On April 20, 2022

‘Cow’ documentary shows unethical realities of food production on a Vermont farm

Dear Editor,

Despite dwindling numbers of dairy farms,Vermont continues to be the largest dairy producer in New England and dairy is the most profitable sector of the state’s agricultural economy. Tourists flock to Vermont to savor its bucolic splendor and we are grateful to the farmers who toil to preserve its rural character. We should also take a moment to consider the animals who live on these picturesque farms. Andrea Arnold’s new documentary “Cow” tells the life story of a dairy cow named “Luma”with no dialogue. The viewer observes Luma’s life on a dairy farm from the animal’s perspective. In one piercing scene, Luma’s face stares straight into the camera as she bellows for her calf who was taken away from her moments after birth. All of Luma’s babies will be ripped from her at birth and she will bellow helplessly each time. It is plain to the viewer that Luma is an emotional being, capable of experiencing grief and despondency over the routine dairy farming practice of separating cow from calf. The effect is profoundly moving and forces us to grapple with how our food is produced. The documentary does not preach or seek to shock, but rather asks us to see dairy cows as mothers and sentient beings who must endure so many routine indignities and casual cruelties during their short lives. Albert Schweitzer said, “Think occasionally of the suffering of which you spare yourself the sight.” “Cow” asks us to do just that.

Lucy Goodrum, Reading

Do you want to submit feedback to the editor?

Send Us An Email!

Related Posts

Quarter Pounder packs a wallop

November 6, 2024
Dear Editor, There is a problem with our food systems. The recent E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers has led to illness, hospitalization, and even death. The CDC, FDA, and other health agencies are investigating, with fresh slivered onions and quarter-pound beef patties as the suspected sources of contamination. This incident isn’t…

Doctors need more time with patients, not less

November 6, 2024
Dear Editor, Bruce Hamory’s recommendation to the Green Mountain Care Board to reduce doctors’ time with patients is completely off base. The report’s conclusion that the state will have enough primary care providers is based on primary care providers (PCPs) seeing three patients per hour, and many internists, who see more complex patients, currently see a…

Doing away with the Electoral College would make Vt’s votes matter less

November 6, 2024
Dear Editor, (In response to Matthew Cecere’s commentary, “The National Popular Vote Interstate Compact could give Vermont voters more impact”). I’m amazed to see an educator come out in favor of such a ridiculous concept, and to also be in favor of abolishing the Electoral College. No, the Electoral College is not perfect. But, it is…

Burdened by homelessness

November 6, 2024
‘Not in my backyard’ is hitting Rutland hard, solutions must be statewide By Alis Headlam Editor’s note: Alis Headlam, of Rutland, is a former educator and member of Project VISION. The “not in my backyard” syndrome has put the Rutland area in a very difficult situation. Rutland has become the go-to place for people who…