WHAT DOES USDA ORGANIC CERTIFICATION MEAN FOR ANIMAL CARE?

Animal care is at the heart of what farmers on Organic Valley farms do, from ensuring that animals have access to lush organic pastures to closely monitoring their health with direct, hands-on attention. Family farms at Organic Valley live in harmony with nature to create a good life for all animals on the farm. And we believe that when we work with nature, Organic Valley organic milk and everything we produce is good for you, your family and the planet.

Because all 1,800 Organic Valley farms are certified organic by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), all of our farmers must undergo regular farm inspections to maintain the federal standards required by certification. And what does USDA Organic certification mean when it comes to animal care? Let’s find out!

1. Natural organic pasture

When the USDA Organic standards were implemented, ensuring that animals can comfortably express their natural behaviors and meet their health needs became an essential part of certification. On Organic Valley farms, that means organic cows spend a lot of time enjoying fresh air out on pasture.

The National Organic Program (NOP) requires that cows be on pasture at least 120 days a year when natural conditions allow (summer, fall, etc.). Non-organic farms can decide whether or not to let their animals outside, but certified organic farms must meet this 120-day requirement. According to farm reports, Organic Valley’s organic cows actually spend, on average, more than half the year on pasture (depending on region and season).

When cows are in the barn, farmers keep them warm, dry, content and safe. Many Organic Valley farms even do some rather quirky things to keep their cows happy, such as providing special back-scratching brushes for the most pampered cows ever.

2. The “Four No’s” on organic farms

No synthetic pesticides. No synthetic herbicides. No antibiotics. No added hormones. No genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

That is Organic Valley’s organic promise to customers. Everything animals are fed on organic farms must be certified free from synthetic pesticides, herbicides, hormones and GMOs. Organic Valley cows are raised organically, and we are proud to continue more than 33 years of upholding organic standards and helping grow the organic industry.

No added hormones for cows

Organic farmers are not allowed to use artificial hormones on any certified organic livestock on the farm. Animals at Organic Valley are never injected with hormones to increase their milk or meat production. We work in harmony with nature and are committed to never pushing animals beyond their natural limits.

Most people have heard of bovine growth hormone (rBGH), but rBGH is not the only hormone used in conventional livestock farming. In fact, several synthetic hormones are allowed in conventional farming practices. Even the USDA Organic standards allow the use of oxytocin when necessary after a cow gives birth. However, Organic Valley farmers are committed to never using oxytocin or any other supplemental hormone for any reason. We choose to follow the innate natural systems in the true spirit of organic standards, and that means no hormones, no synthetic pesticides and no GMOs.

No artificial pesticides or GMOs

The organic promise also means that Organic Valley farmers never allow animals or feed on the farm to be exposed to artificial pesticides, and animals are never fed GMO grains (or any GMO ingredients).

GMOs, synthetic pesticides and herbicides often go hand in hand. Many conventional crops such as corn and soybeans are genetically modified to resist certain pests or to withstand the pesticides and herbicides sprayed on them while they grow. GMO corn or soybeans may be sprayed with these chemicals and then fed to conventional livestock or processed into other products for humans, such as tortilla chips, vegetable oils, and more.

However, GMOs are strictly prohibited on USDA-certified organic farms. Since both artificial pesticides and GMOs are not allowed on organic farms, that means the cows producing Organic Valley organic milk on your family’s table live lives free from GMOs and artificial pesticides.

3. Living a natural life outdoors

Organic Valley farmers firmly believe that animals on organic farms should live healthy lives and be free to express their natural behaviors while being well cared for by dedicated organic farmers.

That’s why Organic Valley farms are kept relatively small, with an average herd size of about 80 cows. This allows farmers to pay close attention to and care for each individual animal. All of that dedication, care and hard work results in healthy, happy animals that provide delicious, high-quality organic milk for you and your family.