How now, brown cow? Why a dairy farmer talks to his cows: Episode 29

0 Plays4 years ago

Are dairy farmers crazy? Maybe, but it’s because they always put their cows first. It’s National Agriculture Month and we are bringing you a featured farmer (#featuredfarmer) each week. Derrick Josi, an Oregon dairy farmer and founder of TDF Honest Farming, encourages farmers to bridge the gap with consumers – and understand the divide goes both ways.

He talks about his little brown cows, while Michele jokingly accuses him of being a cow racist, and they discuss beautiful udders while Eliz cringes. Derrick shares the mental health impact of bullying by activists, how he actually cares for cows, and the work that goes into producing healthy milk.

Key points

Putting animal welfare and farming documentaries in context by understanding the "why" of farming practices.
Generational disconnect between consumers and farmers – the gap works both ways.
Differences in breeds of dairy cattle and personal preferences.
Why do dairy farmers share pictures of cow’s udders?
Why Derrick talks to his cows about hot topics and lets them kiss the camera.
Impacts of food bullying on farmers and the extreme messages sent by anti-dairy activists. It can cause mental issues in farming.
Cows should be in barns – and why.
Staying grounded in spite of online commentary; stop focusing on the minority of people who are not nice and pay attention to the 99% who are nice.
How Derrick handles several hundred private messages/day and personally responds.
Tips to overcoming food bullying: nobody’s business what you are eating, food is extremely safe, and eat what you enjoy – don’t let anyone take away the foods you enjoy.

Fabulous quotes

“Some people think I’m crazy when I’m out there lecturing my cows.”

“These animals do not fear me, they trust me, and they are definitely not abused.”

“Food bullying is when someone tries to force their lifestyle on others. I see it happening more and more online.”

“These people (activists) roam the internet in a herd. It is mentally exhausting and you have to step away to take a break.”

“I wish people understood how much time it takes out of my day to do what I do online.”

“I wish they understood the cow comes first. The cattle are our livelihood. Everything evolves around taking care of the cows 24 hours/day, 7 days/week. I am always on call.”

“You kind of have to be crazy to be a dairy farmer.”

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