Amy Eggleston: Let’s share the real facts about farming

I drink milk from a cow. Who knew that sentence would ever be so controversial?

In 2020, despite everything else going on in the world, it seems this is a statement which often comes under scrutiny.

For anyone else feeling like they have to justify themselves when it comes to this, I would like to set the record straight.

See also: Amy Eggleston – World standards mean vigorous farm inspections

I proudly drink milk from a cow. This cow, who has been born and lived her life on my family farm, has been well-treated, cared for, and has lived outside eating grass for the majority of her life.

Her diet mainly consists of grass, but she also can eat a variety of other things, too. She comes inside for a few months in the winter so that she can keep warm when the weather deteriorates. She may be as old as 10, and has spent her whole life under our care, so we know what she likes.

The team of people who look after her, including myself, spend more time with her than they do with their family or friends. They are dedicated to her wellbeing, and ensure she has everything she needs, 365 days a year – even on Christmas Day.

This cow carries her milk daily in her udder, which gets heavy when it is full. She gladly comes in to be milked twice a day which reduces the weight she carries under her body.

If she becomes unwell or faces problems, we will help her to get better. She can have antibiotics, but only if she needs them, and we have a vet on call 24/7 to help her if needed. If given antibiotics, her milk is thrown away and never enters into the human food chain. The milk we do drink is a versatile, healthy product which is packed full of calcium. 

The reason I am writing this is because the myths, rumours and inaccuracies about farming are everywhere.

I am not criticising anyone’s lifestyle choices or eating habits, rather simply establishing the truth.

This is the reality I see every day, and I am happy to share my story.

If you come under scrutiny, I urge you to remain calm and present the simple facts. This is the truth – don’t let Instagram “influencers”, big marketing budgets or news articles persuade you otherwise.