> Founded by Dr. Kevin McSweeney, an esteemed veterinarian who specialized in reproductive methods for dairy cattle, Five Freedoms Dairy emerged from witnessing industrial dairy practices that 'sell to the commodity market and don't care about animal welfare.' McSweeney pioneered the uncommon practice of keeping mothers and calves together until weaning at five to six months, explaining: 'When I started doing this, I had no examples to lean on.' This ethical approach significantly reduces marketable milk volume but aligns with animal welfare principles, resulting in cows that live twice as long as conventional dairy cattle by avoiding chronic leg and hoof injuries. McSweeney believes systemic change comes when 'customers demand animal welfare,' emphasizing that producers will follow consumer demand for better practices. The Loveland dairy offers milk, yogurt, and ricotta through farmers markets, local retailers, and herd shares.