At Organic Valley, a national organic food brand and cooperative of more than 1,650 small family farms spread across 35 states, grazing is more than a requirement, it’s a point of differentiation and innovation. Its dairy farmers have always rotated cows across pastures, but now, with the help of data and maps, farmers are maximizing the productivity and sustainability in their grazing systems. With near-daily satellite images and custom mapping, Organic Valley provides accurate pasture condition reports to the farmer’s inbox or mailbox. Though high tech behind the scenes, the delivered product is a simple report that anyone can use, including the Largest Organic Co-op Uses Custom Maps to Guide Grazing and Pasture Stewardship sizable percentage of Organic Valley’s membership that is Amish or Mennonite. These personalized data-driven reports and images indicate the health of each paddock, including details used to determine which should be grazed, cut, or left to grow. The reports using satellite imagery, automated with GIS technology, contain precise information that’s difficult to capture otherwise. This information is used to help feed and raise organic cows on lush pastures, furthering Organic Valley’s sustainability efforts. 196 Cows graze in a lush green pasture as part of Organic Valley farming.
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