We’ve been hearing from many of you lately about Kalona Milk, and we want to address something that’s been on your minds – and ours. If you’ve been searching store shelves for your favorite Kalona SuperNatural Organic Whole Milk only to come up empty-handed, we completely understand your frustration. When you’re loyal to a product you trust for your family, especially one that aligns with your values, it’s genuinely disappointing when it’s simply not there.
So we wanted to take a moment to explain what’s been happening behind the scenes, particularly concerning Kalona Milk, and why this situation perfectly illustrates what makes our approach to dairy so different.
The Heat Wave Reality
This summer’s relentless heat wave across Iowa has significantly impacted our milk production, but not in the way you might expect. The story isn’t about mechanical failures or supply chain disruptions – it’s about something much more fundamental to who we are as a company: our unwavering commitment to working with nature rather than against it.
Our cows, the heart of everything we do, have been responding to these extreme temperatures exactly as nature intended. And honestly, we couldn’t be prouder of how smart they are in handling the challenges to produce Kalona Milk.
True Grass-Fed Means True Choice
When we say our cows are grass-fed, we mean it in the truest sense possible. Our animals have complete freedom to move between the barn and pasture whenever they choose – imagine a barn with no door. This isn’t just a marketing phrase for us; it’s a fundamental aspect of our farming philosophy that sets us apart from conventional dairy operations.
During these brutally hot weeks, our cows have been doing what any sensible creature would do: seeking comfort in the cooler barn rather than spending their days grazing under the scorching Iowa sun. It’s a natural behavior that speaks to their intelligence and their ability to self-regulate for their own well-being, affecting the flow of Kalona Milk.
But here’s the thing about grass-fed dairy that many people don’t realize: when cows aren’t spending as much time eating fresh grass, they naturally produce less milk. It’s that simple, and that complicated.
The Road Less Traveled
This is where our commitment to authentic, grass-fed dairy really shows. Unlike many commercial dairies, we don’t use grain as a way to artificially boost milk production during challenging times like these. We could easily supplement our cows’ diets with grain to maintain higher yields, but that would compromise the very integrity that makes our products special.
Every decision we make comes back to this core principle: we stay true to our grass-fed commitment even when it means accepting lower production during difficult periods. This isn’t always the easiest path from a business standpoint, but it’s the right path for our animals, our environment, and ultimately, for you, especially in terms of Kalona Milk quality.
The Bigger Picture
What you’re experiencing right now – the temporary shortage of our products – is actually a testament to the authenticity of what we do. In a world where many food producers use technology and artificial inputs to maintain consistent output regardless of natural conditions, we’ve chosen a different path.
This approach sometimes means dealing with the inconvenience of natural fluctuations, but it also means you can trust that when you pour a glass of Kalona SuperNatural milk, you’re getting something that truly reflects the natural process of grass-fed dairy production.
Looking Forward
The encouraging news is that we expect production to return to normal levels as temperatures begin to cool and our cows naturally return to their regular grazing patterns. Weather forecasts suggest relief is coming, and we’re already seeing signs that our animals are beginning to spend more time in the pastures during the cooler parts of the day.
Our small family farms are monitoring their herds closely and doing everything possible to ensure the animals’ comfort during this challenging period. These farmers have generations of experience working with livestock through all kinds of weather conditions, and their dedication to animal welfare continues to inspire us every day.
A Thank You
In the meantime, we want to express our genuine gratitude for your patience and understanding. Your loyalty to Kalona SuperNatural and Kalona Milk and to our family farm partners doesn’t go unnoticed. We know you have choices when it comes to dairy products, and the fact that you continue to seek out our organic dairy products even during times of limited availability means everything to us.
We also appreciate those of you who have reached out to ask questions rather than simply switching to another brand. These conversations help us remember why we do what we do and reinforce our commitment to transparency in everything from our farming practices to our communication with customers.
Our Promise
As we navigate through this temporary challenge, we remain committed to the principles that have guided us from the beginning. We won’t compromise on our grass-fed standards. We won’t sacrifice animal welfare for production convenience. And we won’t stop working with small family farms who share our vision of sustainable, regenerative agriculture.
This heat wave will pass, our cows will return to their natural grazing patterns, and your favorite Kalona SuperNatural products will return to full availability. Until then, we appreciate your patience as we continue to prove that sometimes, the best way forward is to let nature lead the way with Kalona Milk at its core.
Thank you for being part of our community and for supporting dairy that’s done differently.
