At this time the organic conversion of our herd is complete.
The Three year transitioning period has been completed and our farm was certified organic in May of 2007. Our first certifying agency was OCPP/Pro-Cert (OC/PRO) out of Canada.
As we met people in the organic community we found that the people in NOFA-NY were easier to access obviously closer. They have been extremely supportive in various efforts to “re-educate” the regulators who make pasturing dairy cattle less than fun (NYSDEC).
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Organic certification requires us to feed organically grown feed from certified land as well as not using antibiotics or hormones. There are many homeopathic remedies that can be used and vaccinating is encouraged. If the animals immune system is in good shape and the feeding and housings conditions are properly met there should be very few incidents that need attention. When we adopted the intensive rotational grazing system we found a sharp decrease in the need for medicine and veterinary services. Transition to organic completes the process. We have completely changed our bedding for the herd. We use a lot of straw which is abundant from the grains we grow as well as some sawdust. Our record keeping endeavors have to conform to the policy set out by the certifier. Daily logs of all activity on the farm are needed, not only for employees but also consultants. Much more record keeping is necessary.