Cornucopia to Investigate Allegations of Animal Abuse at a Horizon Dairy Farm in Texas

Cartons of Horizon milk

The Cornucopia Institute is investigating recent, disturbing allegations of animal abuse at an industrial organic dairy in Texas. Lone Star Organic Dairy supplies “organic” milk to the brand Horizon. Following the public shaming, Horizon has reportedly suspended its sourcing from this factory farm. But for how long? “No one who buys organic milk expects it… Read more »

Cornucopia Releases New Local Organic Dairy Map

Two brown cows standing in a field

VIROQUA, Wis.,  July 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Dairy may be divisive, but eaters are still buying milk — not to mention slices of cheese for their equally controversial burger. Avoiding dairy that comes from feedlot cows requires homework. But Cornucopia’s new Local Organic Dairy Map identifying authentic organic dairy takes the guesswork out of your grocery… Read more »

A Win for Authentic Organic Dairy

cows walking down a path through a pasture

Long overdue rule underscores the cost and care of raising organic calves [This article was previously published in the summer issue of the Cultivator, Cornucopia’s quarterly newsletter. Donate today to protect organic integrity and receive our fall issue in print.] For years after they purchased their land, and before they even welcomed their first calf,… Read more »

The Cultivator – Spring/Summer 2022

Farmer standing in field with a gourd in her hand

The Spring/Summer 2022 Cultivator, Cornucopia’s quarterly print newsletter, is off the press. This issue is the first to feature our new design! You’ll find the same great stories and updates, but with a cleaner look! Featuring independent journalism and stories you won’t read anywhere else, the Cultivator is mailed to supporters as a benefit of their gift…. Read more »

Danone Continues to Dump Horizon Farmers

Milk truck driving down two lane highway toward a farm

The news that Danone is terminating 89 milk contracts with its Horizon brand farmers in the Northeast underscores a food system that prioritizes efficiency over resilience. Danone claims that this move will help the company meet its goal of becoming carbon positive by 2025. This is a farce. Danone sources milk from industrialized operations that… Read more »

USDA Secretary Perdue Betrays His Disdain for Family-Scale Farmers Again

USDA Secretary Perdue made comments at the World Dairy Expo this week that have inflamed family-scale dairy producers across the country: Small dairies and other family-scale farms support rural areas with food and local investment. They are a critical part of the fabric of the rural United States. Many small dairy farmers transitioned to organic… Read more »

Origin of Livestock Rule Crawls Through Regulatory Mire

The crisis in organic dairy is ongoing, with many family scale organic farms barely staying afloat or already out of business. Source: Taylor Bennett, Flickr Ethical farmers believe this crisis is perpetuated by differing applications of the “origin of livestock” rules in the organic standards. And some certifiers do appear to allow their dairy clients… Read more »

Frank Coelho on the Organic Milk Industry in California

Mark Kastel visited Frank Coelho’s farm this spring when he was doing the investigation of the Fagundes Brothers dairy near Modesto.  While Fagundes Brothers were confining their 3000 cows in feedlots that were truly filthy (see our photo gallery) the Coelho family had their 450 cows out on grass — proving you can do organics… Read more »