Kamil Perry
Tillamook Cheese is made from milk sourced from cows that are not treated with rBST, a type of artificial growth hormone. The company pledges to use milk from farmers who do not use these artificial hormones, and its cheese products do not include artificial flavors or preservatives. Tillamook Cheese has been making cheese for over 110 years and is a Certified B Corp, committed to ethical practices in its treatment of cows and farms, as well as its impact on communities and the environment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| RBST-free | Yes |
| Type of product | Cheese, butter, ice cream, sour cream, and yogurt |
| Farmers' pledge | No use of artificial growth hormones |
| FDA statement | No significant difference between milk derived from RBST-treated and non-RBST-treated cows |
| Product quality | Exceeds state and federal quality standards |
| Animal care | Free-stall barns with daylight, fresh air, space to eat and exercise, clean and dry bedding |
| Animal diet | Customized by an animal nutritionist, includes forages and grains |
| Product storage | Requires constant refrigeration |
| Product life | Naturally aged, forms mold once opened |
| Mold prevention | Keep tightly wrapped and store in a crisper drawer |
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What You'll Learn
- Tillamook dairy farmers do not treat cows with rBST
- The FDA states there is no significant difference between milk from rBST-treated and non-rBST-treated cows
- Tillamook sources milk from many farms of varying sizes
- Tillamook farmers send herds to pasture when weather permits
- Tillamook farmers use free-stall barns to keep cows comfortable
Tillamook dairy farmers do not treat cows with rBST
Tillamook is committed to making the highest-quality dairy products in the most natural way possible. The milk used to make their products exceeds state and federal quality standards and comes from cows that are not treated with artificial growth hormones. While Tillamook does not offer certified organic products, they prioritize natural practices and the well-being of their cows.
Some U.S. dairy farms inject cows with the genetically engineered hormone rBST, also known as rBGH, to increase milk production. However, Tillamook farmers choose not to use this practice. They understand that healthy cows produce the best quality milk, so they prioritize proper animal care and nutrition. Tillamook farmer-owners often send their herds to pasture and use free-stall barns to keep their cows comfortable, providing them with fresh air, space to exercise, and clean bedding.
By partnering with farms of various sizes, Tillamook ensures that all its milk suppliers adhere to the same strict quality and animal care standards as those in Tillamook County. Each farm works with an animal nutritionist to customize a healthy diet of forages and grains for their cows, ensuring they receive the care and nutrition they need to produce high-quality milk.
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The FDA states there is no significant difference between milk from rBST-treated and non-rBST-treated cows
Tillamook dairy products, including cheese, are made with milk from cows not treated with rBST. The farmers who supply milk for Tillamook products pledge not to use artificial growth hormones. The FDA has stated that there is no significant difference between milk from cows treated with rBST and cows not treated with rBST.
RBST, or recombinant bovine somatotropin, is an artificial growth hormone. All animals naturally produce hormones, which let them grow and develop. In and of themselves, hormones are not harmful. It is the imbalance of hormones that causes health issues. According to the FDA, rBST is "essentially the same as (pituitary-derived) bGH".
Concern over milk from rBST-treated cows stems from the possibility of absorbing rBST from the milk. People worry that consuming extra hormones from milk would upset their body's chemical balance. However, it is unclear whether humans can absorb meaningful amounts of rBST from milk. Studies on rats found "significant" effects when rBST was administered by injection, but not when it was added to their food.
Some studies have found that cows given rBST had more IGF-I in their milk. However, other studies indicated that the levels of IGF-I in rBST-treated cows' milk remain within the normal range for untreated cows. This is one of the reasons the FDA says there is no "significant" difference between milk from treated and untreated cows. While the FDA has approved rBST, the controversy surrounding its use persists.
Most milk bottlers still include a disclaimer on their labels stating that their milk does not come from cows treated with rBST. They are required to add a line mentioning that "no significant difference has been shown between milk derived from rBST-treated and non-rBST-treated cows". This is done to address consumer concerns and differentiate their products.
