The Organic Decision: Transitioning to Organic Dairy Production
Cornell Cooperative Extension, Northeast Dairy Producers Alliance This workbook
will help you explore the possibilities of transitioning from conventional dairy
farming to organic production. If you are considering the transition, this workbook
will help you answer some preliminary questions:
- How stable is the market for organic milk?
- How much will it cost?
- What are the yield reductions in forage production?
- What are some heard health/cull rate considerations?
After completing the workbook, you should have a business plan, a budget, and
an action plan to follow during this challenging time. $12. To order a copy, call
the NY FarmNet office at 1-800-547-3276.
This workbook helps dairy farmers apply the principles of Holistic Management
to organic dairy farming. It contains useful exercises and information and was
developed in Spring 2007 by Fay Benson (afb3@cornell.edu) and John Thurgood
(jmt20@cornell.edu) both Cornell Cooperative Extension Educators working with
the Small Farms Program.
http://nofany.org/certification/dairycertification.html
Specific information for those farmers considering certifying through NOFA
NY. This includes all relevant forms, and information about eligibility to get
a portion of your certification costs covered through NYS Ag. & Markets.
From the Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES). These handy
PDFs offer much of the information you need about which management practices
are allowed under certified organic dairy standards.
Also from MOSES:
Available for purchase online from the MOSES
Bookstore.
http://media.cce.cornell.edu/hosts/agfoodcommunity/OrgLivGrazRes.pdf
Lisa McCrory, Northeast Organic Farming Association-Vermont In this publication,
you should be able to find numerous alternative animal health products, organic
mineral packages, organic fertilizers, organic grain, animal health consultants
and other useful tools for your organic operation, as well as resources for grazing
systems management. Publication is in PDF format.
If you have any questions about organic agriculture or production methods, you
can contact the NOFA-VT office at (802) 434-4122 or info@nofavt.org.
Lisa McCrory, Northeast Organic Farming Association-Vermont This publications contains a list of accepted livestock health products, ingredients, and practices. These products and practices have been listed predominantly as a result of discussions with farmers; they are not required practices, nor are they proven solutions. They are provided to assist the producer in recognizing some of the choices available for organic dairy production. This list is consistent with the National Organic Program List of approved and prohibited products for livestock health and nutrition. Name brand products need to be reviewed based on their ingredients. This can be accomplished by comparing the ingredients listed on the product label to the list of approved generic materials found on the NOP web site or found in the OMRI Generic Materials List (April 21, 2002). Publication is in PDF format. If you have any questions about organic agriculture or production methods, you can contact the NOFA-VT office at (802) 434-4122 or info@nofavt.org.
Produced October 3, 2006, this document is for use by National Organic Program (NOP) producers and certifying agents in determining what classes of dairy animals are appropriate for acquisition under the NOP regulations. These guidelines only clarify existing NOP regulations and will be updated as the regulations are revised.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Odairy/
Odairy is an electronic mailing group formed to allow organic dairy producers to interact by e-mail.
Evaluation of Homeopathic Nosodes for Mastitis and Calf Scours
Lessons from the Vermont Nosode Project, by John Barlow and Lisa McCrory. Free, but only limited quantities available. Send e-mail to jbarlow@zoo.uvm.edu.
Alternative Treatments for Ruminant Animals
Paul Detloff, D.V.M. Drawing on 36 years of veterinary practice, Dr. Paul Dettloff presents an natural, sustainable approach to ruminant health. Copiously illustrated chapters "break down" the animal into its interrelated biological systems: digestive, reproductive, respiratory, circulatory, musculoskeletal, and more. Also includes a chapter on nosodes, with vaccination programs for dairy cattle, sheep, and goats. An information-packed manual from a renowned vet and educator. 260 pages. Item #6654. $28. To order, visit the web site or call 1-800-355-5313, Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:30pm CT.
Homeopathy for the Herd
C. Edgar Sheaffer, V.M.D. This new information-packed book by Acres U.S.A.'s Natural Vet will tell you what you need to know to get started in the use of homeopathic medicines with cows. Using case studies and practical examples from both dairy and beef operations, Dr. Shaeffer covers such topics as: creating a holistic operation; organics and homeopathy; prescribing; mastitis and fertility-related problems; and the Materia Medica, keynotes, and nosodes. Also includes a convenient section that lists specific conditions and remedies. 206 pages. Item #6580. $24. To order, visit the web site or call 1-800-355-5313, Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:30pm CT.
Organic Dairy Farming
Laura Benson, Robert Zirkel $8 ppd. ISBN 0-9637982-1-9. Community Conservation Consultants Rt. 1 Box 96 Gays Mills, WI 54631 Phone: (608) 735-4717 E-mail: ccc@mwt.net
http://www.organicmilk.org/
A web site of the Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Association (NODPA) that includes links, directories, events information, marketing information, and much more on organic dairy production in the northeastern U.S. It also includes information about the mission of and membership in NODPA. This is a valuable resource for transitioning and existing organic dairies. Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Alliance c/o NOFA-VT P.O. Box 697 Richmond, VT 05477 E-mail: info@organicmilk.org
Organic Certifying Organizations Serving Northeast Producers
In research conducted by Cornell's Small Farms Program in 2002, the following organizations were determined to be providing organic certification services to farmers in the Northeast region in 2002. Contact the individual organization for current information.
Demeter Association Aurora, NY 13026 Phone: (315) 364-5617 Fax: (315) 364-5224
Farm Verified Organic/International Certification Services 5449 45 St. SE Medina, ND 58467 Phone: (701) 486-3578 Fax: (701) 486-3580
Global Organic Alliance, Inc. P.O. Box 530 Bellefontaine, OH 43311-0530 Phone: (937) 593-1232 Fax: (937) 593-9507
Massachusetts Independent Certification Northeast Organic Farming Association 683 River St. Winchendon, MA 01475 Phone: (978) 297-4171
Maine Organic Farms and Gardeners Association P.O. Box 170 Unity, ME 04988 Phone/Fax: (207) 568-4142
New Hampshire Department of Ag & Markets Organic Certification Program P.O. Box 2042 Concord, NH 03302-2042 Phone: (603) 271-3685 Fax: (603) 271-1109
Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Jersey P.O. Box 886 Pennington, NJ 08534 Phone: (609) 737-6848 Fax: (609) 737-2366
NOFA-NY Certified Organic, LLC 840 Upper Front St. Binghamton, NY 13905 Phone: (607) 724-9851
Organic Crop Improvement Association International 1001 Y St. Ste. B Lincoln, NE 68508 Phone: (402) 477-2323 Fax: (402) 477-4325
Oregon Tilth Certified Organic 470 Lancaster Dr. NE Salem, OR 97301 Phone: (503) 378-0690 Fax: (503) 378-0809
Pennsylvania Certified Organic 1919 General Potter Highway Ste. 1 Central Hall, PA 16828 Phone: (814) 364-1344 Fax: (814) 364-4431
Stellar Certification Britt Rd. Aurora, NY 13026 Phone: (315) 364-5617 Fax: (315) 364-5224 Vermont Organic Farms Northeast Organic Farming Association P.O. Box 697 Richmond, VT 05477 Phone: (802) 434-4122 Fax: (802) 434-4154 |
