Growing up in Middle Tennessee farm and a pretty rural community, I grew up with an appreciation for livestock and the whole process of how things go from farm to table. If you drive through many parts of the state, it’s not odd to pass a herd of cows grazing open fields.
When reading up on Organic Valley I soon realized they were very different from other companies and very similar to the neighbors I grew up in my backyard. They are a cooperative owned by organic farmers who have a passion for doing what’s right for people and animals.
They have been providing healthy food for over three decades to people across the country, and they have a mission to provide economic stability for family farmers and rural communities.
This post is brought to you by our partners Organic Valley.
A few things you should know about Organic Valley:
- High quality animal care standards: high level of care of their cows, ability to freely graze and express natural behaviors
- Organic Valley cows are outside 50% more than the USDA organic standards require leading to happy cows and that make delicious, nutritious milk
- Benefit of a nutrient rich diet: Since Organic Valley cows spend more time outside, they get a nutrient-rich and diverse diet with a wide variety of plants and grasses. It’s like a salad bar for cows! As parents, we know a healthy diet is a critical part of helping kids grow and feel their best. 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.
- Benefits of play: Organic Valley farmers work hard to create an environment where animals can freely express their natural behaviors – like grazing, roaming, and playing on pasture. As parents we know the benefits of play help children learn, grow, and thrive.
- Benefits of TLC. As a cooperative made up of small family farms, that means they keep their herds small, which allows for a lot of TLC. Their farmers care deeply about the care of their cows and know their personalities and quirks. Therefore, it’s not uncommon for Organic Valley farmers to name their cows and call them by name, just like kids name their pets. As a child who grew up around herds of cows, we definitely had favorites in the herd that we gave pet names!
Organic Valley believes they should work with nature, not against it. They are always organic and raise 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 their cows, and wholesome milk that you can feel good about serving to your loved ones.
Factory farms have herds with thousands of cows. Organic Valley believes smaller is better. Their average herd size is only 78—so every cow gets all the care and attention she deserves. It’s yet another reason their cows are super happy and the milk is extra delicious.
Want to read more about regional local Organic Valley farm owners? Read about their story and find out why they love being a part of this business. Also check out this store locator to find their products in a store near you!
Since it’s been heating up our family loves a good popsicle! Did you know you can make a tasty popsicle with products from Organic Valley? Check out this recipe below to make a yummy raspberry popsicle that the whole family will enjoy!
Creamy Raspberry Popsicle
This recipe was developed by Morgan Peaceman and originally appeared on OrganicValley.com.
Stay cool this summer with these easy, refreshing, and no-added sugar Creamy Raspberry Popsicles. These homemade popsicles are made with just a few simple ingredients—guaranteed you won’t miss the extra sugar!
- 2 cups raspberries
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½ cup Organic Valley Heavy Whipping Cream
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2 Tbsp. honey
- 2-3 tsp. beetroot powder for darker coloring (optional)
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½ banana
- ½ cup Organic Valley Whole Milk
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract