Organic Dairy

An Alternative to Conventional Dairy

By: Anala Tuenge, NCC News, Syracuse

Organic Dairy is a growing trend across the country, and there are several organic dairy farms in Central New York. According to the Organic Trade Association, organic dairy sales have increased 25% in the last year and are continuing to rise.

Organic Dairy Production

For most of his life, Ed Scheffler has lived and worked on an Upstate New York dairy farm near Groton. But in 2003, Ed and his wife, Eileen, converted their 300-acre dairy farm to organic. Ed said he made the change after he noticed an increase in diseases like cancer and autism. He said he wasn't sure if the pesticides and antibiotics used during the processing of conventional milk caused some of the health problems prevalent in American society today, but it made sense to him that they might. Going all-organic was a long and expensive process, but the Schefflers were willing to go through it. "It's worth it," Ed said. "We enjoy it."

Organic dairy is dairy that is produced according to the USDA's organic standards. The cows must be put out to pasture during the grazing season, and they are fed only organic feed grown on the farm. They are never given growth hormones or antibiotics, and if they are sick, they are given more natural treatments to strengthen their immune system, like aloe and garlic.

Growing Popularity of Organic Dairy

Even companies that traditionally produce conventional milk are expanding to include organic dairy. Byrne Dairy in Syracuse is just one. Bill Byrne, the chairman of Byrne Dairy, said his company could no longer ignore the growth of organic dairy.

For a little more than a year, Byrne Dairy has been pasturizing and bottling milk for Organic Valley Farms, one of the largest organic food producers in the nation. Organic dairy costs about 50% more than conventional dair with the price of growing organic feed and treating cows with natural products being passed on to the consumer. But despite the higher price tag, organic dairy continues to grow in popularity, and now organic versions of virtually every dairy product, from butter to cheese, are available.

Benefits of Organic Dairy

Art Zimmer is willing to pay the extra price because he feels organic milk is healthier. "My life and my health are worth a few extra pennnies a week.

But nutritional experts say there is no scientific difference between organic milk and conventional milk. According to Bobbie Harrison of the Cornell Cooperative Extension, there is no nutritional difference between organic milk and conventional milk. Organic milk contains the same amount of protein, the same amount of calcium, the same amount of sugar, and the same amount of butter fat. Ruth Sullivan, a registered dietitian, says that those who consume organic products should not expect better health as a result.

Orgnaic dairy may not provide any health benefits, it does offer an option for those concerned about the environment or the humane treatment of animals. According to Bobbie Harrison, the processing of organic milk is better for the environment and easier on the cows.