Pasture-raised dairy is a philosophy of farming practiced on Organic Valley dairy farms, based on the core principle that cows should spend as much time outside as possible.

Dairy farming in winter includes regular chores like milking cows and feeding animals. There are winter farming chores not typical in other seasons. Snow must be plowed, animal bedding constantly freshened and farm equipment often needs extra attention.

Organic Valley farmers know all things cows — dairy cows — so we had to find experts to answer questions about reindeer. Why? It may seem unusual, but we want to know if reindeer and cows have things in common (like, are cows and reindeer related?)!

Have you ever wondered what our 100% grass-fed Grassmilk® cows eat in the winter when temperatures drop? Farmers work all summer to ensure the dairy cows have plenty to fill their bellies.

Cows prefer cooler weather though they will get cold in extreme temperatures despite their natural defenses of thick hair and hooves made to withstand the cold. Organic Valley farmers ensure cows have resources they need to stay comfy in all weather.

There are rewards everywhere in farming, a Vermont man said. That’s why he spent nearly a decade searching for that slice of the world that would bring him joy and allow him to steward the land. Kyle Leibold is now Sittin’ Pretty.