​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