Pasturing: Cornerstone of Organic Dairy

We believe that allowing animals to carry out natural behaviors in the best possible living conditions is an essential part of organic farming.

Cows are ruminants. This means that they are designed to eat grass. The bucolic vision of cows peacefully munching verdant pastures is not the agricultural norm, but it is ours on the member farms of Organic Valley cooperative. (Click here to view our pasture policy.)

The definition and requirements for pasturing are under scrutiny in Washington DC today. We are working to protect and strengthen the requirements, because we know consumers expect healthy animals and humane care.

As leaders and pioneers in the organic industry, our member farmers are not waiting for goverment regulations to implement high pasturing standards. Our cooperative's internal standards on pasture already go above and beyond what is mandated by the USDA standards. Whenever it is seasonally appropriate, our cows are provided with access to pasture. Compelling research shows(1) that this leads to healthier cows and healthier milk.

As out-going head of the Livestock Committee for the National Organic Standards Board, George Siemon has worked with farmers around the country to craft a guidance document for recommended pasturing practices. We firmly believe this guideline should be considered as an integral part of any organic livestock system.

The grass is definitely greener on our side of the fence.

1. Learn more about research on the benefits of pasturing in The Grass is Greener.