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This episode features a wide-ranging conversation with a veterinarian about how farmers care for their animals, the challenges of being a vet, and the story of Fairlife Milk.  Dr. Marissa Hake is a veterinarian who specializes in communicating about how our food is raised. Marissa’s background has been in calf health and welfare but recently has transitioned into a new position as the Director of Animal Welfare and Sustainable Farming for Fairlife. Key points: What should consumers know about farmers caring for animals? Dr. Hake sees farmers working hard every day and putting animal needs above all else. Consumers tend to personify animals and compare them to children and pets. Farm animals are different. Farmers care deeply for the well-being of their animals, but sometimes that care looks bad from the outside. Dehorning calves, for example, protects other cows from injury. What do people misunderstand about veal? Baby animals is an emotional topic.  People love cute baby animals. Veal is not a baby cow.  They are harvested when they weigh 500 to 600 pounds Chicken and pork are harvested at younger ages. Housing conditions have changed. It is illegal to tether a calf.  Farmers want happy, healthy cows. Cows are social. How was Fairlife milk developed? A farmer/veterinarian experimented with filtering milk on his farm to see if it would filter out lactose The result was a lactose-free high-protein milk that appealed to athletes Now there are lots of Fairlife products available in the store Why are people scared of GMOs but not of filtered milk? People have a point of reference for filtering something There is too much heavy-lifting to comprehend the details of bio-engineering What issues challenge the mental health of veterinarians? In ag and for Vets, what people say matters and affects mental health.  Most people don’t understand what they do. Vets have a high education debt load compared to human doctors - and make less money They deal with end-of-life decisions every day for their patients They get push-back from people who think their services should be free In rural communities, mental health resources are not accessible. Three tips to overcome food bullying: Make educated decisions Ask the source Do what is best for your family Links: Marissa Hake Website Facebook Instagram Food Bullying Podcast’s Facebook Page Food Bullying: How to Avoid Buying BS by Michele Payn Embrace your Heart with Eliz Greene