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Valio to pay $0.01 extra per litre to entrepreneurs committed to responsible dairy production. Credit: Valio.

Valio has revealed that it will pay an extra $0.01 per litre of milk to dairy farms that adopt responsible dairy production methods.

The initiative is intended to promote animal well-being and encourage a better quality of life for the animals.

From January this year, the company will be paying the bonus to farms that encourage and promote various animal well-being measures such as planned healthcare.

Valio farm services director Juha Nousiainen said: “We’re delighted to see that dairy farmers throughout Finland are so committed to these changes.

“Each farm must regularly monitor the condition of hooves and ensure that pain relief and sedatives are given to calves when they are dehorned.”

“About 4,600 of the 5,800 dairy farms in the Valio group are already following the new guidelines. We will continue to provide local training, and expect a lot more farms to join the programme this year.”

Valio noted that the farms must fulfil certain conditions and guidelines to receive the bonus. Each farm must regularly monitor the condition of hooves and ensure that pain relief and sedatives are given to calves when they are dehorned. In addition, this procedure must be carried out under the supervision of a vet.

The farms must also feature free-stall barns so the cows can spend time outdoors.

Valio board chairman Vesa Kaunisto said: “Finnish cows are already the healthiest in the EU, which is why, for example, we use fewer antibiotics compared to other EU countries. We support and encourage the dairy farmers to focus more than ever on animal welfare.”