Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
summer pastures and then fi nished on a high-grain diet. The break-even
price for cattle in the extensive system was signifi cantly lower due to the
additional body weight added to the animals from grazing forage before
entering the feedlot. Cattle in the extensive system produced more total
beef at a lower cost per unit of product. The profi tability of the extensive
system was due largely to the low cost of forage feeding.
Currently, few reliable direct comparisons have been made regarding
profi tability between organic and non-organic ruminant production systems
in the United States; however, increased utilization of grazed forages is gen-
erally associated with reduced feed costs and lower costs of production per
animal in both dairy and beef systems. Therefore, the use of grazing to meet
the requirements of the NOP pasture rule may subsequently reduce input
costs and contribute to economic profi tability in organic ruminant produc-
tion systems more than premiums from the organic label itself.
4.7 SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF ORGANIC VS. NON-ORGANIC
CATTLE PRODUCTION SYSTEMS
Organic agriculture is founded on a set of principles that guide the techni-
cal approach to plant and animal production, but which also accept respon-
sibility for the environmental and social consequences of food production.
The four principles of organic agriculture, as articulated by the Interna-
tional Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements, are as follows:
The Principle of Health —Organic agriculture should sustain and en-
hance the health of soil, plant, animal, human and planet as one and indi-
visible.
The Principle of Ecology —Organic agriculture should be based on liv-
ing ecological systems and cycles, work with them, emulate them and help
sustain them.
The Principle of Fairness —Organic agriculture should build on rela-
tionships that ensure fairness with regard to the common environment and
life opportunities.
The Principle of Car e—Organic agriculture should be managed in a
precautionary and responsible manner to protect the health and well being
of current and future generations and the environment.
 
Search WWH ::




Custom Search