Organic Valley: Happy Cows Make Happy Moms

I love cows.

Since I was a kid, I have wanted one as a pet. But, my grandparents farm in Wellborn Florida would have to do. Apparently, in the suburbs of South Florida, having a cow is frowned upon. Go figure! I was convinced that I could get a “mini-cow” once I was an adult and lived on my own. Come to find out, my current neighborhood in Central Florida of 15 years didn’t quite like that idea either.

Growing up with grandparents that had a working farm, I had a unique respect, appreciation and fondness for cows. They are the sweetest and most gentle creatures. Well, except for Mrs. Trouble, a mama cow that was given that name by my cousins and I because she did not like it when we played with her babies.

Eventually, I learned that my grandparents raised calves to sell to other farmers to raise for either meat or to create their own farms to sell cattle. As kids, we got to play with the babies, pet the cows all the time and we even had a great relationship with the bull, Curly. He was a red, curly haired {beautiful} bull that was so sweet to us.

Cows were a part of my childhood- a very happy part with so many great memories.

I always thought my grandparents just wanted to have a farm….they grew some fruit, and grew hay…I just assumed cows were part of the farm. Ahhh, how sweet and naive I was….this was a legit working farm! My grandfather had a friend with a dairy farm down the way and we got to visit that farm and see how it all worked. It has been at least 25 to 30 years since I was on that dairy farm, but I remember so much about that experience! Since then, I have always been fascinated with cows, local farms, hydroponics and sustainability.

Interestingly enough, I was on and off vegetarian most of my life…I just did not like the taste of meat (always told my parents it tasted like blood). My husband I decided about 4 years ago that we were going to go plant-based to help with a medical issue that he was having. When we went back to dairy and meat just a few months ago, part of the deal was that we stick to our strict organic, non-GMO rule.

When going back to dairy products we chose organic/non-GMO products from Organic Valley.  I love that Organic Valley cares about sustainability, pasture raised/free range cows, the treatment of their animals, and keeping it local. It is very important to me that I vote with my dollar. I vote for companies by supporting them with my money.

Since I cannot have my own farm, I purchase food products from businesses that I trust and that have the same values that I do. I just LOVE that Organic Valley meets my {very high} expectations when it comes to dairy products for my family.

What makes Organic Valley Different?

1- Social, economical, and environmental sustainability.

Organic products matter to me- a lot. It is one of the easiest ways to take your health up a few notches without having to do much.

I love that Organic Valley is bringing the best organic products to market in ways that do the most good. They have partnerships for the good of the people, the animals and the environment.

As climate change awareness and concerns increase across the globe, agriculture has come under increasing scrutiny for its often negative impact on the environment. This is a topic that I researched to death when we were plant-based. The environmental footprint of our food industry as a whole is killing the earth, but Organic Valley does their part by keeping their farms small and local, they are bringing solar to local communities and they 100% renewable powered… bonus: they are working with some farms on a carbon neutral position (that is huge!)

2- Little Herds. Lots of Love.

I’m sure you know that factory farms have herds with thousands of cows, but Organic Valley believes smaller is better. Their average herd size is only 78 cows {WOW} —so every cow gets all the care and attention she deserves. This is just another reason that their cows are super happy and their milk is extra delicious (and nutritious).

It is important to me that Organic Valley has high quality animal care standards. They give their cows a high level of care (more time outside, ability to freely graze and express natural behaviors) and in turn these cows treat us with delicious, nutritious milk. There are enormous benefits for the cows (and for us) for being outside in a pasture. Organic Valley cows are outside 50% more than the USDA organic standards. This leads to happier, healthier cows and better milk.

3- Happy Cows Make Better Milk.

Organic Valley goes above and beyond to pour all their love into taking care of their animals. In turn, the animals are then able to provide us with nutritious, delicious organic products that we can feel good about giving to our families. {I know I do}

They give their cows a higher level of care, which means that the cows produce delicious and nutritious milk. This is something we can all feel good about….the cows are loved, taken care of and treated humanely. That is important when it comes to the energy we receive from their milk. Happy Cows Make Better Milk.

