THE MILK OF KINDNESS

QI understand that there are now several indoor dairy farms across the UK, where cows never see the light of day. When buying milk from a supermarket, what is the best way to ensure that the milk comes from dairy herds kept outside in fields?

SF, Cambridge

AApart from buying organic milk – cows must be outside for more than 200 days on average a year to qualify – the Free Range Dairy Farmers’ Pasture Promise logo gives assurance that milk comes from cows that enjoy the freedom to graze for at least six months of the year. A zero-grazing system is where grass is mechanically mown and brought to cattle. The Pasture Promise represents a clear commitment to keep cows in fields for at least 180 days a year and is backed by a set of producer standards. These standards are independently assessed, to ensure each farm makes a clear commitment to keeping cows in fields. Visit www.freerangedairy. org to find out more and which supermarkets are part of this scheme.