Thanks to New Zealand's fertile soil, abundant sunshine and temperate climate, our cows spent the majority of their time grazing outdoors on lush green grass.
Our pasture-based farming approach means our cows live longer and healthy lives. We only use antibiotics when our cows need them, for the treatment of known infections and under veterinary advice.
Being out in the open air has positive benefits for our cows.
Pasture provides both natural nutrition and a soft surface for cows to rest and roam. They are exposed to lower levels of environmental bacteria, making them less susceptible to disease. Pasture-based dairy farming also lets cows exhibit their natural behaviours, freely choosing where to eat, drink and who to socially interact with.
Our cows spend over
350 days a year grazing
on pasture.*
Our cows are 96%
grass-fed.*
Animal Wellbeing Plans
As part of our Terms of Supply, all Fonterra farms are required to have an Animal Wellbeing Plan prepared with their veterinarian.
Cared for Cows
Our independently-certified Cared for Cows Standard proactively supports animal wellbeing.
Our Cared for Cows Standard formalises the process for assessing and managing animal wellbeing on Fonterra farms. Monitoring animal wellbeing indicators helps to identify at-risk farms and provide appropriate support.
* Our Fonterra New Zealand cows spend on average 350 days grazing on pasture and have a diet which is 96% grass, calculated on an ‘as consumed’ basis and averaged over the previous three seasons data. Grass-fed means cows mainly grazing on grass and crops in paddocks where they roam. For more information, click here.