At TINE®, we take pride in our commitment to sustainability, and one of the shining examples of this commitment is the Norwegian Red cow. This remarkable breed has been a cornerstone of Norwegian dairy farming since 1935, and its journey towards sustainability is a testament to our dedication to excellence.

 

The Norwegian Red cow is renowned for its superior health, fertility, and milk production. These cows are not just high-yielding; they are also incredibly resilient, thriving in the northernmost pastures of Norway. Their robust health is a result of generations of careful breeding and a commitment to animal welfare. In fact, Norway boasts the lowest use of antibiotics in the world, ensuring that our cattle are healthy and well-cared for.

 

But sustainability is not just about the health of our cows. It's also about the quality of the products they help us create. The Norwegian Red cow produces milk that is naturally rich in protein, calcium, and vitamins, providing generations of Norwegians with nutritious dairy products. This quality is rooted in principles that have sustained Norwegian farmers for centuries: resilience, adaptability, and the understanding that unique conditions create unique dairy.

 

 

TINE® sets strict animal welfare standards and works closely with farmers, participating in research projects to ensure the animals live good lives.

At least once a year, TINE®’s advisor visits the farm with the farmer to assess what is going well and what can be improved. Through an animal welfare program, farmers also receive regular visits from a veterinarian. TINE®’s animal welfare indicator collects health data about the animals to track progress on each farm.

 

Since 1975, TINE® has developed the world’s most complete health register for cows. Each dairy cow has its own health record and primary care provider. Additionally, TINE® advisors are always available to assist, alongside TINE®’s researchers and diagnostic laboratory. As a result, TINE®’s dairy cows are among the healthiest in the world.

“It’s great to have a professional team behind us, offering help and advice when needed,” says the dairy farmer.

 

The systematic work on animal health has also ensured that Norwegian livestock receives the least antibiotics in the world, which is important in a world where antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest threats to public health.

 

“The Norwegian livestock sector benefits from strong collaboration among many actors and effective follow-up of measures that improve animal health. This is yielding results, including in reducing antibiotic use,” notes researcher Laila Aass.

 

Brit Iren Snerting thanks TINE® for allowing her and other farmers to produce food on small and large farms throughout the country. TINE® is a cooperative owned by 8,000 farmers from south to north, sharing the profits. The obligation to collect milk ensures that all milk producers in Norway are paid the same price for their milk.

“TINE® is crucial for enabling farming across all of Norway. We couldn’t run a farm here in Inderøy without TINE®,” says the dairy farmer.

 

As we look towards the future, our commitment to sustainability remains unwavering. The Norwegian Red cow will continue to play a vital role in our efforts to be one of Norway’s most sustainable food producers. By focusing on animal welfare, reducing our environmental footprint, and producing high-quality dairy products, we are ensuring that our legacy of excellence continues for generations to come.