5 Reasons to Feel Good About Real 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 dairy 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 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 Organic Valley Grassmilk® whole milk because of its naturally occurring omega-3 fatty acids and CLA content.”

2. Positive Impact on Sustainability

The National Organic Program (NOP) was built on the concept of sustainable farming practices.

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.

According to research from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, small organic dairy farms focusing on grazing and organic production techniques produce nearly 24% lower greenhouse gas emissions than conventional dairy farms.

Organic dairy farmers allow their cattle to graze in pastures. 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.

3. Commitment to Animal Care

Organic dairy farming prioritizes the health and well-being of cows and promotes the animal’s natural behaviors. Read about all the quirky things we do to care for our cows here. Small organic family farms are constantly innovating animal care and often ahead of the industry with creative ways to care for their animals that fit their unique farm circumstances.

Organic cows must have access to the outdoors all year long. The USDA reports that 80% of conventional dairy cows do not get to graze at all — 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.

And, 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.

4. Supports Small Organic Dairy Farms

Every time you purchase an organic dairy product, you not only nourish yourself and your loved ones, but you also show your support to organic dairy farmers. Look for brands like Organic Valley, a cooperative of more than 1,600 family farms committed to supporting small family farms through organic agriculture. For these family farmers who own and run their own farms, dairy isn't just a business — it’s a way of life.

5. Versatile and Trend-forward

If you’re on social media, chances are you’ve stumbled upon some of the recipes that have gone viral: from butter boards to cottage cheese ice cream (or simply dipping random foods in cottage cheese as is the trend). And the list goes on! What do these have in common? You guessed it — delicious dairy products.

There are far more than five reasons to feel good about 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.