Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
systems compared to typical non-organic systems. However, some farms
are too small or have land that is undesirable for the production of annual
crops and therefore may have to rely on purchasing these feeds. Moreover,
availability of local organic feeds can be limited, adding transportation
expenses to the cost of the feed. In 2011, the state of Iowa was the great-
est producer of certified organic corn, while California had the greatest
inventory of certified organic dairy and beef cattle [2]. Locally available
by-product feeds resulting from grain processing, production of human
foods and beverages and other manufacturing enterprises can provide live-
stock producers with lower cost feed supplements that provide protein and
energy to support the growth and lactation of ruminant livestock. Some
common by-product feeds utilized in non-organic dairy and feedlot rations
include oil meals, bran, middlings, brewers grains, distillers grains and
beet pulp [3]. However, the availability of by-products produced to meet
the National Organic Program (NOP) certified organic standards are lim-
ited and therefore organic producers are unlikely to have access to these
feedstuffs to reduce feed costs. In the 2011 Certified Organic Production
Survey conducted by the USDA-NASS, the quantity and value of com-
modity crops, fruits, vegetables and livestock produced were summarized;
however, no organically produced by-products appeared in the report.
4.1.1 THE PASTURE RULE
In 2010 the NOP implemented the Pasture Rule, requiring that certified or-
ganic ruminant animals consume pasture during the grazing season in their
geographic region [4]. More specifically, the rule requires that during the
grazing season animals must obtain an average minimum of 30% of their
dry matter intake (DMI) by grazing certified organic pasture or rangeland
and must graze at least 120 days each year (not necessarily continuous).
Ruminant livestock that are to be grain finished are exempt from the re-
quirement of 30% DMI from pasture during the finishing period, but must
have access to pasture; however, the fi nishing period is not to exceed one-
fi fth of the animal's total life or 120 days [4]. The intent of the pasture rule
was to establish specifi c enforceable standards regarding access to pasture
by ruminant livestock and to assure consumers of organic products that
