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FARM TYPE

Livestock

Transition livestock operations to organic management, ensuring animals are raised on 100% organic feed, managed with preventive health practices, and provided access to pasture, while maintaining land free of prohibited substances for 36 months. 

Key Requirements:

  • Land used for pasture or feed crops must have no prohibited substances applied for 36 months.

  • Livestock (except poultry) must be under organic management from the last third of gestation; poultry from the second day of life. Dairy animals require 12 months of organic management before producing organic milk.

  • Feed must be 100% organic, with allowed vitamin/mineral supplements from the National List.

  • Preventive health practices are prioritized; synthetic treatments are prohibited unless specifically allowed (e.g., vaccines).

  • Ruminants must graze on pasture for at least 120 days per year during the grazing season.

  • GMOs, antibiotics, synthetic hormones, and sewage sludge are prohibited.

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Livestock

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Soil Fertility & Pasture Management

Pest & Weed Management

Feed & Supplements

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Animal Health

Recordkeeping

Transition Challenges & Tips

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Organic Inputs

  • Compost: Made from animal manure, plant residues, or other organic matter (must follow NOP composting rules: C:N ratio 25:1–40:1, 131–170°F for 15 days for in-vessel systems). Enhances soil organic matter and nutrient availability.

  • Green Manures/Cover Crops: Clover, alfalfa, or ryegrass to fix nitrogen, improve soil structure, and prevent erosion. Rotate cover crops with pasture to maintain fertility.

  • Animal Manure: Raw manure from organic livestock, applied at least 120 days before harvesting feed crops or grazing (90 days for crops not contacting soil).

  • Lime or Gypsum: Non-synthetic sources to adjust soil pH and improve calcium/sulfur levels (must be free of synthetic additives).

  • Rock Phosphate or Potassium Sulfate: Naturally mined minerals (non-synthetic) to address phosphorus or potassium deficiencies, as approved on the National List.

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Practices

  • Conduct soil tests annually to monitor nutrient levels and pH.

  • Use rotational grazing to maintain pasture health, prevent overgrazing, and distribute manure naturally.

  • Establish buffer zones (e.g., 25–50 feet) to prevent contamination from neighboring conventional farms.

  • Mow or hand-weed to control weeds in pastures, avoiding synthetic herbicides.

Soil Fertility & Pasture Management

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Organic Inputs

  • Diatomaceous Earth: Food-grade, non-synthetic for controlling external parasites (e.g., mites, lice) on livestock or in barns.

  • Neem Oil: Non-synthetic botanical insecticide for external parasite control (must be NOP-approved formulation).

  • Pyrethrum: Natural botanical insecticide for fly control in barns (allowed if synthetic pyrethroids are avoided).

  • Mulches: Straw or wood chips (non-treated, non-GMO) to suppress weeds in high-traffic areas or around water stations.

 

Practices

  • Introduce beneficial insects (e.g., parasitic wasps) to control flies or pests in pastures.

  • Use mechanical methods like mowing, flame weeding, or hand-weeding for weed control in pastures.

  • Maintain diverse pasture species to outcompete weeds and reduce pest habitat.

  • Implement integrated pest management (IPM): monitor pest populations, use traps, and rotate grazing to disrupt pest cycle.

Weed & Pest Management

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Organic Inputs

  • Organic Feed: 100% certified organic grains (e.g., corn, oats, barley) and forages (e.g., alfalfa hay, clover). Source from certified organic suppliers.

  • Vitamins and Minerals: Non-synthetic or approved synthetic supplements (e.g., vitamin D, selenium) listed on the National List.

  • Kelp Meal: Non-synthetic source of trace minerals for nutritional balance.

  • Molasses: Organic, non-GMO as a feed palatability enhancer or energy source.

 

Practices

  • Verify feed supplier certification annually to ensure compliance.

  • Store feed in dedicated organic bins to prevent commingling with non-organic feed.

  • Provide free-choice access to mineral supplements, ensuring NOP approval.

  • For ruminants, ensure at least 30% of dry matter intake comes from pasture during the grazing season.

Feed & Supplements

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Organic Inputs

  • Vaccines: Allowed synthetic vaccines to prevent diseases, as per the National List (e.g., clostridium vaccines for sheep).

  • Herbal Remedies: Non-synthetic tinctures or extracts (e.g., garlic, chamomile) for minor ailments, if approved by certifier.

  • Electrolytes: Non-synthetic or approved synthetic formulations for dehydration (e.g., during transport or heat stress).

  • Probiotics: Non-GMO microbial supplements to support gut health (must be NOP-approved).

 

Practices

  • Use preventive measures: rotational grazing, clean water, and adequate shelter to reduce disease risk.

  • Maintain detailed health records for each animal, including treatments and vaccinations.

  • Prohibit antibiotics and synthetic hormones; animals treated with prohibited substances cannot be sold as organic.

  • Ensure access to pasture, shade, and clean bedding to promote natural behaviors and health

Animal Health

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Maintain an Organic System Plan (OSP) documenting:

  • Land history (no prohibited substances for 36 months).

  • Feed sources, including supplier certifications.

  • Health treatments, vaccinations, and pasture access records.

  • Buffer zone management and pest control measures.

  • Sales and slaughter records to trace organic status.

 

Retain records for 5 years for annual inspections by USDA-accredited certifiers.

Recordkeeping

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  • Challenge: High cost of organic feed during transition. 

    • Tip: Grow organic forages on-farm to reduce feed costs; apply for EQIP funding to offset transition expenses. 

  • Challenge: Weed pressure in pastures without herbicides. 

    • Tip:  Use intensive rotational grazing and diverse pasture mixes to suppress weeds naturally. 

  • Challenge: Animal health without antibiotics. 

    • Tip: Focus on biosecurity, closed herds, and preventive practices; consult organic veterinarians for approved treatments. 

Transition Challenges & Topics

Additional Resources​

  • Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI): www.omri.org for approved input lists.

  • SARE: www.sare.org for organic farming research and grants.

  • Local Organic Networks: Connect with state organic associations or extension services for mentorship.

 

By implementing these organic inputs and practices, livestock and tree fruit farmers can successfully navigate the 36-month transition period, build sustainable systems, and achieve USDA Organic Certification. Always verify inputs with your certifier and maintain meticulous records to ensure compliance

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