Kalona SuperNatural (Farmers Creamery)
| Rating |  |
| Farm/Brand Headquarters | Kalona, IA |
| Products | Fluid milk, yogurt |
| Website | www.kalonasupernatural.com |
| Market Area | Nationwide |
| Total Score | 1305 |
They write: “Kalona SuperNatural organic products are among the most natural and nutritious dairy products on the market. That’s because we believe in doing less—not more—when it comes to our food. Our natural process means our products taste different and look different. Because our milk is non-homogenized the cream naturally floats to the top and thickens. This is the true sign of milk in its natural state. Our products are also pasteurized at low temperatures to preserve the farm fresh flavor.
The milk used in Kalona SuperNatural products comes from small, sustainable Amish and Mennonite farms with average herds of 35 cows. Our producers know that cows do best when they can harvest their own feed from the pastures around them. Unlike larger companies, we know each and every farmer we work with. We visit their land. We know their families. We understand how and why they created their product. Whether it is organic milk, cottage cheese, or yogurt, we are invested in the lives of our producers and, in turn, they are invested in the integrity of the product we send to market. Together, we take pride in the products that bear the Kalona SuperNatural™ name.” This brand can be found Found in Hy-Vee, Whole Foods, Vitamin Cottage grocery stores.
| Criteria | Points | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| TOTAL (possible score is 1600 plus extra credit) | 1305 | 4-Cow Rating | Excellent |
Farmstead dairies earn the most points. Corporations that have a history of skirting the organic rules receive the fewest. Ownership structure | 80 | Buisness 50% owned by farmer group; good track record |
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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 | 90 | Milk supply comes from collection of small family farms |
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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 sells certified organic dairy |
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Farms that completed the survey in detail received the most points.
Disclosure of Information for Verification | 90 | Good disclosure |
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Points determined by integrity of the brand’s organic certifier. Organic Certification | 85 | Iowa Department of Agriculture |
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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 | 40 | Non-GMO Project verified (some farms AGA certified) |
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100% grass-fed with independent verification of standards Grass-fed | 50 | Some farms are 100% grassfed (AGA standards) and used in some products; others meet minimum standard for grazing |
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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 is likely used in feed. | |
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Sliding scale based on policies, enforcement, acreage/cow, days/year on pasture, and permissible exemption. Pasture | 60 | Meets minimum standards for grazing |
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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 | 100 | Very low cull/death rate, with high average lifespan |
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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 unless farm is expanding or needs new genetics |
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Standard practice is removing calves shortly after birth, with extra points given for unique ways of managing calves
Calves | 75 | Usually group housing with nurse cows |
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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 antibiotics used |
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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 | 85 | Representatives visit farms regularly |
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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 | 60 | Outside ingredients purchased from unknown sources |
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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 | 0 | None |
