Yes, dairy farmers employ different standards for how they choose to operate their dairy farms. The direct results are safe, healthy choices for everyone in the dairy products you consume. It is important to note misconceptions that are common:

1.  All milk does contain hormones. Hormones are naturally occurring within the cow and are transferred to her milk. They are safe to consume and have always been present.

2.  No milk contains antibiotics. All types of milk are tested multiple times from the farm to the processor to make sure there are no antibiotics within the milk. If milk is found to contain antibiotics, it is brought back to the farm for disposal.

Organic Dairy Farms- Some farmers choose to operate their dairy farm in a manner that meets the certification as an organic dairy farm. In doing so, the farm practices little to no use of antibiotics, pesticides, and herbicides. This requires the farm to find ways to address cow health concerns using natural remedies and use certified organic feed, fertilizers and other products to keep cows healthy and grow their crops. In return for doing so, the farmer usually receives a higher premium for the milk they sell. But, it also costs a lot more for the farm to produce their milk and maintain the health of their cows. Organic dairy products are sold at higher prices in stores.

Conventional Dairy Farms – Most farmers in Jefferson County use conventional methods to keep their cows healthy and fertilize and grow their crops. Farmers will consult with their veterinarians to administer any antibiotics needed to keep their cows healthy and productive. Cows that are treated with antibiotics will not have their milk combined with non- treated cows. Milk shipped from farms is tested multiple times before being made into nutritious dairy products on store shelves to make sure it is safe. Farms try to use their natural fertilizer, cow manure, as much as possible to fertilize their soil to grow their crops. Farms will use additional fertilizer to augment their soil as recommended by their certified nutrient management planner, soil tests and/ or a crop specialist. Farmers try to use only what is absolutely necessary to maintain the health of the cow or fertilize their crops, using extra costs them money and time. Dairy cows are like Olympic athletes, only the strongest, healthiest animals produce the most milk.