Each of our Red Barn farms honors this quote, written over 100 years ago:

“The rule to be observed in this stable at all times, toward the cattle, young and old, is that of patience and kindness. A man’s usefulness in a herd ceases at once when he loses his temper and bestows rough usage. Men must be patient. Cattle are not reasoning beings. Remember that this is the Home of Mothers. Treat each cow as a Mother should be treated...”
-- W.D. Hoard, the “father of American dairying”

We truly believe that if the stable, or barn, itself produces a comfortable life and if cows are treated “as a Mother should be treated”, the results will be obvious!

Our farms are certified by the American Humane Association insuring that our farms meet the following conditions:

• Free from rBST supplementation, free from animal byproducts in their feed and free from performance enhancing antibiotic use
• Free to live and grow in a humane environment under conditions and care that limit stress
• Free to enjoy a healthy life, benefiting from disease and injury prevention and rapid diagnoses and treatment
• Free to readily access fresh water and a diet that maintains full health and vigor
• Free to express normal behaviors and live in an appropriate and comfortable environment that includes sufficient space, proper facilities, shelter, a resting area, and company of the animal’s own kind

Our “Red Barn Rules” are unique and go above and beyond the American Humane Association certification. They are the cornerstone of what we believe makes the best milk. Our rules assure that

• farms are run by families who earn their livelihood on the farm and do the majority of the animal care work
• twice each year each cow is individually assessed by a veterinarian and given a health score
• criteria are measured in the milk verifying the outstanding cleanliness of the milk as well as the health of the cows
• premiums are awarded to each farm based on the milk quality measures and the health scores