues. Two of the four farms are awaiting final approval as soon as the assessor has time to review the final evidence.
"The RSPCA scheme was chosen unanimously by the farmers over the more widely recognised Red Tractor Scheme which people may have seen on food packaging. The RSPCA scheme, although requiring more detailed work, was chosen as it provided a more superior animal welfare standard long term, something all Guernsey dairy farmers agreed as being an important priority."
Guernsey Dairy Managing Director Andrew Tabel believes that RSPCA compliance will advertise the island as a “centre of farming excellence”, increasing the appeal of products sold off-island.
“The RSPCA Farm Assured scheme is widely regarded as being at the forefront of animal welfare standards," he said. "In achieving compliance, our customers can be reassured that the highest standards of animal welfare is being met which makes for happy, healthy and more productive cows."
Organic dairy farmer Jim Naftel, of Les Fauconnaires Farm, was proud ro receive RSPCA accreditation.
"Our immediate priority is the welfare of our herd. If our cows are healthy and happy it ultimately improves the quality and taste of our milk.
“The process was challenging to start with but the connection between welfare and production makes our farming practices more efficient and profitable.”
Pictured top: Liz and Jim Naftel, from Les Fauconnaires Farm.
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