Updated at: 11/23/2009 9:25 PM | KSAX.com
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Dairy Owner Explains Dangerous Drug Levels in Cows

The owners of two large Minnesota dairies have been cited by the FDA for high levels of antibiotics found in their cattle. 

Both J&L Diary in Clarissa, MN and Evergreen Acres Dairy LLC in Paynesville, MN were sent official letters of caution by the FDA in October warning the dairies to take "prompt action to correct the violations" found in several dairy animals.

When asked about the violations, Evergreen Acres Dairy owner Keith Schaeffer stated that they were the result of a mistake, and that steps had been taken to correct the problem.

"The animal in question was given a shot and it wasn't recorded," Schaeffer said.  "Basically, someone didn't write it down and it was a mistake."

The holstein cow in question, was randomly sampled by the FDA on September 16.  The FDA found levels of neomycin in its kidneys at four times the established safe limit. Afterwards, the animal's meat products were destroyed.

Had it been processed and sold, products from the animal would certainly have entered the food supply, alleges an October 9 letter to Schaeffer from the FDA.

Schaeffer, who owns 1,400 dairy cows and sends shipments of cheese and milk to the Kemps company, explained that he employs four individuals to administer veterinary innoculations at his large dairy.  After the FDA's warning, he says the role of veterinary medicine in his business was re-evaluated, and said he talked to employees about safe innoculation practices. 

To help right his wrongs, Schaeffer also says he enrolled in a beef quality assurance program and began to log online records of all innoculations using veterinary software called Dairy Comp.

The FDA also cited schaeffer for the misuse of eleven other veterinary drugs after visiting his farm, as well as warning him not to adminsister drugs without a licensed veterinarian.

Schaeffer says hower, that the allegations are simply a misunderstanding regarding the labels on veterinary drugs he keeps on his farm, and that he often works with the University of MN to test new drugs. 

Schaeffer is also a century farmer who grew up in Paynesville, and said his family has owned Evergreen Acres Dairy for over 100 years.  With no small amount of pride, he claims that problems with veterinary drugs definitely won't happen here again.

"It's an eye opener," Schaeffer said. "And I truly didn't know about it until I received the letter from the FDA... [This farm] It's just as safe as anywhere else.  We take care of our animals."

The rural Paynesville farmer was among 30 dairy owners nationwide cited for veterinary drug misuse.  No legal actions are pending.  

Written for the web by Matt Standal