Our whey comes only from cows raised on pastures that consist of a mixture of nutritious grasses, legumes and variable plant species, the natural diet that cows are born to eat.  Grazing on pasture helps the animals stay healthy, and they are free to move about.  They are given adequate bedding, water and shelter, and proper medical treatment if needed.  Animals whose milk is certified organic are never given growth hormones or antibiotics

Pasture grazing isn’t just good for the cows, it’s also good for the earth. Carefully managed pastures prevent degradation of soil and water quality. To learn more about the benefits of pasturing, see ‘The Grass is Greener‘.

All of the dairy farms that supply our whey are part of Organic Valley Family of Farms™ who are committed to the highest standards for humane animal care

Pasture Standards

1. A lactating cow must be provided 120 days on pasture per each growing season.
2. A minimum average of 30% dry matter intake of the total lactating cow’s diet must come from grazed pasture during that region’s grazing season.
3. The stocking rate for pasture is a maximum of three (3) lactating cows per acre of pasture. (If the farmer can demonstrate a higher stocking rate is sustainable on their specific farm, that will be acceptable.)
4. Dry (in non-lactating stage) cows must have at least 30 days access to pasture if that coincides with the grazing period for that region.
5. Young animals must have some introduction to pasture after six months of age. After one year of age, they must have access to pasture, coinciding with that region’s grazing period.

Farm Pasture Plan Requirements

Ruminant livestock must have access to graze pasture during the months of the year when pasture provides edible forage, and the grazed feed must provide a significant portion of the feed requirements during those months but no less than a minimum average of 30% dry matter. The Farm Pasture Plan must illustrate how the producer will optimize the pasture component of the total feed used in the farm system. The Farm Pasture Plan must quantify how the Pasture Standards will be met.

The producer of ruminant livestock may be allowed temporary exemption to pasture because of:

1. Conditions under which the health, safety, or well-being of the animal could be jeopardized.
2. Inclement weather
3. Temporary conditions which pose a risk to soil and water quality.

The producer of ruminant livestock may be allowed exemption to pasture during the following stages of production:

1. Dairy stock under the age of 6 months
2. Birthing