Got milk?

The DU dining halls do, but with an extra distinctive ingredient tossed in that you may be unaware of–recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH). rBGH is a genetically engineered copy of a naturally occurring hormone in cows. Farmers who choose to use this drug see the benefits as their cows increase milk production by 10 to 15 percent.

What’s the quandary over then, eh? The level of protein is lowered with rBGH. Because this is a rather recent innovation no studies have been able to be conducted on the long-term health impacts of rBGH on humans. rBGH is also unhealthy for the cows. POSILAC, a manufacturer of rBGH, admits that a wide range of health problems, from udder infections to reduced pregnancy rates, can occur in cows subjected to rBGH.

Lastly, small family farms are being pressured by frequent milk surpluses to produce more. In the United States thousands of dairy farmers have already gone out of business. Stop supporting the rBGH corporations which use pesticides, herbicides, and damage the land. Instead, embrace farmers who utilize sustainable farming techniques that have far less of an impact upon the land.

You there, buy organic or drink soy milk! Soy milk is available in the dining halls, however, it has its differences with cow’s milk.

Let the cafeteria management know that you don’t want to drink milk containing steroids. Other universities have changed from rBGH milk to organic. At the University of Wisconsin last November, students, faculty and staff gathered in front of the dining hall and dumped out milk that contained rBGH that was being served to the students.

The anti-rBGHers realized that not only are their bodies being harmed, but also the small, sustainable farmers struggling to deal with this drug-injected milk market are being harmed. UW students now drink proper, organic milk, not shady corporate concoctions (such as the infamous Monsanto).

So speak up dairy aficionado DUers, and tell the kind cafeteria executive folks you crave the goodness that only a frothy, full glass of organic milk can bestow.