5 Reasons to Choose Organic Dairy
Picture this: You’re walking down the dairy aisle at your local grocery store and see an assortment of milk, cheese, and other delicious dairy products. This is where decision fatigue might kick in — how do you choose from the hundreds of colorful packages that sport various claims? Well, here’s the thing — not all dairy products are created equal, and some are better for you than others.
If you have yet to buy organic, now may be the time to switch. When you buy Organic Valley® products, you are making a choice that benefits you, the earth, the animals, and organic family farms across the nation.
Here are just five of the many reasons why organic is the real deal.
1. Better Nutrition
The production of Organic Valley® milk is free of pesticides, synthetic hormones, antibiotics and GMOs, producing better-for-you dairy products. Studies show that organic foods pack a punch with higher antioxidant levels and essential nutrients like omega-3 and CLA fatty acids.
Additionally, it has been shown that organic crops contain significantly fewer concentrations of cadmium — a toxic metal similar to lead and mercury.
“I recommend drinking milk for anyone looking to add more protein and vitamins such as vitamin A, B12 and D into their diet,” said Carly Knowles, registered dietitian. “My personal favorite and go-to milk is Grassmilk® Whole Milk because of its naturally occurring omega-3 fatty acids and CLA content.”
The Webb family in Vermont promotes biodiversity on its organic farm.
2. Positive Impact on Sustainability
Organic Valley is committed to protecting where your food comes from.
Our organic dairy farms are at the cutting edge of sustainable practices, setting an example for conventional counterparts. It all starts with the deep care farmers give to the soil and land.
Organic Valley dairy farms collectively average 24% less greenhouse gas emissions than conventional dairy farms, according to research from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Organic dairy farmers allow their cattle to graze in pastures. Our cows log an average 191 days on pasture during the grazing season, surpassing the USDA Organic minimum of 120 days. While cattle graze, they trample plant and other matter into the ground so it can decompose naturally, enriching the soil and trapping carbon.
We also created the Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program to incentivize participating farmers for reducing emissions and sequestering more carbon. Further, Organic Valley is working toward carbon neutrality by 2050.
What is carbon neutral? When the amount of carbon emitted into the atmosphere is the same as the amount removed, leaving a zero balance.
Randall Bates and his cows connect on their Maine farm.
3. Commitment to Animal Care
Organic dairy farming prioritizes the health and well-being of cows and promotes the animal’s natural behaviors. Small organic family farms are constantly innovating animal care and are often ahead of the industry developing creative approaches that fit their unique farm circumstances.
Organic cows must have access to the outdoors all year long, in accordance with National Organic Program standards. The USDA reports that 80% of conventional dairy cows do not get to graze at all, and some cows never have an opportunity to leave the barn.
Organic Valley cows go outside and enjoy fresh air and sunlight. This freedom allows them to engage in their natural activities like chewing cud, grazing on grass, and simply living as cows.
Small organic family farms are constantly innovating animal care with creative ways to care for their animals that fit their unique farm circumstances. A good example of this is how some farmers rely on native birds to control the fly population.
Tanner and Dale Bingham on their organic dairy farm near Idaho's Bear River Mountain Range.
4. Supports Small Organic Dairy Farms
Every time you purchase Organic Valley® products, you support organic dairy farmers and the family farms behind your food. Our cooperative includes more than 1,500 farms committed to organic agriculture. For these farmers, dairy isn't just a business. It's a way of life.
5. Versatile and Trend-forward
Organic dairy products fit seamlessly into today's food trends, whether you're looking for high-protein snacks, easy dairy recipes or nutritious meal ideas.
Chances are you’ve stumbled upon recipes that have gone viral: from cottage cheese ice cream to innumerable ways to make milk even cooler! What do these have in common? You guessed it — delicious dairy products.
There are far more than five reasons to choose organic dairy! We hope you consider adding organic dairy to your meals and snacks. Since 1988, Organic Valley farmers have worked to better the planet, animals, and the food system — and through your purchases you can feel good about supporting them, too.
