Seven Stars Farm
| Rating |  |
| Farm/Brand Headquarters | Phoenixville, PA |
| Products | Fluid milk, biodynamic |
| Website | www.sevenstarsfarm.com/index.html |
| Market Area | East, Southeast, Midwest |
| Total Score | 1571 |
They write: “Seven Stars Farm is a 425 acre certified Biodynamic dairy farm located in northern Chester County, PA. We are one of the oldest organic farms in the United States, founded in the 1930?s. Since then we have used herbal preparations to enhance the vitality of the soil, plants and animals. With our herd of Jersey cows, we strive to create the ideal farm: a self-sustaining and ecologically balanced system that builds and sustains soil fertility through crop rotation and farm composts. The cows graze from early spring through late fall, coming in only for milking. When necessary to meet demand, we purchase milk from neighboring organic farms. These farms treat their land and animals as we do, with sound Biodynamic and organic practices and plenty of loving care. Thus, all the milk used is of top quality making Seven Stars Organic Yogurt simply the finest yogurt available!
Our yogurt is sold via natural foods distributors, natural foods stores and major food store chains throughout the eastern United States. It is available in four 32oz. flavors: Whole Milk Plain, Maple, Vanilla, and Lemon. For a lighter product, we also provide Low-Fat Plain and Low-Fat Maple. Organic Maple syrup, organic vanilla extract, organic lemon extract and cultures are the only additional ingredients added to our milk. The result is an old-fashioned, European-style yogurt that is unique, delicious and nutritious.
All of our products are NON-GMO verified, Certified Organic, Kosher and amazingly delicious!”
Note that the Seven Stars home farm is certified Biodynamic, but their yogurt is made with help of certified organic milk from our organic partner farms. This makes the final product certified organic, but not certified Biodynamic.
| Criteria | Points | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| TOTAL (possible score is 1600 plus extra credit) | 1571 | 5-Cow Rating | Top-Rated—Beyond Organic |
| Ownership structure | 100 | Farmstead dairy |
| Milk Supply | 90 | Multiple farms around one main farmstead, closely knit |
| Organic Production | 100 | Brand only markets organic |
| Disclosure of Information for Verification | 100 | Full disclosure |
| Organic Certification | 91 | Stellar Certification Services for two farms (and organic yogurts); Pennsylvania Certified Organic (PCO) for three farms |
| Other Labels/Standards | 100 | Home farm is certified biodynamic , salmon safe, some products certified non-GMO |
| Grass-fed | 75 | Well exceeds usda percent intake requirements |
| Soy Free Ration? | No | |
| Pasture | 90 | Excellent pasture compliance |
| Times Milked | 90 | Two times a day (standard protocol on legitimate organic dairies) |
| Cull/death Rate | 60 | Moderate cull rate and low death rate |
| Replacements | 100 | Closed herd |
| Calves | 80 | Calves raised with mothers for one week before going to group housing |
| Antibiotic Use | 100 | No antibiotic use |
| Hormone Usage | 100 | No hormones used |
| Farm Support | 95 | Staff visits farms frequently |
| Procurement of Ingredients | 100 | No outside ingredients used |
| Extra Credit | 100 | With respect to the concern of fraudulent grain imports, this dairy produces 100% of their own feed. |