Patrick Oconnell
Tillamook is a well-known producer of cheese and other dairy products. The company has faced criticism over the treatment of its cows, with some people choosing to boycott their products. Tillamook has pledged that all of its dairy products are made with milk from cows that are not treated with artificial growth hormones. This article will explore the topic of whether Tillamook cheese is hormone-free and examine the company's practices and standards.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Artificial growth hormones | All Tillamook dairy products are made with milk from cows not treated with artificial growth hormones. |
| Antibiotics | Tillamook cows are not systematically given antibiotics. If a cow is receiving antibiotics, her milk isn't used until tests prove that the antibiotics have cleared her system. |
| Diet | Tillamook cows are provided with a healthy diet of forages and grains, including grass, alfalfa, and corn silage, as well as a mixture of grains, including corn and barley. |
| Vitamins and minerals | Cows are given a vitamin/mineral supplement to support long-term health. |
| Pasture access | Many Tillamook farmers send their herds out to pasture when the weather permits (typically March through November). |
| Barn conditions | Tillamook cows are kept in free-stall barns, where they get daylight and fresh air, have plenty of space to eat and exercise, and sleep on clean, dry bedding. |
| Animal welfare concerns | There have been reports of animal welfare concerns, including force impregnation, separation of mothers and calves, and early culling of cows. |
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What You'll Learn
- Tillamook dairy cows are not systematically given antibiotics
- Tillamook farmers pledge not to use artificial growth hormones
- Tillamook cows are kept in free-stall barns, where they get daylight, fresh air, space, and clean bedding
- Tillamook cows are given vitamin/mineral supplements
- Some consumers have boycotted Tillamook cheese due to concerns about the treatment of cows
Tillamook dairy cows are not systematically given antibiotics
Tillamook's dairy farmers have a commitment to quality, which means taking good care of their cows and the land. They work with many farms of different sizes to source high-quality milk for their products, and all farms are held to the same strict quality and animal care standards.
At each farm, an animal nutritionist helps the farmer customize a healthy diet of forages and grains for their cows, which usually includes grass, alfalfa, and corn silage, as well as a mixture of grains like corn and barley. Cows are also given a vitamin/mineral supplement to support their long-term health.
While Tillamook does not offer certified organic products, they are committed to making the highest-quality dairy products in the most natural way possible. All Tillamook dairy products are made with milk from cows not treated with artificial growth hormones, and all farmers who supply milk for their products pledge not to use them.
However, some consumers have expressed concerns about the treatment of cows, with some choosing to stop buying Tillamook cheese due to perceived inhumane practices.
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Tillamook farmers pledge not to use artificial growth hormones
The decision to ban the use of artificial growth hormones was driven by consumer demand. In 2005, after a nearly two-year process of developing and implementing a policy requiring its dairy suppliers to forgo the use of artificial bovine growth hormones, the Tillamook County Creamery Association faced pressure from Monsanto, the manufacturer of rBST. Despite this pressure, Tillamook stood by its decision to ban the use of artificial growth hormones, demonstrating its commitment to meeting consumer expectations and producing high-quality, natural dairy products.
Tillamook's farmers understand that healthy cows produce the best quality milk. They prioritize proper animal care practices, such as providing their cows with comfortable housing, ample space to exercise, fresh air and daylight, and a healthy diet. Each farm works with an animal nutritionist to customize a diet of forages and grains that meets the cows' health and milk production requirements. Additionally, cows are given vitamin and mineral supplements to support their long-term health.
While Tillamook does not offer certified organic products, they partner with farms of various sizes to source high-quality milk for their products. All of these farms are held to the same strict quality and animal care standards, ensuring that the milk used in Tillamook products exceeds state and federal quality standards. However, it is important to note that Tillamook has faced criticism from some consumers who are concerned about the inhumane treatment of dairy cows, including forced impregnation, separation of mothers and calves, and early culling of cows due to diminished milk supply.
In summary, Tillamook farmers' pledge to refrain from using artificial growth hormones on their cows is aligned with the company's commitment to producing high-quality, natural dairy products that meet consumer expectations. This pledge is supported by practices that prioritize the health and well-being of their cows, resulting in superior milk quality. While Tillamook has faced some criticism regarding the treatment of their cows, they continue to be a trusted brand for many consumers seeking hormone-free dairy options.
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Tillamook cows are kept in free-stall barns, where they get daylight, fresh air, space, and clean bedding
Tillamook cheese is hormone-free. The company has banned the use of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rBST), a genetically engineered growth hormone, in response to consumer complaints. All Tillamook dairy products, including cheese, are made with milk from cows not treated with artificial growth hormones.
