Alpine Heritage Creamery
| Rating |  |
| Farm/Brand Headquarters | Paradise, PA |
| Products | Cheese |
| Website | www.alpineheritagecreamery.com |
| Market Area | PA, FL, web sales |
| Total Score | 1590 |
They write: “Here at Alpine Heritage Creamery we use only raw organic milk from 100% grass fed cows. Our herd is currently 100% A2-A2. The cows are part of the family here on the farm and we care for them as such. With each of them receiving a personal name at birth they quickly learn that life is enjoyable and there is so much to do in the lifetime of a cow.
Things such as exploring every corner of these vast luscious meadows with their friends and playing their “calf tag” games immediately become a part of their daily routine. They truly are a happy family.
The cows come into the barn twice a day for milking and that is the milk we use to make our cheese. With the creamery being located here on the farm we have full control over the process beginning from the cows’ diet, the milking process and then the producing and ripening of a healthy, delicious cheese that will always have you coming back for more!
The ingredients for all our cheeses are simple: Milk, cheese cultures, traditional rennet and pure salt. We use organic seasonings for the flavored cheeses.”
| Criteria | Points | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| TOTAL (possible score is 1600 plus extra credit) | 1590 | 5-Cow Rating | Top-Rated—Beyond Organic |
| Ownership structure | 100 | Family-owned farm |
| Milk Supply | 100 | Single farm |
| Organic Production | 70 | Markets both organic and conventional |
| Disclosure of Information for Verification | 100 | Full disclosure |
| Organic Certification | 85 | PCO |
| Other Labels/Standards | 0 | None |
| Grass-fed | 90 | 100% grass fed |
| Soy Free Ration? | Yes | |
| Pasture | 100 | Excellent pasture compliance |
| Times Milked | 90 | Two times a day (standard protocol on legitimate organic dairies) |
| Cull/death Rate | 100 | Under 10% |
| Replacements | 100 | Closed herd |
| Calves | 100 | Raised with nurse cows for 6-9 mos. |
| Antibiotic Use | 100 | No antibiotic use |
| Hormone Usage | 100 | No hormones used |
| Farm Support | 90 | Personnel visit regularly |
| Procurement of Ingredients | 90 | Purchase cheese cultures |
| Extra Credit | 175 | Very transparent -- submitted OSP; 100% grass fed and produces all feed on-farm |