In contrast to the intensive nature of dairy production in many parts of the world, where cows may be housed in sheds or feedlots for large parts of their lives, most Australian dairy cattle spend at least part of the day grazing or foraging on pasture.

When pictures of pretty scenes with cows eating grass are shown to consumers, they associate this with good animal welfare. However, beautiful scenery can be misleading, and there are animal welfare challenges associated with pasture-based farming, especially as herds increase in size.