How Is Your Milk Raised? Organic vs. Conventional Explained

In today's episode of CAP, we will be discussing organic versus conventional dairy cattle production. Bringing in experts from across the dairy industry, we will discuss the differences between the two production types. We then dive into topics such as animal welfare, milk quality, and environmental issues. In this episode, we will provide listeners with insight into what the production practices mean, the implications of choosing one over the other, and how these choices align with their personal beliefs and values.   

Guest bios:  

• Dr. Larry Tranel - Iowa State University Agriculture and Natural Resources Dairy Field Specialist, organic dairy production expert  

• Ryan Wolf – junior at Iowa State University studying animal science, from a 250-head dairy farm in northeast Iowa, a conventional dairy production expert  

• Dr. Gail Carpenter – Iowa State University Animal Science Assistant Professor of Extension and Outreach, neutral perspective/general dairy industry expert  

Additional Links:  

• For more information regarding organic certification, please visit: https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/organic-certification 

• For more information regarding UC Davis research, please visit: https://clear.ucdavis.edu/explainers/organic-vs-conventional-how-do-dairy-and-beef-production-systems-impact-food-quality 

• For more information regarding Mississippi State Extension, please visit: https://extension.msstate.edu/sites/default/files/publications/publications/P3493.pdf