Threemile earns perfect score on external animal welfare audit
| Posted in: News
For the second time in our history, Threemile Canyon Farms received a perfect score on our annual external animal welfare audit.
Over the last 10 years, Validus, an internationally recognized animal welfare auditor, has performed an annual audit at Threemile to ensure that we are adhering to animal welfare standards at the farm level.
Threemile’s two-day annual audit was conducted in October 2022 by a trained Validus-certified auditor. The audit is an in-depth, comprehensive analysis of our dairy's animal welfare program, which includes: 1) an Animal Welfare Committee made up of team members who meet monthly, 2) monthly inspections by our consulting Animal Advocate Veterinarian, and 3) an annual audit by Validus.
Threemile has consistently performed well on these audits, with scores ranging from 97-100 percent. In 2022, Threemile earned perfect scores in each category listed below. Validus considers 80 percent a passing score.
- Management
- Herd Health
- Hospital Management
- Animal Observations
- Nutrition Management
- Facilities
- Parlor Management
- Handling & Transport
- Calves & Heifers
- Record Keeping
“At Threemile, we believe animal welfare comes first and foremost,” said Dr. Jeff Wendler, Director of Livestock Operations at Threemile Canyon Farms. “We have a best-in-class animal welfare program that is three-tiered and second to none. Every day we are thankful for our dedicated staff who are committed to helping us carry out the highest animal welfare standards for our dairy operations.”
