Organic Valley Frequently Asked Questions

About Organic Animal Feed

What makes animal feeds organic?

Certified organic animal feeds are grass, hay, silage, and grains raised without chemical pesticides and chemical fertilizers. Instead of pesticides, organic farmers use mechanical cultivation, crop rotation, resistant plants and beneficial animals to control pests. Instead of chemical fertilizers, organic farmers use compost, manure and natural minerals to raise soil fertility. Genetically-modified organisms are prohibited from use in production of certified organic feeds.

What do you feed organic cows?

Feeding differs from farm to farm. Animal nutrition is as much an art as it is a science. Climate, season, farm size, and management style all impact what a farmer feeds his animals. All Organic Valley cows are fed a mixture of forages and grains. Forages include grass, hay, silage, baylage and other "green feeds". Hay is simply dried plant material, like grass and alfalfa. Silage and baylage are fermented, or "wet", plant material. Pasture feeding has many benefits for the animals, land, and water. Organic Valley farmers recognize the importance of grazing their cows and routinely surpass the minimal grazing requirements of the USDA's organic standards. A typical ratio on an Organic Valley farm is 80% forages and 20% grains. Corn, barley, soybeans, oats, field peas and flax are grains. Corn makes up the bulk of the grain diet, with barley and soybeans being added in lesser amounts for protein. Soybeans are a valuable feed for animals when used in the correct proportions. Soybeans are an excellent source of protein, essential amino acids, fats and carbohydrates. Soybeans represent between 0 and 10% of the cow's diet on an Organic Valley farm.

What do you feed chickens, turkeys and hogs?

Organic Valley poultry farmers use a ration of corn, barley, oats, wheat, flax and soybeans. Chickens and turkeys cannot eat large quantities of grass. Grass is a minor component of their diet. They have higher protein needs as well. Soybeans are used to adjust the protein level of their feed. Rapidly growing broiler chickens need higher levels of protein than older hens. A typical chicken ration will contain between 20 and 30% soybeans. All of our poultry have open access to an outdoor area to feed on grasses and insects. Hogs have a very similar diet to chickens. They will eat grass but cannot digest large quantities. Corn and soybeans are the major components of a hog's diet on an Organic Valley farm.

What else is fed to an organic animal?

Organic farmers may add minerals to their animals' feeds. Approved for organic use, these minerals ensure animals stay healthy and resistant to disease. Organic farmers may also use "probiotics" in their feeds. Not to be confused with "antibiotics", which are prohibited from organic production, "probiotics" are beneficial cultures of bacteria that help fight off disease.

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