USDA has crazy idea that organic cows should get time in pasture 5

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1. 

   Boyscientist Posted 3:16 am
   19 Nov 2008

   Milk them by handI think it's time to re-define what is meant by "organic".  It sure isn't natural to put their heads in stocks and attach suction machines to their teats either.  And quit cutting the sharp points off of their horns. That ain't organic!

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2. 

   hipifreq Posted 5:16 am
   19 Nov 2008

   caveat emptorBuyer beware. "Organic" does not necessarily mean what you think it does. Thinking about the farm and certifier should be part of your decision-making process at the store. The "USDA Organic" label is on it means that someone certified the farm, but think about who gave them the stamp.
   Milk by hand? Ever been to a REAL milk farm? there's NO WAY we could produce enough milk by hand at anything approaching affordable prices. Also, what's not "organic" about cutting the tips off horns? It in no way damages the animal and is something that's been done for thousands of years.

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3. 

   Avelhingst Posted 8:04 am
   19 Nov 2008

   This picture is odd  Why does this photo feature a pitcher of cool, lovely milk with a beef in the background?  Odd.  And yes, there is nothing 'un'organic about dehorning cattle.  It is a practice that has been in use for eons.  Admittedly, there are inhumane ways of going about the process, but those are generally not employed for dairy animals.  There are also bloodlines of dairy cattle that are naturally hornless (popular with organic farms particularly in Wisconsin) BUT the single dominant allele that codes for hornlessness is closely allied to genes that also decrease milk and fat production.
   
     However, hooray!  It is good to see that the national Oguys are finally coming down and saying "Get those cows out on grass, period."

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4. 

   surfdog Posted 3:42 pm
   19 Nov 2008

   mooogreat progress this world has made..
   never knew cows ate grass

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5. 

   Boyscientist Posted 2:20 pm
   22 Nov 2008

   Sarcasm too deepFor this bunch of environs. What does organic mean?  I actually milked cows by hand myself for about 15 years in the 50's and 60's.  I wasn't actually suggesting it seriously (you twits).
   If all the food is organic and the cows get no antibiotics or pesticides what does it matter if the the food is in a feeding bunk or on the ground still attached to the earth?
   Can't believe you guys actually thought I was serious about the horns.  Don't you realize those pastured cows are STILL eating food that is carted to them.  They get grains and protein supplements that are brought in artificially to the pasture and given to them.  How is that organic in light of the requirement for "partial pasture"?  What a joke.
   Organic means "Milk we can feel good about".  Is that all it is?  Pardon my rant.
   
   

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