| Seven Stars | |
|---|---|
| Total Score | 930 |
| Rating | |
| Products | Yogurt, Cream, Cheese |
| Website | https://sevenstarsfarm.com/ |
| Market Area | PA, Midwest, East |
They say: “As a biodynamic farm, we look at the relationship of the soil, plants, and our animals as an interconnected one. A quality final product begins with a well-balanced farm. By maintaining healthy and nutrient-rich soil that in turn provides the lush grasses that our cows rely on to produce their protein-rich milk, we can continue to make organic yogurt that makes our customers happy.”
Seven Stars yogurt is available throughout most of the Eastern United States, as well as some parts of the Mid-West.You can also find their products at their farm store in PA.
| Rubric | Points | Comments and Notes |
|---|---|---|
| TOTAL | 930 | 5-star |
| Possible score: 1100 (plus extra credit) | ||
| Transparency and Disclosure | 100 | Superb transparency with full participation |
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 dairy that supplements milk supply with neighbors (co-op) |
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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 | A 100% independent organic dairy brand with dedicated organic sourcing |
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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 | 100 | Superb pasture management, exceeding minimum organic requirements |
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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 | 80 | Suppliers meet or exceed 50% DMI with a long grazing season far exceeding minimum |
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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 | 100 | Works to grow 100 percent of feed on-farm; supplier farms are similar and get domestic organic feed where needed |
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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 | 50 | Single-calf housing initially, then group housing |
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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 | Two times 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 | 100 | Very low cull and death rate |
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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 | Superb attention to environmental management, including composting manure, soil testing, maintaining vegetation, supporting wildlife and wild areas, etc. |
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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 | 0 | Pending details |
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This category is non-scoring and provided for information. Organic Certifier (Informational) | OCIA, PCO, and NICS | |
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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) | None | |
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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 | None | |
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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 | None | |