Organic Valley farmers work hard to create an environment where animals can freely express their natural behaviors like grazing, roaming, and playing in the pasture. They are happy, free to roam in their natural ways and don’t feel stressed like traditional dairy cows do on traditional dairy farms. (I really do believe that this has an impact on the quality of the milk that they produce!)

As a cooperative made up of small family farms, that means the Organic Valley herds are small, which allows for a lot of tender love and care. The farmers care deeply about the daily care of their cows and they know their personalities and quirks…like we knew our grandparents cows when we were kids! You really do get to know each of their personalities! Because of this, it’s not uncommon for Organic Valley farmers to name their cows and call them by name, just like kids name their pets….hello Curly and Mrs. Trouble! There are so many benefits of giving the cows some TLC…and we reap those benefits with the quality of the cows milk!

4- Working with Nature, Not Against It.

Organic Valley believes natural is better…which is why they are always organic. They raise the animals without hormones or antibiotics, and nothing they eat has ever been sprayed with harsh pesticides. This adds up to longer, more natural lives for the cows and pure, wholesome milk and dairy products that we can feel good about serving to kids. The pesticides that are sprayed on our foods are causing so many health problems- that is why natural, chemical free is important to our family. We try to avoid antibiotics, synthetic hormones, toxic pesticides and GMO anything.

We are a part of the Southeast Neighborhood Organic Food Cooperative

There are 52 Local Organic Farms in this region

Organic Valley isn’t like most dairy companies out there. They are a cooperative owned by organic farmers- which means they all work together to grow the food and run the business. This method of farming has inspired a unique passion for doing what’s right for people, animals and our earth and has also created an unwavering commitment to bring ethically made organic food to families everywhere.

For over three decades, Organic Valley has worked to produce healthy food that will nourish people across the country. They work to provide economic stability for family farmers and rural communities and to build healthy soil, protect the environment, and care for animals in a way that promotes their health and all of ours.

In our organic growing region {the Southeast Neighborhood Organic Food Cooperative}, cows enjoy (mostly) warm weather, longer growing seasons and pastures that grow lush on Organic Valley local organic farms.

Organic Valley gives us a way to support local farmers and small family owned businesses.

Happy Cows Make Happy Moms

Because Organic Valley cows spend more time outside, they have more grass in their diet than organic standards require. That means they get a nutrient-rich and diverse diet with a wide variety of plants & grasses….not just corn and “feed”.

Think of it as a nutritious and delicious salad bar for cows.

All the nutrients they get from a pasture-based diet not only helps keep them healthy and feeling good but also help make excellent quality milk and dairy products. As parents, we know the benefits of a nutrient rich diet and that a healthy diet is a critical part of helping kids grow strong and feel their best. Finding ways to ensure that our children are getting a well-balanced diet takes careful thought and planning….the same is true for Organic Valley farmers to ensure their cows are getting the balanced diet they need to thrive and make excellent quality milk- for us.

Beyond just milk

Organic Valley makes so much more than just milk! We love their half and half, Ghee and feta! Check out this super simple recipe that my 9 year old loves to make!

No-Ice Cream Strawberry Banana Milkshake

This recipe was modified by Orlando Mom Collective and originally developed by Organic Valley.

Directions:

In a blender, combine the milk, half and half, strawberries, bananas, vanilla extract. Blend on high, stopping and scraping the sides occasionally, until smooth and creamy (if needed, add more milk to thin).

Serve the milkshake on its own or garnish with whipped cream and crushed freeze-dried strawberries! Makes two 8-oz. servings.

I love Organic Valley and how they have such a strong focus on the treatment of their cows, keeping it organic with absolutely NO antibiotics, synthetic hormones, toxic pesticides or GMO anything and the fact that they are owned by organic local farmers. This company is going above and beyond to ensure that we get top quality products for our family.

You can learn more about Organic Valley, find products locally with their Product Locator and even check out lots of recipes.

We love Organic Valley and know that you will too!

If you love Organic Valley as much as we do, tell us your favorite products in the comments (or if you’re new to Organic Valley, tell us what you want to try) and be entered to WIN $100 of organic groceries!

We will choose a winner at random from ALL entries on 8/8/2022 and will announce the winner in our Instastories (don’t worry, we will contact you directly too!). For additional entries, make sure you LIKE each Organic Valley post you see live on ALL of our platforms in the coming month!