US Produced Grass-Fed Milk
 

Southern Dairy is expanding its dairy activities with the supply of 365 grass-fed milk.

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​Over the past 19 years, we have not only specialized in the establishment and management of grass-fed dairy farms in the temperate climate areas of New Zealand and Australia, but also worked with clients to adapt this style of farming to the subtropical climates of the US southwest. This task has required a lot of adaptations, including finding high protein plants and grasses that grow well in higher temperature zones (the common summer grasses of the US are low in protein and not suitable for dairying). Other factors have included identifying dairy breeds that are adaptable to the warmer climate and establishing animal husbandry practices that protect livestock from pests and environmental factors not found in temperate climates. We have been committed to this journey for the following reasons:

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Health Benefits

Research has shown that milk produced by grass-fed cows has benefits for human health. In particular, it contains higher levels of CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acids) which help the in the protection from cancers. Grass-fed milk also has a more even ratio of Omega-6 and Omega-3. Research has shown this to be important in providing protection from cardiovascular disease, cancer and autoimmune conditions.

 

Antibiotic Resistance

70% of all antibiotics used in the US is used to treat livestock – not humans. The risk of creating antibiotic resistant bacteria is causing serious concerns in the scientific community. Research has shown that cows kept in confinement are at greater risk of bacterial infections than livestock kept in pasture environments.  Most common infections are increases in lameness, mastitis (udder infections) and uterine diseases.

 

Animal Welfare

The life expectancy of livestock kept in pasture environments versus confinement operations is typically longer. This is because they are at lower risk of bacterial infections. Also because of their diet they are at much lower risk of developing acidosis, a condition caused when stomach pH levels fall below normal. This can result in permanent damage to a cow's digestive system.

 

Environmental

Grass-based farming contributes to the development of soil humus which is an important ecological contributor. Humus can hold twenty times its own mass in water and is also a significant absorber of carbon (typical content 60%)

 

In addition to the advantages mentioned, we have also adopted the following policies because we believe they are important contributors to human health, the environmental and social wellbeing:

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• No artificial hormones

• No GMO’s (Genetically Modified Organisms)

• Audited Animal Welfare and Biosecurity practices

• Sustainable application of nitrogen fertilizers

• Application of only low cadmium fertilizers

• 100% recycling of farm effluent

• Written staff contracts and sustainable living conditions

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For further details on the health, animal welfare, and environmental benefits of Grass Fed Farming please refer to our paper on this matter located under the Resource tab of this website. If you have interest in obtaining further details regarding Southern Dairy 365 Grass-Fed Milk please make contact with us.