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Tillamook sources milk from many farms of varying sizes
The farmers know that healthy cows produce the best milk, so they ensure their cows are well cared for and provided with a healthy diet. Each farm has an animal nutritionist who helps customize a diet of forages and grains for their cows, including grass, alfalfa, and corn silage, as well as a mixture of grains like corn and barley. Cows are also given vitamin and mineral supplements for their long-term health.
Many of the farms send their herds out to pasture when the weather permits, typically from March through November. They also use free-stall barns to keep their cows comfortable and protected. These barns are standard in the dairy industry and provide cows with access to daylight and fresh air, ample space to exercise and eat, and clean, dry bedding.
Tillamook's farmers are committed to quality, which means taking good care of their cows and the land. All farmers who supply milk for Tillamook products pledge not to use artificial growth hormones like rBST. Their milk far exceeds state and federal quality standards and comes from cows that are not treated with artificial growth hormones.
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Tillamook farmers send herds to pasture when weather permits
Tillamook is a 110-year-old company that has been expanding its market penetration east of the Rockies. The company talks up its farmer-owned cooperative model, the high quality of the milk it uses, and the fair price it pays for it. Tillamook's website features images of farm families and cows in sunny, grassy fields, and includes an interactive map of local milk providers.
However, Tillamook has been accused of misleading consumers with its small-farm ads. In reality, the majority of milk used in Tillamook's products comes from the Columbia River Dairy in eastern Oregon, owned by Threemile Canyon Farms, the state's largest dairy farm. The company has also been criticized for its increasing reliance on industrial mega-dairies, which has contributed to the decline of family farms in Oregon.
Despite this, Tillamook maintains that it is committed to making the highest-quality dairy products in the most natural way possible. The company's farmers know that healthy cows produce the best-quality milk, and they provide their cows with a healthy diet and comfortable living conditions. Many Tillamook farmers send their herds out to pasture when the weather permits, typically from March through November. However, practices vary depending on each farm's herd, land, and management style. Some farmers also use free-stall barns to keep their cows comfortable and protected from harsh climate conditions. These barns provide cows with daylight, fresh air, ample space to eat and exercise, and clean, dry bedding.
The cows' diet typically consists of forages and grains, with the forage portion including grass, alfalfa, and corn silage, and the grain portion being a mixture of grains, including corn and barley. Cows are also given vitamin and mineral supplements to support their long-term health.
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Tillamook farmers use free-stall barns to keep cows comfortable
Tillamook farmers are committed to taking good care of their cows and the land. They understand that healthy cows produce the best quality milk. To ensure the comfort and protection of their cows, many Tillamook farmers use free-stall barns. These barns are designed to accommodate climate conditions and provide a comfortable space for the cows.
Free-stall barns are prevalent in the dairy industry and are used by both dairy farmers who own their herds and those who supply milk to Tillamook under contracts. This consistency in barn usage ensures that all cows providing milk for Tillamook products are well-cared for and comfortable.
The free-stall barns offer ample space for the cows to move around, eat, and exercise. They also provide access to daylight and fresh air, ensuring the cows' well-being. Additionally, the cows are provided with clean, dry bedding for a good night's rest.
The farmers understand that proper animal care practices are essential for the health of the cows and, ultimately, the quality of the milk they produce. To that end, each farm has an animal nutritionist who customizes a healthy diet of forages and grains tailored to the cows' specific needs. This personalized approach to nutrition ensures that the cows receive the nourishment they need to thrive.
By utilizing free-stall barns and prioritizing proper animal care, Tillamook farmers demonstrate their commitment to the well-being of their cows. This, in turn, contributes to the production of high-quality milk, which is used to create delicious and renowned Tillamook cheese and other dairy products.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, all Tillamook dairy products, including cheese, are made with milk from cows not treated with rBST.
rBST, or recombinant bovine somatotropin, is a genetically engineered hormone injected into cows by some US dairy farms to increase milk production.
Always check the label to ensure that the product is certified as rBST-free or organic.