The comfort and health of the cows are important to the farmers, who know that healthy cows produce the best-quality milk. Many Tillamook farmers use free-stall barns to keep their cows comfortable and protected. In these barns, cows have access to daylight and fresh air, ample space to eat and exercise, and clean, dry bedding.
Free-stall barns are standard in the dairy industry and are used to accommodate climate conditions. They allow cows to be kept comfortable and healthy, which is beneficial for both the farmer and the cow.
In addition to being hormone-free, Tillamook dairy cows are not systematically given antibiotics. However, if a cow becomes sick, it may be treated with veterinarian-prescribed antibiotics. In such cases, the cow's milk is not used until tests prove that the antibiotics have cleared its system.
While Tillamook pledges to uphold high standards of animal care, some consumers have expressed concerns about the treatment of cows. Some have noted the inhumane treatment of dairy cattle, including the practice of force impregnating cows annually to maintain milk supply and separating calves from their mothers shortly after birth.
Despite these concerns, Tillamook cheese is marketed as a hormone-free product, and the company has committed to producing the highest-quality dairy products in the most natural way possible.
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Tillamook cows are given vitamin/mineral supplements
Tillamook dairy products, including cheese, are made with milk from cows that are not treated with artificial growth hormones. The company's farmers pledge not to use artificial growth hormones and instead focus on taking good care of their cows and the land.
To support the long-term health of their cows, Tillamook farmers give them vitamin and mineral supplements. These supplements are important for maintaining healthy animals, optimal growth, and reproduction. Proper mineral and vitamin nutrition contributes to strong immune systems, reproductive performance, and calf weight gain.
Mineral requirements for cows depend on factors such as forage mineral content, animal age, and stage of production. Some common mineral deficiencies in cows include magnesium and copper. Magnesium deficiency can lead to grass tetany, a serious metabolic disorder, while copper deficiency can result in reduced fertility and immunity.
At Tillamook, an animal nutritionist helps customize a healthy diet of forages and grains for the cows. The forage portion typically includes grass, alfalfa, and corn silage, while the grain portion is a mixture of grains like corn and barley. While the exact mineral content of feeds can vary, all feeds should be tested to ensure adequate mineral levels.
By providing vitamin and mineral supplements, Tillamook farmers ensure the health and well-being of their cows, which ultimately contributes to producing high-quality milk for their dairy products, including cheese.
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Some consumers have boycotted Tillamook cheese due to concerns about the treatment of cows
Tillamook cheese is marketed as being made from milk sourced from cows that are not treated with artificial growth hormones. The company's website states that all farmers who supply milk for Tillamook products pledge not to use artificial growth hormones. However, some consumers have expressed concerns about the treatment of cows in the dairy industry, leading to boycotts of certain cheese brands, including Tillamook.
There are several reasons why some consumers have boycotted Tillamook cheese due to concerns about cow treatment. One common concern is the use of artificial hormones in dairy farming. While Tillamook has banned the use of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rBST), a genetically engineered growth hormone, in response to consumer complaints, some people still choose to avoid the brand due to broader concerns about the use of artificial hormones in dairy farming.
Another concern is the welfare of the cows themselves. Some people believe that dairy cows are inherently exploited and suffer due to the nature of the industry. Cows are impregnated annually to maintain milk production, and their calves are separated from them shortly after birth. Male calves are often killed or left to starve, and female cows may only live for 2-5 years before being slaughtered as their milk production declines. Additionally, selective breeding for increased udder capacity can lead to health issues for the cows.
The treatment of cows in the dairy industry is not limited to hormone use and reproductive practices. Some consumers are concerned about the living conditions and overall well-being of the animals. While Tillamook claims to provide comfortable housing and nutritious diets for their cows, some people may still choose to boycott the brand due to broader concerns about the standard practices in the dairy industry, including housing conditions, feeding practices, and the use of antibiotics.
It is worth noting that Tillamook is not the only cheese brand that has faced scrutiny over cow treatment. Some consumers who have boycotted Tillamook cheese may also avoid other dairy brands or choose to adopt a vegan lifestyle to align with their ethical beliefs regarding animal welfare. The decision to boycott is often driven by a combination of factors, including personal values, ethical concerns, and the perceived impact of the dairy industry on animal welfare.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Tillamook cheese is hormone-free. All Tillamook dairy products are made with milk from cows not treated with recombinant bovine somatotropin (rBST) or artificial growth hormones.
Tillamook banned the use of rBST, a genetically engineered growth hormone, in 2005 after consumer complaints. The Tillamook County Creamery Association asked its 147-member farmers to halt the use of rBST, despite pressure from its manufacturer, Monsanto.
Yes, many store brands and some larger grocers offer hormone-free cheese. Some specific brands that offer hormone-free cheese include Costco, Cabot, and Kraft.
