Organic Milk vs. Regular Milk

[pmmahan]

I just bought a 1/2 gallon of organic milk yesterday because I have been reading about all the hormones, etc. that are in regular milk. While the price was pretty steep ($3.50 per half gallon), I really thought there was a big taste difference - a better taste.
Anyone have any thoughts on this topic? I am wondering if spending extra on organic milk will help my health in the long run.

[JulieM]

Not only are hormones an issue, but also the antibiotics that have been given to the cows that are passed to you in the milk. And also the pesticides that are in their food that may be passed to you. Personally, I would only drink organic milk.

[sundropdlc]

Having grown up on a dairy farm, I just wanted to clarify a little. Milk that is organic comes from cows that have not been treated with a growth hormone (BST) that increases milk production. I'm not sure about the pesticide issue, but I do know that milk from cows that have been given antibiotics is not sold to market. It has to be held out (aka dumped). Milk supplies are tested for antibiotics at the farm when the milk truck comes to pick up the milk. If it shows any amount of antibiotics, the whole tank has to be dumped. They are pretty strict about this due to possible reactions that people might have when they drink the milk.

I usually buy non-organic milk because of the price, but I don't agree with the use of BST. My Dad does not use it on his farm, but does not sell his milk to an organic supplier.

Imagine my Dad's chagrine (sp?) when he comes to my house and finds chocolate soy milk in my fridge! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[hlao23]

When I don't buy soy beverage I buy organic milk. The one thing that bothers me is that I've noticed that both brands our stores here carry say "no HARMFUL pesticides". I'm not sure who determined what is harmful and what is not. Do they only treat the plants with naturally occurring pesticides like nicotine? http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/rolleyes.gif