Food quality standards in the U.S. are some of the highest in the world, and one industry with ever-increasing standards is the dairy industry. Many examples of how the industry is improving, and can further improve, were discussed at the 2013 Kentucky Milk Quality Conference.

The event took place Aug. 28-29 at the Lake Barkley State Resort in Cadiz, Kentucky. Attendees included individuals from all corners of the dairy industry seeking to better the quality of milk on levels from farm to retail. Speakers included producers, researchers, processors, regulators and several other representatives of the dairy industry.

Dr. Steve Oliver of the University of Tennessee was the first speaker of the conference and spoke concerning the use of antibiotics in dairy animals and its relation to antibiotic resistance. Pathogen-specific resistance has developed, which may be attributable to imprudent use of antibiotics in both animals and people.

Oliver also noted that animal-passed antimicrobial resistance in humans is not as important for pasteurized milk because any bacteria with developed resistance are eliminated in the pasteurization process. This means that only raw milk could pass pathogens with antibiotic resistance. Additionally, organic and conventional milk show no difference in the resistance of the pathogens within them.

Oliver indicated that research has shown no link to overall antimicrobial resistance and its relation to antibiotic use in cattle; however, this should not mean that dairy farmers decrease the scrutiny with which they treat their animals.

Farmers should use the correct drug for the associated pathogen, in the appropriate dose, at the proper time, for the right amount of time. When antibiotics are used in incorrect amounts, at the wrong time, for the wrong amount of time, or on the improper pathogen, pathogens adjust to sub-therapeutic doses of an antibiotic and can develop antibiotic resistance.

Another strategy for mastitis control is prevention. Mastitis is not always preventable, but using prevention measures decreases losses associated with mastitis, at a fraction of the cost of treatment and lost milk production. Mastitis vaccines may also be a viable option for mastitis control.

Without proper use and adherence to strict protocols of treatment, a ban on farmer-administrated drugs could be in store for the future. Such a ban could be in the form of a complete ban or limitation to veterinarian-administered treatment.

Dr. Jeffrey Bewley, an associate professor at the University of Kentucky, spoke advocating a new initiative called the Southeast Quality Milk Initiative. The initiative will be a five-year program that will seek to improve adoption of management practices associated with quality milk. A network of six land-grant universities in the Southeast will work together to implement this program.

Many people feel that producing quality milk in the southeastern U.S. is not possible or not practical, but the initiative seeks to dispel that rumor. Many producers in the South are able to produce milk above and beyond the standards of the rest of the country.

Due to the milk and dairy distribution of the U.S., dairy producers in the South are often able to sell their milk at a higher price than many other parts of the country. If farmers in this region produced larger quantities of high quality milk, farmers could experience a great benefit.

Dan Clark, a producer from Kentucky, gave his perspective on the many different options available to farms struggling with milk quality issues. Clark’s operation was on the verge of closing its doors due to a somatic cell count problem until they came into contact with dairy extension and outreach specialists.

Due to the collaboration between Clark and the specialists, he was able to update his farm’s management practices and greatly improve the quality of his milk, lowering his SCC by nearly 600,000 in a few months. Currently, the farm produces milk with a SCC at around 300,000.

Because of the increased quality of milk being produced, Clark’s farm saw an increase of nearly $50,000 per year in profit.

Fabian Bernal of Dairy Farmers of America also spoke concerning programs available to producers through DFA, such as the Gold Standard Dairy Program. Producers enrolled in this DFA program must go through an interview and evaluation process in order to qualify.

The Gold Standard Dairy Program also links into the National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program. The program allows DFA to expand its available market and allows them to guarantee the products they market. With this program, a new standard in animal care and product quality can be assured to consumers of DFA products.

The program has seen a 90 percent participation rate from DFA producers, with more than 20,000 interviews and assessments being completed in the last six years.

Bernal also indicated that an update will be performed within the program, incorporating more criteria into the assessment and interview. While more criteria may seem inconvenient, it allows for compliance of standards in foreign countries, expanding the potential market for DFA dairy products.

Quality is important in any business, especially the dairy business. The 2013 Kentucky Milk Quality Conference is just one of many examples of the ways that the dairy industry strives to better itself.

Through the combined efforts from every level of dairy production, the dairy industry will continue to produce a safe, healthy and nutritious product that consumers around the world will continue to enjoy. PD

Matt Borchers is a graduate research assistant at the University of Kentucky.