It starts with how the cows are raised, what they're fed, how they're handled, and the hundred small decisions that either matter or don't -- depending on whether the people making them care.
At Cedar Cove, we care. Our herd is 100% A2A2, our cows are raised by hand on a family farm in Pennsylvania, and every practice below reflects a commitment we made before we ever shipped a single bottle.
This is how we do things. We don't think there's a better way.
All of our cows are tested via hair sample at birth. We only keep and milk cows that are genetically verified to be A2/A2. That means their milk contains 100% A2 beta-casein protein.
Our cows get pregnant (usually from a bull), and we birth and raise all calves on site. This process is the most natural and does not require hormones.
Our cows get about 50% grass and 50% grain. The hay is a chemical-free Western hay. The grain blend is non-GMO and contains corns, soy, and other grains. They are also supplemented with minerals that are necessary for their health.
Our family puts a lot of tender love and care into all of our cows. They come right up to us and want to be pet. We handle them gently and never chase them or treat them roughly. As we like to say, Cedar Cove Farms is "where cows are queen."
If a cow gets sick (which is rare), homeopathic and natural remedies are tried first. If things get bad (which is even rarer), antibiotics will be given. But, that cow's milk would never be given to our customers.
Our milk contains full fat and is not homogenized or altered.
Our cows are given ample opportunity to exercise. They go out on pasture every day (as long as the weather isn't too bad).
Our cultured dairy (cheese, sour cream, etc) requires a little heating for the culture to thrive and ferment the milk. We never heat it above 110F to maintain all the wonderful nutrition and properties of raw milk.
Our fresh milk and cream is never heated. Period. It's milked, cream is separated, and it's cooled. It's never heated or altered in any way.
Period. They're simply not needed when cows are happy and healthy naturally.