Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
CASE STUDY: THE MAKING OF AN ORGANIC DAIRY
FARM
Dr. Dennis Johnson
West Central Research and Outreach Center
Morris, Minnesota
320-589-1711
Dennis Johnson wanted to be a dairy farmer when he was young. He attended college, ob-
tained his Ph.D., and became a dairy researcher. He currently is a professor of dairy produc-
tion systems at the University of Minnesota. As part of his research, he has been conducting
a long-term study on organic dairy farming.
Beginning farmers have a number of hurdles when they start farming. Johnson lists the three
biggest hurdles to starting a dairy farm as: access to affordable, appropriate property; finan-
cial funding; and mastering the skills and knowledge associated with dairy farming. These
factors should be scrutinized carefully and realistically before one cow sets one hoof in a be-
ginning dairy farmer's barn.
At the research station where Johnson conducts his studies, part of the dairy herd is being
transitioned to an organic herd. This group of cattle is in a crossbreeding program using Hol-
stein, Montbéliarde, and Swedish Red dairy cattle genetics. The goal of this crossbreeding is
to introduce ruggedness in terms of health and foraging ability into the herd. The organic
herd spends more time outside on pasture and is fed less grain and supplements than the
conventional Holstein herd. This helps meet the organic standard for cattle to be fed a higher
forage diet than a typical dairy herd.
According to Johnson, dairy cattle can do well spending the majority of their time outside,
even in inclement weather. They do need a safe, clean indoor place to be milked, but as
long as they have a windbreak, a dry and clean area to lie down, and protection from sleet,
they do not necessary need to be housed in a barn. Frozen teats are not an issue as long as
they are thoroughly dried before being let outside. An important aspect to organic dairy farm-
ing is keeping records. An organic farm needs to be certified as organic — this includes pas-
tures, cropland, feed, and supplements. No antibiotics or growth promoters can be used on
the cattle.
Johnson is optimistic about the five-year outlook for dairy farming, particularly in the Midw-
est, as he feels this geographical area has the most appropriate natural resources for dairy
farming. Areas of rapid dairy herd expansion in the Western United States are limited by wa-
ter issues and encroaching human population. As long as a farmer is willing to take the time
and learn the necessary skills, Johnson believes organic dairy farming is a viable production
system.
