Butterworks Farm
| Rating |  |
| Products | Yogurt, Cream, Kefir, 100% Grassfed |
| Website | http://www.butterworksfarm.com/ |
| Market Area | VT, Northeast |
| Total Score | 1045 |
They say: “From spring and summer’s luscious rotationally grazed pastures to fall and winter’s cushy bedded pack solar barn our girls live the good life in Vermont’s northeast kingdom. These happy cows make rich, creamy, high protein milk. Our exceptional artisan yogurts, kefirs, buttermilk and delicious heavy cream come to you with love and care you can taste. We tend and nurture the soil, the pasture, the crops and the cows to provide you with the highest quality food for your table.”
This farm is certified by the Real Organic Project.
| Rubric | Points | Comments and Notes |
|---|---|---|
| TOTAL (possible score is 1100 (plus extra credit)) | 1045 | 5-Cow Rating | Top-Rated |
| Transparency and Disclosure | 75 | Did not participate but brand has history of superb transparency and most of the information could be confirmed |
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 | 95 | Supplies own milk and gets some milk from another farm with matching practices |
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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 | Committed to organic with brand initiatives and Real Organic Project certification (see website) |
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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 | Exceeds minimum standards for quality pasture management, inclduing rotational grazing |
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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 | 100 | High % DMI during the grazing season and 100% grassfed |
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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 | Probably high quality ingredients sourced locally |
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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 | 100 | Calves likely spend some time with mothers |
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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 a day (standard protocol |
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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 | 75 | Likely low |
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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 sustainability |
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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 | 100 | No history of animal neglect found |
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This category is non-scoring and provided for information. Organic Certifier (Informational) | Vermont Organic Farmers (VOF) | |
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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 certification offers extra credit |
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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 |
