If you buy organic milk for your family, you may want to read this article about the corporate feedlot farms that are moving in on traditional small-scale organic dairies. The demand for organic milk has skyrocketed, and dairy corporations want in on it. They feed their cows organic grains, but don’t always provide the open pasture that is the hallmark of small organic farms and the assumption of many organic-purchasing consumers.
For those whose primary concern is making sure their milk is chemical-free, the feedlot milk, as long as it is organic, may be an acceptable, and possibly cheaper alternative to small-farm organic products. For those concerned about animal welfare or the viability of small farmers as well, it may not. Either way, it’s best to make your choice as an informed consumer.