Thursday 24th May 2018
The benefits of organic dairy products: where the grass is always greener?
EU Organic standards and regulations state that to be certified organic, farms must only use natural substances, maintain high animal welfare and have as little environmental impact as possible. There are many other differences between non-organic and organic dairy, including an array of health benefits of organic milk and ecological advantages. So, are the advantages of organic dairy real or is organic milk just a big hullabaloo? Here at Yeo Valley, we think the grass is always greener…
1. Is organic milk healthier?
Not only is it high in protein, calcium and iodine; research suggests that organic milk contains around 50% more omega 3 fatty acids than non-organic milk. Our bodies only produce a small amount of Omega 3 fatty acids naturally, which means we need to get as much as we can from our diets to promote a healthy heart and blood circulation.
2. Always Free Range
Organic cows graze outdoors whenever conditions allow, spending on average 215 days per year at pasture: enjoying the fresh air, mingling with friends, munching on grass and sleeping under the stars – talk about being at one with nature!
3. Highest Welfare Standards
Another benefit of organic dairy is the high animal welfare standards, something we take seriously at Yeo Valley – only the best for our ladies! During chillier months, we bring our ladies indoors where they are kept in warm dry barns with plenty of space to roam around and comfy mattresses to lie on! Organic standards encourage herd health so, our girls are reared without the routine use of antibiotics.
4. Supports British Wildlife
The last 50 years have been devastating for British wildlife with now more than 10% of our species facing extinction (1). By consciously managing habitats, organic farms, like Yeo Valley, provide safe havens with research showing they are 50% more abundant in wildlife than non-organic farms. Good news for a whole host of wonderful creatures: from bees and beetles, to hedgehogs and skylarks.
5. The benefits of organic dairy are bigger than us
Organic farming has potential to help reduce climate change, by “fixing” more carbon into our soil. In fact, if all UK farmland converted to organic, it would achieve the same positive impact as taking 1 million cars off the road (2).
6. Supports British Family Farms
Organic farming creates countryside jobs, helping to keep the UK’s rural communities alive and kicking. Here at Yeo Valley, supporting British Farmers is our greatest passion, as we believe they make our landscape the beautiful and vibrant place it is today.
So, why choose organic milk?
Given all its wholesome benefits, we think it’s safe to say organic milk is not just your average white stuff! So, when it comes to choosing the milk your family splash on their morning cornflakes, stir into their afternoon brew or glug by the glass at tea time… always choose organic. It means you can be confident that your milk is always: full of key nutrients, comes from happy healthy cows and supports British family farms.
Why not give it a try? Check and see where it’s stocked – our delicious range of organic milk
References:
(1) Hayhow DB, et al (2016) ‘State of Nature 2016’ The State of Nature partnership. The State of Nature Report is available to view online.
(2) Payton, L. (2016) ‘Seven Ways to Save Our Soils’, Soil Association, p 5
better for you, better for the environment. A win win I say.
Carry on the great work !!!!
….always been a BIG believer of Yeo valley products, especially organic milk and dairy yogurts. Can not fault you !
Thank you
I totally agree with Richard Gray and Yeo Valley.
Organic milk not only tastes so much better but it really does have those extra nutrients and omega 3 fatty acids. I enjoy this milk with my family ( especially my 8 year old son, Dexter ) every day on our breakfast cereal, in our tea and coffee, AND even more so on it’s own, cold straight from the fridge!
I just think you are fabulous keep up
I want to say a Big thank you to Yeo Valley for Real organic milk, for their care for people, for all the wonderful real products where they are produced.
We just enjoy really good food ……..yoghurt and
So much more from you
Thank you so much for feeding us great dairy products. I really, really do appreciate your wonderful hard work. Thank you, God bless you.
Wow who knew! Very interesting thread. Didn’t realise organic milk has 50% more omega 3 fatty acids. Love the fact that the girls are out side as much as possible, where they should be. Happy cows.
Fantastic for our wildlife too. A real eye opener. I will look for it at my local supermarket.
Love all your products!
Hello Yeo. I have just discovered you and am really enjoying your organic bio live yogurt and will shortly be using your organic milk as well. I have recently found through Primal Cure, that organic foods are excellent for gut health and am so pleased to discover that you are totally organic. I am now looking for organic fruit and veg. Thank you so much for making my life better. Regards Dawn Westaway