Not all organic milk products are equal!

Buying milk that is labeled as organic may not stack up to its reputation. Here’s a list to help you make an informed decision for you and your family. Look for these products at your local store and ask for them if they are not on the shelf. Most retailers will be happy to accommodate your request.

Here’s a list of four organic milk products that have been rated “Outstanding” and exist locally and/or nationally. Ratings are based on Cornucopia Institute* Organic Dairy Report.

The ratings are arranged by Cow Star Ratings.

Outstanding

♠ Farm Name Organic Pastures Dairy Company
Rating: (5)
Location	Fresno, CA
Products	Fluid milk products (raw)
Market Area	California, sometimes sold as pet food.
Web Site	http://organicpastures.com/
Organic Pastures appears dedicated to true organic management for their cattle. Mark McAfee, their president, has been an activist in fighting for the right to market raw milk nationally.A debate concerning the nutritional attributes of raw milk, and possible dangers due to contamination, continues at a number of state regulatory agencies, continues with consumers who feel they have the  “right to choose,” as long as marketers freely share information concerning both the risks and benefits of raw milk consumption.Bottom Line:Organic Pastures seems to be going to great lengths in order to assure the safety of their products, according to The Cornucopia Institute.

♠ Farm Name	Loleta Cheese
Rating: (5)
Location	Loleta, CA
Products	Cheese
Market Area	Northern California
Web Site	http://www.loletacheese.com/
This wonderful little cheese plant, located in Humboldt County, California, is a little piece of living history. Family owned and operated they also own an organic dairy farm very close to their plant. They write:Nestled in the Eel River Valley of Northern California in the dairy center of Humboldt County, this family-run business offers certified organic cheeses and a line of GMO-Free cheeses.Bottom Line:All of Loleta Cheese Factory properties have been certified by American Humane.

♠ Farm Name	Natural by Nature
Rating: (5)
Location	West Grove, PA
Products	Milk
Market Area	East Coast (whipped cream: nationwide)
Web Site	http://natural-by-nature.com/
The Natural by Nature brand truly exemplifies what consumers believe they are investing in when they purchase organic dairy products. It is a family-owned business that procures 100% of its milk from family-owned farmers, many of which are Amish. This dairy is widely respected nationally for upholding high standards for pasture-based production.Started in 1994, four original farmers joined over the years with more than 30 other small, family farms to form LOFCO, the Lancanster Organic Farmer Cooperative.Bottom Line:They use the principles of grass-based dairy production as a means to improve the quality of products, maximize the health of cows, and protect the watersheds.

♠ Farm Name	Redwood Hill Farm and Creamery
Rating: (5)
Location	Sonoma, CA
Products	Goat milk yogurt
Market Area	Nationwide
Web Site	http://www.redwoodhill.com/
Redwood Hill Farm is a family farm that has been making healthy and delicious specialty dairy products in beautiful Sebastopol, CA since 1968.Bottom line:They are committed to fairness and integrity in their partnerships with employees, customers, suppliers, and all of other business relationships.

*The Cornucopia Institute, through research and investigations on agricultural and food issues, provides needed information to family farmers, consumers and other stakeholders in the good food movement and to the media. We support economic justice for the family-scale farming community – partnered with consumers – backing ecologically produced local, organic and authentic food.

> Check a comparison between Horizon and Organic Valley milk.