Thank you for clear messaging, explanation, and good stewardship. I’m in Eugene, Oregon where those who can buy cow shares for weekly raw milk can do so. I cannot—I travel too much, don’t have a regular schedule, etc., so I was delighted to find Kalona organic whole milk in the local Market of Choice here. I hope you can distribute this to Capella’s Market, as well, because it supports local farmers and ranchers on many levels. Thank you for this wonderful high quality milk!
Thank you for the information! We love the transparency you guys have shown as a company. We only allow our son to drink your brand and will drive anywhere in order to find it!
You folks are an inspiration. It is gratifying as well as a bit frustrating how quickly the Kalona milk vanishes from the nearby Whole Foods’ shelves. I was worried that some giant may have steam rolled Kalona. Thanks for explaining. You indeed have a large fan following.
I have been so frustrated with the lack of supply, but I searched for a reason and I’m so glad I did (my grocer had no clue…)! Thank you for explaining what is going on; it just reinforces why I love your products. The milk doesn’t just taste great, but the way you farm is excellent. I can’t wait for it to be back on the shelves!
100000% support you guys! Thank you for caring for the cows the way you do. I’ll always support your products & our family is so grateful for all the love and care you bring to the world. And the DELICIOUS products you make 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thank you for the explanation. I check supermarket every Monday and Thursday. Anxiously awaiting the arrival of my favorite milk. So grateful for your dedication to quality.
Thanks for the info explaining why I can’t find your heavy whipping cream anywhere. I follow a low carb high protein diet & your heavy cream is perfect for my coffee!!
Love your values! This is the only milk I buy because it tastes the best!
Thank you so much for explaining what is happening to Kalona milk. I’ve been so spoiled by your product, the other milk(s) no longer taste like milk, and my pancake is missing something (yes, I use the cream off the top on my pancake, instead of butter).
Please continue to rest the cows. I too am afraid of the heat. I will continue to be patient until Milk returns to the shelves.
Thank you for caring.
Your dairy products are the best best — absolutely delicious! I especially enjoy your cottage cheese. Thank you for your commitment to keeping the cows healthy and providing us with such fine products
Thanks for the explanation. Hopefully cooler temperatures will come to Iowa soon so the cows can start producing again. I was upset thinking that Whole Foods & Sprouts had stopped handling your products. In the meantime I’ll have to settle for subpar heavy whipping cream for my coffee.
You’re the best! Thank you for sharing this and for all that you do. You are the only milk I will buy, and this just made me even more committed to that!
Thank you so much for all that you do. We are an exclusively Kalona family and could not be more grateful that you’re not sacrificing your authenticity to supply a subpar product. We will be here happily waiting.
Hello Kalona ,
Thank you for explanation and putting this on your website. Most companies would not do this. I am in Dallas , Texas and Whole Foods as been out of stock for awhile. I thought, the big guys had gotten rid of you. I was on your website, trying to find a store that carried your products. I am from Iowa , and milked cows in my youth.
Please keep up the good work, not many in society like you anymore !!
You set standards , you do not follow them. You blaze trails , so others can follow.
Thank you for sharing the information about the cows and why the supply is down. Thank you for being honest. We appreciate the good milk and honesty
Totally happy to wait! I respect the integrity over anything! Thanks so much for your hard work!
Thank you so much for being obedient to God’s Word in how to feed your cows and care for them. Your whipping cream is my favorite, alongside Kefir. Keep trusting in the Lord and He will continue to bless you to the point that maybe the majority of stores will carry your products. God bless!
Thanks for your candor about the heat affecting production! Am patient and don’t mind waiting for the best dairy products!
Thank you for confirming my susceptions as I have not been able to buy your cottage cheese whole and 2% for four weeks at Better Health Markets in Shelby Twp., MI. As I can not do grains in my diet your product is greatly appreciated and that you respect nature and give feedback when things are going wonky is rare now a days. I look forward to purchasing your cottage cheese and yogurt near future. Thank you to all the family farms, the cows and Kalona Supernatural team who work hard to remain authentic and transparent. Blessings to all.
You are the very best-est.
Sending my love to your wonderful cows and staff!!!!!🐮❤️💞.
And love to our planet..going thru rough times….it will..get better 🙏🙏🙏
I really appreciate this letter and notification. I have seen the shortage in my local store. I cannot live without the Kalona whole milk. I can however live without the best sour cream, kefir, yogurt etc. lol. I ran out of milk today and have none in my local store. Sad. My family is a loyal customer and will continue to be.
Please never stop being authentically regenerative and transparent about the realities of growing healthy food with nature.
Thanks so much for the information! Happy that you are caring for your precious cows!