Module 5: Transition to Organic Livestock Production

Module 5 introduces the challenges and opportunities faced by new organic livestock producers in general, and specifically for beef, sheep, dairy, swine and poultry. Learn strategies used by organic farmers for parasite and disease control. Understand how animal welfare practices are addressed in organic standards and how they can be improved. Understand the advantages and disadvantages of single species landless animal husbandry systems. Learn what an integrated livestock system is. (For a more in depth analysis of the principles and practices of organic livestock production, students are encouraged to take the Organic Livestock Production course.)

An excerpt from Module 5:
Organic livestock production is more than just free-range, antibiotic-free, production. It involves the production of livestock in a system that is designed to optimize the welfare of the animals and minimize stress. Ideally, organic livestock systems should be integrated with organic farming systems that include sound nutrient management and crop rotation. Most organic standards prohibit landless animal husbandry systems. This means that livestock on organic farms must be part of a crop producing system and that the manure from the livestock must be recycled back to the land that grew the livestock feed.
"I think that the two greatest challenges for the conventional farmer trying to go organic would be having to find alternatives for antibiotics and finding organically grown feed at a reasonable price." Part of an on-line discussion posted by an IN202 student.