A critical look at our conservative dairy industry.

Abstract

Many feel that the dairy industry is far too conservative, meaning it is reluctant to adapt or change when the need arises. Seven conservative conditions, designated “sacred cows” of the dairy industry, need a major overhaul. These are: outdated recruiting methods and industry image; a reluctance to adopt new testing procedures which could increase milk volume and producer returns, especially for the manufacturing milk industry; conservatism in adopting new testing procedures, with particular reference to the electronic fat-testing devices; segmentation and isolation of industry components; producer thefts by fieldmen functioning as procurement personnel rather than trouble-shooters for farm problems; duplication and non-uniformity of inspections; a low priority for promotion and new product development. Elimination of the sacred cows could be accomplished by: tearing down prohibitive and conflicting legislative standards; ceasing to push for restrictive and discriminatory legislation which prohibits the ...