What Does “Certified Organic” mean, anyway?

The Science of Organic: What Certifications Mean for You (and Us!)
At River Road Pastures, we’re proud to say our land and dairy farm have been certified organic since 2005. Our cows roam pastures free of synthetic herbicides and fertilizers, munch on organic feed, and live the good life raised without hormones or antibiotics. It’s a big part of why our beef tastes so rich and our ice cream so creamy. But here’s the scoop: while our farm is organic from the ground up, our beef and ice cream don’t carry that official “certified organic” label. Let’s break down why and what it really means for you.
What Does “Certified Organic” Mean, Anyway?
When you see that USDA Organic seal, it’s a promise that every step, from the soil to the shelf, meets strict federal standards. For our land and dairy, that’s a no-brainer. We’ve got the certification to prove our grass, feed, and farming practices are 100% organic, and we’ve been doing it that way for nearly 20 years. But for our beef and ice cream? That label stops at processing. To include “certified organic” on those packages, we’d need to send them to specialized facilities with separate equipment and costly audits. And honestly, that would mean higher prices for you.
Our Choice: Organic Living, Practical Pricing
Here’s the deal: our animals are raised to organic standards, period. They graze on our certified organic pastures, eat organic feed, and never see a whiff of anything artificial. The beef you’re grilling and the milk in our ice cream come from cows living the organic life. The only difference is that final step, processing, where we keep things simple and local to keep costs down. We’d rather pass those savings on to you than chase a label that doesn’t change how we raise our herd.

So, when you buy our beef or scoop our ice cream, you’re getting the heart of organic farming: happy, healthy cows, clean land, and no shortcuts on quality. The flavor speaks for itself, grass-fed richness in every bite of beef, pure creamy goodness in every spoonful of ice cream. You’re supporting a farm that’s been all-in on sustainable, ethical practices since 2005, even if the paperwork doesn’t cover the butcher or the churn.

We know certifications can feel like a big deal, they’re a shorthand for trust. But we think trust comes from knowing your farmer too. We’re here to show you how we work, answer your questions, and keep things real. Our land’s organic stamp is just part of the story; the rest is in the care we put into every cow and every product.
Swing By This Saturday 11-1—or Email Us!
Come taste what 20 years of organic farming at River Road Pastures can do—bring your appetite! While the freezers are stocked, check out our recipe of the month: chicken fried steak. Can’t make it? Email us for pickup options outside our store hours—orders can be arranged for any day of the week.