Have you noticed a jump in the price of organic milk at the market? Or empty shelves in the organic dairy section?
The New York Times reports that the rising cost of organic cattle feed and increasing demand for organic dairy products has led to a nationwide shortage, particularly on the East Coast.
The price of organic grain and hay has increased dramatically, while the amount organic farmers are paid for their milk has not. As a result, farmers have had to feed their cows less, which decreases milk production. At the same time, demand for organic dairy products is on the rise, and suppliers are having a hard time keeping up.
Industry executives predict the cost of organic milk will increase up to 10 percent over the next several weeks.
• Read more: As Supply Dwindles, Organic Milk Gets Popular at the New York Times
Have you noticed a shortage of organic dairy products in your area?
Related: Spilled Milk: The Trouble With U.S. Dairies
(Image: Flickr member Unhindered by Talent licensed under Creative Commons)
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I had noticed this! I thought I was just going to the store at bad times. However, I haven't noticed a jump in price.
Yesterday I noticed almost no organic milk on the shelves at the grocery store (found one measly 1/2 gallon) and assumed they just hadn't restocked. Then I see this article today. Ugh. Though it's worth the extra 10% to support the farmers, I will probably have to supplement with milk alternatives to keep my pocketbook in check.
Hum. I haven't noticed a shortage in California but we buy mostly local milk. I have noticed having to buy my not quite as favorite brand a few times.
If the price of milk goes up, why aren't the farmers paid more? That seems insane. Who is making the extra cash on this scarcity?
Ditto at Vintagejenta.
Honestly have not noticed a lack of local organic milk/price increase in the Milwaukee area.
Poor cows being fed less...as a lactating mama myself, I can only imagine the hunger if my feed were reduced! Just 'cause it is organic, it doesn't mean that isn't from a factory farm.
I always just get soy milk so I haven't noticed