Meister Cheese Company announced today it has passed an independent audit for its new Animal Friendly Family Farm program, rewarding family farmers who practice strict protocols for the humane treatment of animals.

 

Animal Friendly Family Farms, or “A Triple F”, is a partnership between Meister Cheese in Muscoda and Scenic Central Milk Producers, a dairy farmer cooperative based in Boscobel.  The program is a protocol of ethical treatment of dairy animals to which dairy farmers must follow, and for which are audited.  Meister Cheese crafts specialty cheese made from the “A Triple F” milk for a unique retail program.

 

“We are pleased to recognize our farmers for their animal husbandry skills and practices,” said Scott Meister, CEO of Meister Cheese.  “And, we are thrilled to have customers who reward family dairy farmers for doing what they have already been doing – treating their cows right.  It further solidifies the message of what family farming is all about - values and integrity.”

Wisconsin dairy farmers participating in the “A Triple F” program must agree to a rigid set of principles, including:

 

• Cows must be housed in a clean, comfortable and spacious environment

• Docking of tails is strictly prohibited

• All cows must be free of artificial hormones and antibiotics may only be used when an animal is sick

• Cows must have access to an outdoor pasture or paddock to enjoy fresh air when weather permits

• Fresh water must always be available, and feed is free of any animal-based by-products