Alexandre Family Farm
| Rating |  |
| Farm/Brand Headquarters | Crescent City, CA |
| Products | Fluid milk, raw milk, A2 milk |
| Website | www.alexandrefamilyfarm.com |
| Market Area | CA, OR, WA |
| Total Score | 1450 |
The Cornucopia Institute is currently investigating this brand. Once completed, the investigation will determine whether updates are needed.
This dairy brand can be found at Whole Foods and independent retailers, primarily on the West Coast.
| Criteria | Points | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| TOTAL (possible score is 1600 plus extra credit) | 1450 | 5-Cow Rating | Top-Rated |
Farmstead dairies earn the most points. Corporations that have a history of skirting the organic rules receive the fewest. Ownership structure | 100 | Family farms owned and operated by the same multi-generational family |
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Farms that produce 100% of their milk receive the most points. Milk from "open market" or known confinement dairies receive the fewest. Milk Supply | 100 | Milk comes from four farms owned by the brand |
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100% organic farms receive the most points. Split operations with conventional dairy on the same property receive the fewest. Organic Production | 100 | Only organic dairy products sold |
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Farms that completed the survey in detail received the most points.
Disclosure of Information for Verification | 100 | Full disclosure |
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Points determined by integrity of the brand’s organic certifier. Organic Certification | 75 | California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) |
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Animal Welfare Approved and Biodynamic certifications receive the most bonus points. Producers are not penalized for not having additional certifications beyond organic. Other Labels/Standards | 80 | Both American Humane Certified, and Non-GMO Project Verified. Also certified through Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM). May be biodynamic certified soon. 100% A2A2 certified beta casein protein herd, validated by CCOF. |
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100% grass-fed with independent verification of standards Grass-fed | 60 | Exceeds minimum standards for grazing; one of four farms is 100% grass fed |
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No points are given for this but the information may be useful to certain consumers looking to avoid soy. Soy Free Ration? | No. Soy meal is used in feed | |
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Sliding scale based on policies, enforcement, acreage/cow, days/year on pasture, and permissible exemption. Pasture | 80 | Excellent pasture compliance with rotational grazing used |
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One time/day receives the most points. Two times per day is standard. Times Milked | 90 | Two times a day (standard protocol on legitimate organic dairies) |
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Lower cull rate scores better, with under 10% receiving the most points. Cull/death Rate | 90 | Low overall cull and death rates |
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Farms with closed herds receive the most points. Farms that sell organic calves and buy conventional replacements receive the fewest. Replacements | 100 | Closed herds (all replacements raised in-farm) |
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Standard practice is removing calves shortly after birth, with extra points given for unique ways of managing calves
Calves | 75 | Calves removed from mother shortly after birth (standard practice) |
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Farms that prohibit antibiotics receive the most points. Farms that allow young stock to receive antibiotics (under one year), receive the fewest.
Antibiotic Use | 100 | No antibiotic use |
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No hormones is the standard, however some farms do use oxytocin for therapeutic purposes. Hormone Usage | 100 | No hormones used |
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Farmstead dairies (owner lives on-site) receive the most points. Fewer points are given as oversight declines. Farm Support | 100 | Lives on-site |
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All ingredients sourced from inside the organization or on the farm receives the highest points. Ingredients from confinement factory farms and/or imported ingredients receive the fewest. Procurement of Ingredients | 100 | No added ingredients |
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Various levels of extra credit given for 1) providing full organic systems plan, 2) providing details on all farms (multi-farm brands, details on largest five required), and 3) sourcing feed on-farm or domestically. Extra Credit | None |
