All dairy operations with Sweet Meadows Farms cows must provide adequate bedded space for all cows to lie down comfortably.

Yes, our dairy cattle must have regular access to pasture. More specifically, cows must have access to pasture daily during the spring, summer and fall (roughly, from the beginning of April to the end of October). During the winter season, the cows must have access to the outdoors and have room to roam on natural (non-concrete) surfaces, unless inclement weather prohibits access to outdoors (such as blizzards, drought, fire, floods, or excessive ice or snow). Also, the cows must have access to adequate protection from the elements during severe weather.

No, Sweet Meadows Farms dairy cattle will never be administered recombinant Bovine Somatotrophin (rBST) or any other synthetic hormones to promote growth or milk production.

Yes. The feeding of animal by-products is strictly prohibited. The Sweet Meadows Farms pasture grazing protocol requires that dairy cattle are fed a plant-based diet. The animals must have access to pasture daily from approximately the beginning of April until the end of October. Depending on the weather and on the location of the farm, some cows could be 100% grass fed.

We are always pleased to hear from our consumers and we’d be delighted to provide you with information about where to buy Sweet Meadows Farms products. Please let us know: your zip code, and which stores you like to shop. We will work with our Sales and Marketing teams to research your inquiry and provide the best available information as soon as possible. You may email your inquiry by clicking here. You may also contact us at 855-401-6455 (MILK) weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. central time.

Pasteurization is the process of heating raw milk to at least 145 degrees F and holding continuously for at least 30 minutes, or to at least 161 degrees F and holding for at least 15 seconds, in approved and properly operated equipment. The milk is then cooled promptly to 45 degrees F or lower.

Milk will curdle or smell/taste sour. Dairy products become bitter-tasting before they turn sour.

Homogenization is the process of breaking up milk fat into smaller globules, dispensing them permanently in a fine emulsion throughout the milk. This is done in a homogenizer where milk is forced under high pressure through very tiny openings.

Dairy products must be refrigerated between 33 degrees F and 40 degrees F. It is important to note that for every 2 degrees F rise in temperature, milk’s shelf life is reduced by 50%. Pour out only the amount of milk you will use and return the container to the refrigerator immediately, resealing to prevent absorption of other flavors. Do not pour milk that has been standing at room temperature back into the container. Store it separately in a covered container.

Cows can only receive antibiotics to treat a specified, diagnosed illness (not prophylactically) or an injury to the animal and they are removed from the milk herd until all withdrawal periods are met. These withdrawal periods are designed to ensure that antibiotics are not passed along in the milk that is used for Sweet Meadows products.

Sweet Meadows Farms milk is not certified organic. However, our cows spend more time outside in the pasture and eat more fresh or harvested pasture grass than is required by the National Organic Program.

Our farmers sign a pledge to observe the terms of the Sweet Meadows Farms pasture protocol. In addition, an independent auditor periodically verifies that the eight families who provide our milk are complying with the pasture protocol. Yes, there are only eight Sweet Meadows Farms, and our farmers are proud to treat our animals right. We believe that cows belong in the pasture.