Organic dairy producers mull proposed grazing rule

The proposed livestock grazing rule published by USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP) staff in late October contained many provisions long-sought by organic community leaders, but also has items and provisions that are seen as problematic. Organic dairy leadership groups are still mulling and discussing how to best respond. Their goal is to implement unambiguous language to require dairy cows to actually be on living pasture for as many days per year as possible (at least 120) and to derive at least 30 per cent of their sustenance (dry matter intake or DMI) from fresh vegetation.

Discussion is ongoing (within the organic community segment interested in this rule) in late November as to whether to seek an extension of the comment period, which is set now to end on December 23. For guidance on filing comments to the NOP, see the coverage by the Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Association (NODPA, one of three related regional producer groups). Full story (NODPA)

New York dairy farmer Kathie Arnold posted “The Proposed Rule—How Does it Fit On Your Farm?” She examines a number of real-life application challenges, and then summarizes: “The rule needs to require real grazing of organic livestock yet allow farmers to best determine the non grazing season management of their animals for the health and welfare of both the livestock and the land.” Full Story