‘Happy Cow’ commercials under pressure
By Megan Pierce
| Monday, November 16, 2009
The ‘Happy Cows come from California’ advertising campaign came under fire again last week.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) filed a complaint last week with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) against the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) 'Happy Cows' campaign. PETA alleges that the advertising campaign is lying to consumers.
In other news, the LA Times reported that the CMAB will film part of its new series of 10 California ‘Happy Cows’ TV commercials in New Zealand to take advantage of the country’s low production costs. Read “Filming of state milk ads is heading abroad to save moola.”
In response to the article, the CMAB says, “To set the record straight, we are not shooting ‘Happy Cows’ commercials in New Zealand, we are shooting unhappy cows from all over the world auditioning to become California cows. Any ads that show actual California cows have always been – and will always be – filmed and produced completely in California.” Read the official response from CMAB here.
One Website, www.cowsandcrops.com, is asking dairy farmers if the California ‘Happy Cows’ really are problem? Dairy farmers can participate in the web poll, click here to view the poll and to vote.
Recent blog posts by Barbara Martin, dairy farmer and CMAB board member, talk about why she believes the California ‘Happy Cow’ commercials are good for the industry.
Defending the “Happy Cows” – A Fun Message for Milk and Dairy!
Dairy Farmers Make MILK With Work Ethic & Common Sense. That is Why Cows are HAPPY!
