Writing Sample - Organic Foods topic

Many people are unaware of the differences between organic and conventional milk. Sure, they know that organic milk costs more, but why? Farming practices are what makes organic milk “organic.” Not only are the cows fed organic feed, but other practices are rigorously followed to ensure the milk can be classified as organic.

Organic milk in Canada must come from cows that have access to pasture and organic feed. That means the cows get to go outside and eat grass in the sunshine. This ensures happier, healthier cows. Most animals are designed to live and play outside, not be stuck in a barn all day long with artificial light, fed on unnatural grains and other feeds. Conventional milk comes from cows that may never have seen daylight before, except through windows. Most cows in the conventional dairy market are fed corn, soy, and even doughnuts and pastries!

In addition to pasture, organic milk comes from cows that have never had antibiotics. Once a cow on an organic dairy farm has been treated with antibiotics, her milk is never again sold for human consumption. In the conventional milk arena, cows that are treated with antibiotics have their milk held back until several weeks have passed but then their milk will be sold again for human consumption.

Overall, cows on organic dairy farms are happier than cows on non-organic dairy farms. They get access to sunlight, they get to play in fields all day long (weather permitting, of course), and they get fed natural foods that are pesticide-free. They tend to have lower rates of infection, because they aren't living in cramped quarters, and thus need less antibiotics. All in all, organic milk is worth the price, and generally tastes better, because happy cows make delicious milk.