For this reason, Dairy Farmers of Canada initiated, in January of 2019, a regular update to the 2009 Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Dairy Cattle. The update will be guided by the National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC).
Canada’s codes of practice are valuable mechanisms within the industry because they set the guidelines for the care and handling of farm animals.
They reflect our national understanding of animal care requirements, current science and recommended practices, and serve as educational tools, as reference materials for regulations and as the foundation for farm animal care assessment programs.
The update process includes both a scientific committee and a code development committee.
The scientific committee reviews current science on priority animal welfare issues, and the resulting report provides valuable information to the code development committee.
As the scientific committee’s report will be made public, the transparency and credibility of the code process and the recommendations within are enhanced.
In April 2019, a survey was conducted as part of the code development process. The survey attempted to capture top-of-mind welfare topics from all stakeholders, including farmers.
The input received will help the code development committee understand the top elements of animal welfare people wish to see considered in the update. The development process can take two to three years from start to finish.
Once the code development committee has a draft, it is posted for a 60-day public comment period. The code development committee considers the feedback and works on the final version of the code.
This final version will be submitted to NFACC, published by DFC and NFACC, and the dairy sector will take on the implementation process. This is anticipated for the fall of 2021.
“We are looking forward to updating our code of practice to reflect the most recent science and best farm practices. Farmers continue to demonstrate their commitment for animal care through proAction, our quality assurance program,” says Pierre Lampron, president of Dairy Farmers of Canada.
Visit the following to learn more about the process (National farm animal care council - codes of practice). 
PHOTO: Canadian dairy farmers have always been committed to providing excellent care for their cattle. Photo courtesy of Dairy Farmers of Canada.
Founded in 1934, Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) is the national organization which defends the interests of Canadian dairy farmers and strives to create favourable conditions for the Canadian dairy industry. Working in accordance with supply management principles, DFC promotes safe, high quality, sustainable and nutritious Canadian dairy products made from 100% Canadian milk through various marketing, nutrition, policy and lobbying initiatives. Driven by a strong sense of community and pride, DFC and Canadian dairy farmers actively support a number of local and national activities. Visit dairyfarmers.ca for more information.
