Benefits of Switching to Organic (and Grass-Fed) Practices for Contemporary US Dairy Farmers: A Cumulative Perspective

Abstract

This paper aims to explain the current climate of the U.S. modern dairy industry, while identifying the main benefits for organic and grass-fed dairy operations. The four main benefits discussed are: 1) economic, 2) nutritional, 3) environmental, and 4) animal welfare. With a rising number of health conscious consumers, as well as growing concerns for minimizing human impact on global warming, the demand for more sustainable and nutritious dairy products has and will be growing. This claim is supported by an extensive review of literature, as well as a regression model for financial data, such as prices, sales, and profits, for conventional and organic milk. The literature and model results conclude that it would be more profitable for U.S. dairy farmers to transition to organic and grass-fed farming, which will also benefit all effected parties (the animals, the environment, and the consumers).