Organic Farming Benefits
Across the United States and rest of world, dairies embrace the best management options that are right for their farm and their family (98% of U.S. Dairy farms are family owned). Just like you make your own decisions on what is best for you. Some of these dairies conclude that providing certified-organic milk is the right choice for their farm. These dairy farms have to go through a process to become organic and maintain specific standards that are regulated and set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture
The organic farming must do many things, including the following:
The organic farming must do many things, including the following:
- Use organic fertilizers and pesticides. Even though pesticides are used in conventional farming, they are used sparingly and sensitive monitoring equipment is used to detect residues at levels far lower than those that pose a health risk. There are strict regulations in place involving the use of pesticides on all farms.
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- provide cows access to pasture at least 120 days a year (organic dairy cows must receive supplemental feed so they get enough protein) During the winter cows on organic farms eat the same feed as cows on other farms, except that it must be certified organic feed.
- can not use antibiotics to treat sick cows, unless have tried organic methods first. Please note that even though on a conventional farm a cow will receive antibiotics if she needs them (just like you would take medicine for an ailment), her milk is never sold while she is receiving them, or during the withdrawal time that is required for that antibiotic. Farmers work very closely with their veterinarians to ensure all rules are followed and that the cow is getting the very best care. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires that all milk - conventional and organic - be tested for commonly used antibiotics when it arrives at the milk plant. If any levels of antibiotics are found the milk is dumped and NOT sold for human consumption.
- one of the largest cons is that organic dairies will have a harder time feeding the growing population (global population expected to reach 9 billion people by 2050, farmers need to feed these extra people with less resources than they use now)
There is no scientific evidence that organic dairy products are safer or healthier than conventional dairy products, and strict government standards ensure that both are wholesome, safe, and nutritious.
Both organic and conventional dairy products contain the same combination of nutrients that make dairy an important part of a healthy diet. Whether people choose organic or conventional dairy products they should feel safe about consuming all varieties of dairy, because farmers on both strive to take the best care of their cows. The look of the farm may have changed, but farmers' values of providing high-quality care to their animals and land has not.
