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Anyone who visits a reputable organic dairy farm will begin to appreciate that the quality and taste of milk, cream, and other products is largely determined by the living conditions of the animals, particularly their access to healthy pasture. Cows have a complex digestive system which enables them to process and absorb nutrients from fibrous plant material like grass, dandelion, and clover. Milk obtained from grass fed cows is particularly rich in important vitamins and minerals. Under normal dietary conditions, the fat content of cows milk is determined largely by the breed and the time of year. Jersey cows produce moderate quantities of milk with a high proportion of buttermilk compared to Fresian and Holstein cows, which provide large...

To follow up recent comments on the importance of cooperatives within the organic sector, it seems fitting to identify then describe a selection of these. Organic Valley is the US based producer’s cooperative which is currently representing more than 1100 farmers, or approximately 10% of the organic farming community nationwide. Together, these farmers contribute organically certified foods such as milk, cheese, eggs, meat, soy milk, juices, and gluten free products. In their promotional material, Organic Valley are prepared to distinguish themselves from the corporate influences which control many of the food resources distributed throughout the US today. Based on their alternative business model, Organic Valley seeks to support the...

Next time you feel as though you’re tied to your current job and in need of a break, spare a thought for your local organic dairy farmer. Organic dairy farming is a year-round undertaking that requires real dedication. While many of us are aware of the benefits of consuming organic dairy products and even the research confirming these benefits, unless you hail from a dairy farm, you may not appreciate the extent of the commitment required to deliver high quality organic dairy products. In a wonderful two-part short film entitled Organic Dairyman: A Family Tradition, Cooking Up a Story – a site dedicated to breathing life into authentic stories about food – provides us with an insight into the life of Jon Bansen, an organic dairy farmer. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwtRKV4Hc6U Interestingly,...

According to market researchers, there are six underlying factors which influence consumers deciding between organically certified and conventional dairy produce. By a considerable degree, the most important of these is a concern for product safety. This is demonstrated by our instinctive desire to be reassured that exacting standards have been met to minimise the risk of modern food contaminants, particularly those suspected of creating preventable health problems. Fair enough. We live in a technologically complex age with many benefits and advantages. All the same, there are lots of people who feel uncomfortable with agricultural chemicals and genetically altered proteins in the food chain. Optimal nutrition Closely related to the concern...