organic cows

waterbuffy · #1 12/15/12, 10:39 AM

I'm looking into a job position on an organic dairy. Problem is my few cows are not organic. Does anyone know, or know of a website, that would tell me if it's possible for my cows to become organic or if I could just make their calves organic? Basically the way we raise them is organic, we are just not certified. I don't want to have to sell them.

sammyd · #2 12/15/12, 11:19 AM

There is a one time opportunity for a farm to transition their entire herd by feeding 100% certified feed for a year. After the transition only animals that were treated organically three months from birth can be certified. This rule is for dairy animals. For beef animals only the second option is allowed.

http://cuaes.cornell.edu/organic/pro.../questions.cfm

Used to be a guy out in CA that was running a big "rescue" scam that was getting around this rule, don't know if he still is or not..

waterbuffy · #3 12/15/12, 11:53 AM

So any calves under 3 months old I could make organic even if dams are not organic? I'll check out the website. Thanks.

oregon woodsmok · #4 12/15/12, 02:36 PM

Seriously? You can't work at an organic dairy of you have cattle at home that are not certified?

topside1 · #5 12/15/12, 03:34 PM

That's like saying you can't be a certified auto mechanic in town because you change your own oil at home. Topside

springvalley · #6 12/15/12, 03:52 PM

I`m going out on a limb here and thinking that they may be going to move their cows in with the Organic herd. But you know what you get when you assume. > Thanks Marc

topside1 · #7 12/15/12, 04:55 PM

I usually get country egg on face....Top

waterbuffy · #8 12/15/12, 05:10 PM

Yes, that is what I was trying to say Springvalley, thankyou. If I take the job I was hoping to atleast be able to bring my calves with me if they are under 3 months.

sammyd · #9 12/16/12, 07:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by waterbuffy

So any calves under 3 months old I could make organic even if dams are not organic? I'll check out the website. Thanks.

No you must feed the dams organically on organic land for their last trimester of pregnancy.
We went through the same hassles. Sell your animals and buy organic ones if you can find them.