Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
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per cow for organic producers was only 75 percent of that for conventional
producers. This paints a relatively bleak picture of the organic dairy indus-
try, which is increasingly dominated by a few larger dairies (Pollan 2001b).
Yet we must consider the long-term prospects for organic milk production.
Perhaps with increased consumer demand and more experienced organic
dairy farmers, these income discrepancies can be leveled. For example, with
increased consumer demand, more processing plants may cater to organic
milk. Thus transportation costs would be reduced if farmers didn't have
to truck their milk so far. Also, dairy farmer cooperatives are successful in
some parts of the country.
The health of organic versus conventional dairy herds was investigated
through paired herds of similar size and location (Hardeng and Edge 2001).
Data from thirty-one organic and ninety-three conventional dairy herds
were gathered between 1994 and 1997. Organic milk yields were approxi-
mately 20 percent lower than conventional, but the organic cows showed
substantially better health, with only one-third as many cases of mastitis and
ketosis. The cows were older in organic herds, indicating that they produce
milk longer than the conventional cows. These health benefits may be due
to increased time outdoors and superior (organic) feed.
Turning to an international perspective, an overview of organic farming
inAustralia outlined the geographical factors that influence organic farming
“down under” (Conacher and Conacher 1998). Due to vast distances and
low population density, farms were often isolated, which affected marketing
options. This is also an issue in many parts of the rural United States.
Likewise, climate variability and poor soil quality can impact farmers in
some areas. On a more positive note, the authors noted the environmental
benefits of organic production, with a small warning about possible negative
effects. (Of course, biological pest controls are not completely benign.)
Overall, organic farming can be economically and ecologically beneficial.
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Co
mparative Models
Not all agricultural research involves visiting a farm; some researchers opt
to use statistical data and build hypothetical computer models to simu-
late long-term agricultural conditions. For example, the energy use and
economic outcomes of conventional and organic production of maize and
potato were estimated through statistical modeling (Pimentel 1993). The
relevant data were general estimates of labor demands, fuel use, yield, and
input costs, but provided no regional or local verification on actual farms.
The model estimated that organic maize would have lower costs of pro-
