Horizon Organic Just another corporate farm Paul Idaho

Issue #1: Look at a Horizon Organic product or log into the company web site and you will see pictures of cows grazing in a lush pasture. This gives a warm feeling of purity of product and concern for the well being of the company's animals. Visit the farm in Paul Idaho and you will get totally different picture all together.

In form and function this dairy looks to me to be like any other corporate dairy with thousands of cows confined in crowded corrals. The reality is the cows spend precious little time in pasture. I find it interesting that the corporate website brags about how all the cows can get out there at the same time during good weather. I guess southern Idaho does not have very much good weather given the amount of time the cows spend in the corral.

Issue #2: Horizon talks about how they purchase from family farms. Not true! The company web site states: Great milk begins with great farmers. Through our Horizon Organic Producer Education (HOPE) program, we're working to build a strong community of thriving family farms to supply our milk. From guiding you through the transition and certification process to helping you stay up-to-date on organic-approved products and practices, our dedicated farm support team is 100% committed to your success.

The reality is they are refusing to buy milk from certified organic family farms choosing instead to produce it in their own corporate setting; this in-spite of the fact that the small family farmer spends at least 3 years and tens of thousands of dollars to get certified often at the encouragement of Horizon. Maybe they should call the program HOPELESS!

It makes me wonder about other things mentioned on their product cartons/website I shouldn't believe. Are they giving the cows antibiotics or other pharmaceuticals? If a company is willing to deceive you twice they are willing to deceive you three times or more. My opinion: don't waste your money on Horizon Organic products. To me they seem the same as non-organiconly a lot more expensive.

Dan
Houston, Texas
U.S.A.