Rogue Creamery
Rating | |
Farm/Brand Headquarters | Grants Pass, OR |
Products | Cheese |
Website | www.roguecreamery.com |
Market Area | Nationwide |
Total Score | 850 |
This brand did not participate in Cornucopia’s investigation, meaning partial scores have been given due to incomplete information. They appear to have some innovative practices but some information cannot be confirmed.
This brand may be a good choice, but we recommend that consumers do their homework and reach out to brand representatives to ensure it meets a consistent, high-integrity, organic standard.
Criteria | Points | Comment |
---|---|---|
TOTAL (possible score is 1600 plus extra credit) | 850 | 3-Cow Rating | Very Good |
Farmstead dairies earn the most points. Corporations that have a history of skirting the organic rules receive the fewest. Ownership structure | 70 | Small business |
Farms that produce 100% of their milk receive the most points. Milk from "open market" or known confinement dairies receive the fewest. Milk Supply | 70 | Supplies it's own milk, close relationship with farmers |
100% organic farms receive the most points. Split operations with conventional dairy on the same property receive the fewest. Organic Production | 80 | Dedicated to organics |
Farms that completed the survey in detail received the most points.
Disclosure of Information for Verification | 0 | Did not participate |
Points determined by integrity of the brand’s organic certifier. Organic Certification | 75 | OTCO |
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 | 0 | No answer |
100% grass-fed with independent verification of standards Grass-fed | 75 | Exceeds minimum standards |
No points are given for this but the information may be useful to certain consumers looking to avoid soy. Soy Free Ration? | No answer. Soy is likely used in feed. | |
Sliding scale based on policies, enforcement, acreage/cow, days/year on pasture, and permissible exemption. Pasture | 80 | Exceeds minimum standards |
One time/day receives the most points. Two times per day is standard. Times Milked | 90 | Uses at least some robotic milking |
Lower cull rate scores better, with under 10% receiving the most points. Cull/death Rate | 0 | Unknown |
Farms with closed herds receive the most points. Farms that sell organic calves and buy conventional replacements receive the fewest. Replacements | 0 | Unknown |
Standard practice is removing calves shortly after birth, with extra points given for unique ways of managing calves
Calves | 0 | Unknown |
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 |
No hormones is the standard, however some farms do use oxytocin for therapeutic purposes. Hormone Usage | 50 | Hormones may be used therapeutically |
Farmstead dairies (owner lives on-site) receive the most points. Fewer points are given as oversight declines. Farm Support | 80 | Investigation shows close control with supplier(s) |
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 | 80 | Limited added ingredients, if any |
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 |