Animal welfare is a top priority for organic farmers. By law, U.S. organic farmers are required to raise animals without the use of antibiotics or synthetic growth hormones. Plus, organic farmers must provide animals with 100% organic feed and safe, clean, cage-free living conditions.In addition, organic farmers must provide their animals with access to the outdoors and pasture so that they can roam freely. In fact, organic standards require that cows graze on rich, nutritious grass for a minimum of one third of their lives.
The result: healthy, happy animals that are encouraged to exhibit the behaviors nature intended, with less exposure to chemicals such as pesticides.
USDA Issues Proposed Rule for Revised Animal Welfare Standards Organic Livestock Requirements