Berle Farm
| Rating |  |
| Products | Cheese, Yogurt, Fluid Milk, Raw |
| Website | https://www.berlefarm.com/ |
| Market Area | New York, Online |
| Total Score | 850 |
Berle Farm did not participate in Cornucopia’s survey and investigation, but they have a history of high transparency and integrity. If you are a customer of this brand, please reach out and ask them to cooperate with Cornucopia’s investigation!
They write: “Berle Farm has a twenty year history of diversified farming. The farm has evolved to a low outside input style with a beautiful little dairy herd of 10 cows. Our organic cattle graze 400 hundred acres of pasture. We grow open pollinated, saved seed corn, oats, rye and hay, as well as, vegetables and fruit.”
This farm is certified by the Real Organic Project.
| Rubric | Points | Comments and Notes |
|---|---|---|
| TOTAL (possible score is 1100 (plus extra credit)) | 850 | 4-Cow Rating | Excellent |
| Transparency and Disclosure | 75 | Did not participate, but brand has history of high transparency |
Brands that rate highest have a close relationship to their milk suppliers. Those that buy milk from industrial or unknown organic suppliers rate lowest. Milk Supply and Ownership Structure | 100 | Farmstead with daily, hands-on interaction with dairy cattle |
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Brands that only produce organic products make the biggest investments — in time and money — in the organic systems that benefit us all. Commitment to Organic Label | 100 | Independent organic farm |
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Pasture management refers to how outdoor areas are managed, with top-rated brands utilizing multiple strategies to maintain high quality pasture, providing environmental and animal welfare benefits. Pasture Management | 75 | Typically excellent pasture compliance |
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The grass-fed percentage category reflects diet, with top-rated brands far exceeding the minimum requirements laid out in the organic pasture rule. Grass Fed Percentage | 75 | Excellent grazing level, likley above 50% DMI |
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This category focuses on the sourcing of feed, supplements, and any added ingredients in the diet. The category also accounts for brands that source organic dairy from other operations. Top-rated brands produce all feed on farm or buy inputs locally. Supplemental Feed and Ingredients | 75 | Confirmed domestic sourcing |
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Industry standard is to immediately remove calves from their mothers and individually house them. High scores in this area show that brand suppliers use group housing or otherwise promote calf socialization. Calves | 25 | Likely removed shortly after birth |
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High scoring brands milk only once or twice per day, allowing maximum time for cows to be outside exhibiting natural behaviors. Times Milked Per Day | 100 | Likely 2x daily |
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Lower cull and death rates receive more points (with some exceptions), as it is one indicator of high animal welfare. Deaths & Culls | 25 | Unknown, but likely low to moderate |
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Brands that closely monitor environmental factors, including soil and water quality, native species, and wildlife, receive the most points. Brands with specific policies and programs to boost environmental sustainability also receive high points. Environmental Impacts and Stewardship | 100 | Excellent attention to environmental concerns |
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Brands with specific policies and practices to support animal welfare score best. Brands may lose points in this category if they have a history of animal welfare concerns. Animal Welfare | 75 | Excellent attention to animal welfareconcerns |
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This category is non-scoring and provided for information. Organic Certifier (Informational) | Unknown | |
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Third-party labels carried by individual brands or product lines are listed here for more information. These are not scored, but some third-party labels may receive extra credit. Add On Labels (Informational) | Real Organic Project | |
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Herd size refers to the number of adult cows in the milking herd. The general denotation for herd size (large, medium, and small) is based on the legal definition of “Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation”. Herd Size(s) (Informational) | Small | |
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Brands may receive extra credit for practices and polices not reflected in the scorecard (see notes for details). Extra Credit | 25 | Real Organic Project |
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The adjustment section is where any notes and adjustments to the score are indicated, such as penalties for non-compliances. Adjustments & Notes | 0 | None |
