Always Organic & Farmer-Owned since 1988
 If a company is going to make a difference in today’s world, it’s going to have to think differently. At Organic Valley, our philosophy and decisions are based on the health and welfare of people, animals and the earth. We’re a mission-driven cooperative, owned by family farmers, and we’ve been leaders in organic agriculture from the very beginning.
The Roots Support the Crown
Our story starts back in January of 1988—a time when family farms were on the brink of extinction. We were a handful of farmers in Southwestern Wisconsin’s coulee region and we shared a love of the land. We also shared the belief that a new, sustainable approach to agriculture could help family farms and rural communities survive. With a small poster inviting area farmers to join our current CEIEIO, George Siemon, for an informational meeting regarding the formation of the Coulee Region Organic Produce Pool (CROPP) at the county courthouse, we created enough momentum to carry us to this day.
Folks back then, just like you today, were concerned with food quality and environmental issues. They were looking for more natural, nutritious food—food grown without synthetic and potentially harmful pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. We began by growing organic vegetables, and soon added organic dairy products. When we found the demand we anticipated was real, we created the Organic Valley brand name and expanded our product line.
The Cream Has Risen
Our co-op, through the Organic Valley™ brand, soon became the number one source of organic milk in the nation. Once pioneers of organic agriculture, we’re now an established leader. Organic is all we do. We remain driven by our mission to promote regional farm diversity and economic stability by the means of organic agricultural methods and the sale of certified organic products. We maintain integrity through our commitment to consumer education and delivering the highest quality, strictly organic products to consumers, schools, and a variety of manufacturers looking for organic ingredients.
At our helm is one of our original seven farmers, George Siemon, our Chief Executive Officer. George prefers the title C-E-I-E-I-O. A lifelong farmer, he and his family have operated an organic farm in the Bad Axe River valley of Wisconsin’s driftless area since 1977. With his unique combination of having a hand in the soil as well as being able to see the big picture, George has been a leader in the campaign to establish effective national standards for organic certification.
We are committed to organic agriculture and building a future for sustainable family farming in America. Organic. It’s all we do.
Our Mission
The mission of the Cooperative Regions of Organic Producer Pools (CROPP) is to create and operate a marketing cooperative that promotes regional farm diversity and economic stability by the means of organic agricultural methods and the sale of certified organic products.
OUR GOALS
- Cooperatively market certified organic products produced by our members.
- Market the best tasting, most nutritious and wholesome food as possible.
- Establish farmer determined food prices to reflect fair return and to use these prices to guide the cooperative marketing.
- Encourage a farming future emphasizing ecological and economic sustainability.
- Enable a healthy human livelihood by providing quality employment, cooperation, organic education and community growth.
- Practice environmental awareness and cooperative principles in all aspects of production, handling, marketing and operations.
- Promote a respect for the diversity, dignity, and interdependence of human, animal, plant, soil, and global life.
Your Local Organic Prairie Farm Families
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Jeff and Sheila Koester
Jo Daviess County, Illinois
“Organic farmers are more than willing to share their knowledge,” Sheila says. “They’re not afraid to share what they know. We help each other.” |
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Ernest Martin on Organic Herd Health
Richland County, Ohio
Ernest Martin is impressed by the effect organic pasturing has had on the health of his cows. “If we feed the cows a healthy diet that's as close to what nature intended as possible, they rarely get sick.” |
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Mark Martin Sees an Organic Future
Richland County, Ohio
The Martins were not always organic farmers, but since 1993, they’ve become believers. “Our boys definitely dream of having their own dairy farms. That makes me happy.” |
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The Stoller Family: "It's fun here!"
Wayne County, Ohio
The Stollers have received several conservation awards in recognition of their thriving 350-acre organic dairy farm. “It shows that ‘organic’ and ‘conservation’ go hand-in-hand,” says Scott Stoller. |
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Ypke Veldhuis, Farming in the New World
Richmond, Indiana
After moving to Indiana in 1999, Ypke Velduis realized he had a desire to farm like his Frisian (The Netherlands) ancestors. “We try to maximize the natural tendencies of the cattle: grazing forages and grasses.” |
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The Shirk Family
Tuscola County, Michigan
Dana and Carol Shirk didn't start out organic, but now they say they'd never go back. “There’s something about watching those cows go out and tear into a fresh paddock of grass that really pleases me. I honestly think that’s why the herd health is so good now, because they’re outside eating what they’re meant to eat.” |
All information excerpted from Organic Valley.com
To find the Organic Valley Farmer nearest you just click here!
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