We oppose the use of rBST

We were actually the first dairy processor in the nation to pay farmers a premium to not use rBST. Now everything we make is organic.  And, since strict organic standards prohibit the use of artificial growth hormones, all of our organic products are produced  without the use of rBST, too.

What is rBST?
Sold under the brand name “Posilac,” rBST is a synthetic version of bovine growth hormone, a natural protein produced by the pituitary gland of cattle. Dairy experts estimate that rBST boosts milk production by 10 to 25 percent. The hormone is not used for any therapeutic purpose in animals, and its use has been banned in Canada and the EU.

Why We Oppose rBST
Survival of Family Farms
We think the widespread use of rBST could devastate the family farmer’s economic wellbeing. An increase in milk supply generally leads to a drop in the price paid to farmers. Significant price drops can, and have, put many family farmers out of business.

Family farms produce great-tasting, nutritious foods; they help preserve the beauty of our rural communities; and they embody our nation’s agricultural heritage. For these reasons and others, we don’t want to see our family farms disappear.

Animal Health
In January of 1999, a panel of animal health experts appointed by the Canadian Veterinary Medicine Association reported that rBST poses legitimate animal welfare concerns, including increased mastitis (an infection of the udder), lameness, and a shorter lifespan for treated cows. The panel found that rBST treatment resulted in a 25 percent increase in the risk of udder infections, and a 50 percent increase in the risk of lameness.

Increased mastitis rates could cause an increase in antibiotic treatment for cows. Increased antibiotic use could result in new strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria .

Posilac packaging lists many possible side effects of the drug, including swollen and ulcerated udders, skin rashes and hoof disorders.

Alternatives to rBST Do Exist
Farmers can increase milk production safely and humanely through sound animal husbandry. Sound husbandry practices include: providing cows with superior nutrition; practicing good animal hygiene; optimizing cows’ living conditions; and not stressing cows to the point of illness.

What You Can Do to Fight rBST Use:

	The most important thing you can do to help keep rBST out of food production is to let your grocery store manager know that you’ll buy only products made without the use of rBST. Don't be shy; your opinion makes a difference. In the fall of 2006, two of the nation’s biggest dairies responded to consumer demand by banning, from several of their processing facilities, milk from rBST-treated cows.
	With a phone call, letter or email message, thank the companies that buy milk from farmers who don’t use rBST. Farmers and companies that maintain an anti-rBST stance need to know that they're answering consumer demand.
	Write or call the FDA and urge the agency to immediately withdraw approval of rBST. Ask them to, at the very least, require federal labeling of products that are made with the use of rBST. The address: Food and Drug Administration 5600 Fishers Lane Rockville, MD 20857
	Urge your local Parents Teacher Association to pass a resolution that will prohibit your local school from buying dairy products made with the use of rBST.

For more information about rBST and products made without its use:

Consumers Union (Publishers of Consumer Reports)
http://www.consumersunion.org/i/Food_Safety/Bovine_Growth_Hormone/index.html

The Humane Farming Association
http://www.hfa.org/campaigns/dairy.html

According to the FDA, no significant difference has been shown, and no test can now distinguish between milk from rBST treated cows and untreated cows.