Organic Milk - Is it worth the cost?
Admittedly, I spend nearly $4 for a half-gallon of organic milk every week at the grocery store. That is $8 a gallon! That's more than twice what I spend on a gallon of gas. But, I feel like organic milk is a healthier choice for my family so the cost seems worth the sacrifice. But, just to be sure I am really getting my money's worth and not just wasting precious dollars, I have done some investigating.
Here's what I have found: The reasons organic may be best: 1. The "USDA Organic" label means that cows may not be treated with bovine growth hormone (BGH) to increase milk production. 2. Organics cannot come from cows being treated with antibiotics. If a cow in an organic herd does need to be treated with antibiotics due to illness, she is not returned to the herd for 12 months. 3. Organics comes from cows that eat feed without pesticides. USDA reports show that non-organic milk may contain low levels of certain pesticides that come from the cows feed. The reasons conventional milk is safe and healthy:
1. BGH is a protein hormone which means if we do ingest it, our digestive tracts will destroy it. 2. Conventional herds that do receive antibiotics have their milk routinely tested to ensure the milk has no antibiotic content. So, no milk purchased in the United States should have any antibiotics in it! 3. Pesticides, while there are trace amounts found in regular cow's milk, are at levels far below what has been established as tolerable for humans.
Personally, as long as we can afford it, I will continue to buy organic milk. Even trace amounts of these things still seem too high to me. Plus, there is always the environment to think about. Organic Farmers respect the land and don't use harmful chemicals that can pollute the air, water and food supply. So, not only is our milk healthier, so is our planet!
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