Yeo Valley has been awarded the inaugural Good Dairy Award from the Compassion in World Farming Good Farm Animal Welfare Awards 2011.  The new award, created specifically to recognise food organisations that go the extra mile to improve the lives of cows and calves, was presented to Yeo Valley at the award ceremony last night (Wednesday 6^th July).

The Somerset organic dairy farm has a long standing commitment to providing the highest levels of animal welfare. In 1972 founders, Roger and Mary Mead, selected British Friesians for their herd, a tradition which has stood the test of time down to the breed's inherent longevity and natural fertility. The livestock are reared in line with Soil Association organic standards which include having access to pasture when weather conditions permit, typically in the south west, grazing from early April to late October.

Up to receive the award from TV chef and farm animal welfare advocate Paul Merrett, was Yeo Valley’s Director of Communications, Graham Keating. Mr. Keating said:

“Yeo Valley and Soil Association Organic standards demand the highest levels of animal welfare. We are delighted that the Good Dairy Award recognises this, on both our own farm and on the 90 OMSCo farms which supply milk for Yeo Valley Organic products.”

Compassion in World Farming is the leading international farm animal welfare charity, campaigning to end cruel factory farming. Launched in 2007, Compassion’s Food Business Team works with some of the world’s top food companies, inspiring progress through the awards scheme and supporting products and initiatives which represent tangible benefits for both farm animals and businesses. Compassion, working with the food industry, improves the lives of millions of farm animals each year, moving towards a more ethical and sustainable food supply.